Orange Takes Over 2025
By Kevin Marsden (IG @kevinmarsden)
On September 9, Apple shook things up with the launch of the iPhone 17 Pro in “cosmic orange.” Just a few days later, on the 19th, the new shade had already taken over stores and social media feeds. Unboxings, memes, and photos, orange was everywhere. Orange was officially back at the center of the global conversation. And make no mistake: Apple’s choice wasn’t random. By stepping away from the traditional Pro palette of black, silver, or gold, Apple went bold with a vibrant, energetic shade that perfectly fits the 2025 cultural and fashion mood.
Orange has been one of the undeniable stars of the year. We’ve seen it dominate international runways, interior design, marketing campaigns, and—most of all—pop culture. The appeal isn’t just about being eye-catching; orange embodies optimism, vitality, and freshness. It resonates with a generation that values authenticity and visual symbols that feel personal and meaningful. Apple got the memo and turned orange into both a design statement and a branding win: a phone that’s not just tech, but also a style accessory.
If anyone cemented orange as the color of the moment, it’s Taylor Swift. She made it the centerpiece of her new era, The Life of a Showgirl. Toward the end of her Eras Tour, Taylor often stepped onto the stage in orange, surrounded by sets, doors, and even merchandise drenched in the shade. On the New Heights podcast, she explained that orange captures the vibrant energy of her life at the moment.
The ripple effect was instant. Big brands like FedEx, Shake Shack, Netflix, Walmart, and Olive Garden jumped in with orange-colored memes and campaigns. Even Google and TikTok joined with digital orange confetti when people searched “Taylor Swift,” while X (formerly Twitter) temporarily swapped its logo for a glittery orange version.
This wasn’t just a visual shift; it became an economic and cultural movement. Orange lit up landmarks like the Empire State Building, boosted merch sales, and drove massive engagement across social platforms. What used to be a seasonal or secondary color has suddenly become a cultural symbol with commercial power.
And it didn’t happen overnight. Earlier this year, rust orange, a deeper, retro-inspired tone, was already trending in interior design, bringing warmth and sophistication to homes. Now, as 2025 heads into its final stretch, orange is evolving into brighter, more statement-making shades, taking over public spaces, fashion weeks, and even tech design.
New York Fashion Week | Photo Courtesy Of Simkhai
In 2025, orange is a collective vibe. It’s energy, creativity, and connection rolled into one. Apple turned it into a tech icon, Taylor Swift made it a pop culture emblem, and the runways gave it a high-fashion seal of approval.
Orange is the color of 2025 because it embodies what this year is all about: joy, authenticity, and bold visual impact. And all signs point to this shade staying strong through the last quarter of the year and beyond. What started as a fashion accent is now a global phenomenon, proving that a single color can spark markets, inspire communities, and become a cultural language of its own.