Crayola is launching a new set of crayons designed to represent a more diverse range of skin tone colors to advance inclusion and impact how kids express themselves.
In 1903, Crayola began a journey that saw the company introduced its first “flesh” crayon. One hundred and seventeen years later, Crayola is finally launching a more complete range of skin tone colors. “Colors of the World” is a new set of 24 specially formulated crayons “designed to mirror and represent over 40 global skin tones across the world.”
Related | Spotify Will Add 8:46 Of Silence To Playlists And Podcasts In Honor Of George Floyd
“With the world growing more diverse than ever before, Crayola hopes our new Colors of the World crayons will increase representation and foster a greater sense of belonging and acceptance,” says Crayola CEO Rich Wuerthele in a statement. “We want the new Colors of the World crayons to advance inclusion within creativity and impact how kids express themselves.”
Colors of the World was made in collaboration with makeup chemist Victor Casale, who has more than 30 years of experience formulating diverse foundation colors for brands including MAC.
“I have spent my life trying to create truly global shade palettes because I know what it’s like to be with a person who has finally found their exact match. They feel included and recognized, and I am hoping every child who uses these crayons and finds their shade will have that feeling,” Casale says in a statement. “Growing up, I remember mixing the pink and dark brown crayons to try and make my shade, so I was thrilled when Crayola asked for my help to create the Colors of the World crayons.”
“Colors of the World” offer a more realistic gradient of colors from “extra light almond” to “deepest almond.” Crayola also created a 32-crayon set that includes four hair and four eye colors.
Colors of the World is available for preorder and is set to hit shelves in July.