World leading heptathalete announced as Dulux’s golden girl

Dulux has unveiled sporting sensation and Rio hopeful Katarina Johnson-Thompson as the face of its Colour of the Year for 2016, ‘Cherished Gold’. The young athlete, who is fast becoming Britain’s golden girl of sport, stuns in a striking set of images celebrating the most cherished memories of her home life that have made her the competitor she is today.

Dulux’s hotly anticipated Colour of the Year is decided by a group of international experts and trend watchers across design; architecture, textiles, product design, graphics and research, and is a major influence across the lifestyle, fashion and beauty industry. This year’s ‘Cherished Gold’ is a gold influenced ochre which is bright enough to attract attention and combines well with other tones.

Katarina’s collaboration with Dulux draws upon the brand’s over riding design theme for 2016 – ‘Looking Both Ways’, a theme that encourages us to both appreciate the past and anticipate the future. Looking ahead to the challenges of Rio and beyond, the shoot shows Johnson-Thompson looking back on her experiences and memories of her home and family.

The 23 year old Liverpudlian, who holds national records for the Pentathalon, High and Long jump, was chosen to represent Dulux’s Colour of the Year, because she cherishes her life at home; saying it’s the driving force behind her sporting successes so far.

The sporting phenomenon has been tipped for gold in Rio by former champion Denise Lewis, who recently described her as a “force” and one to watch in the impending Rio games. But despite her rising status, Katarina still cherishes life back home, and describes her mum as “the biggest influence in [her] life” who encouraged her to follow her passion for athletics.

Reflecting on the ‘Cherished Gold’ campaign, Johnson-Thompson comments: “2016 is such an important year for me, with ‘gold’ firmly on my mind and in my sights! I’m a massive home-girl at heart which is why I still train in Liverpool so I can go home and spend time with my Mum, Nan and dogs after a hard day’s work. I’ve also just bought my first house; I love it, especially as it’s just around the corner from my mum, so I can still go home and cook dinner with her – some things will never change!”

 

Rebecca Williamson, Dulux senior colour, design and content manager, adds: “Gold and tones of gold are being used everywhere in the design world so for 2016 ‘Cherished Gold’ is a natural evolution from ‘Copper Blush’, last years’ Colour of the Year. As metallics continue to add that feel good factor, this ochre inspired hue will offer that little touch of glamour to our interiors. With ‘gold’ set to envelop so many moments throughout 2016, we couldn’t have hoped for a better person to front our 2016 Colour of the Year. Katarina embodies promise and is set to be an athlete the nation will cherish – we have no doubt she’ll deliver on being Britain’s golden girl at Rio, too!”