Our latest directions for 2025/26 feature diverse CMF palettes for PAY, CHANCE, SELF and FOREVER.

 

PAY

 

 

Money and wealth, who has it and who doesn’t, has always been a topic of fascination.

This is very much an urban story; extraordinary wealth is seen against a background of dystopian, inner-city decline. This is especially relevant for fashion where gorpcore meets city armour in protective technical designs.

Engineered to perfection, cool metals are highly polished and glass is reeded, smoked or mirrored, exploring ideas around privacy. Caution and protection inspire light-reactive finishes for better visibility. Automotive interiors and technical fabrics feature perforations and haptic geometric reliefs. Aspirational city living plays out in pattern directions, inspired by urban skylines.

 

 

CHANCE

 

 

In stark contrast to the previous story PAY, this theme seeks out new definitions of fortune.

Here, a more risky, instinctive and serendipitous approach is taken. There is no less desire for success and the elusive return on investment, but this is all about acknowledging the importance of the lucky accident, the human rather than the machine.

Visually, this is the antithesis of the refinement and homogeneity of AI. Inspiration comes from movements like Arte Povera and Monoha, advocating raw making and material essence.

 

 

SELF

 

 

In many regions of the world, wealth disparity between the young and old is growing exponentially. Add to this enforced stasis of a global pandemic, disruptions to further education, travel and socialisation, and it’s not hard to see why young adults are finding comfort in fantasy worlds.

Social media isolation, a huge rise in mental health issues for the under 30s, and spiralling costs of independent living are also influencing this generation. The result is an understandable lack of enthusiasm for the idea of going out and growing up. 

Visually, there is a firm emphasis on the cute, the fake and the hyperreal, with inspiration drawn from classic toy worlds. Pop Art references, themselves referring to cartoons, also appear.

 

 

FOREVER

 

 

Average global life expectancy is now above 70 years. This story examines the impact of increased longevity on our environment and asks how designers can be at the vanguard of radically rethinking and challenging current attitudes to ageing.

The dream of eternal life is nothing new. However, it is no longer viewed as being in the lap of the gods, instead, science seems to offer tantalising prospects.

Visually, there are explorations in materials with skin-like qualities. Futuristic elements in smart, bioactive and bio-renewable materials are important. Patterns feature organic relief and variegated qualities. Ethereal and otherworldly effects are created at the intersection of light, colour and transparency. Appealing to the sense of touch, finishes are comforting, smooth and warm.

 

 

Our 2025/26 CMF Directions are exclusive to Colour Hive members and included in membership.

Already a member? Click here for the full 2025/26 CMF Directions.

 

Work with Material and Colour?

 

For MIX Magazine, design and colour forecasts two years ahead of the season, our digital archive, Signals, in depth CMF Directions and more, become a Colour Hive member. 

The CMF Directions feature 100+ pages and more than 250 fully credited images from directional designers and creators.

The standards for all colours are referenced to the closest Pantone, NCS, RAL, plus RGB, CMYK, LAB and HEX breakdowns, and are supplied digitally.