Each year creatives wait with bated breathe for the announcement of Pantone’s colour of the year. Picked annually since 2001, the colour chosen is deemed to forecast design trends from beauty to interiors for the year to come.
This year, the colour selected was “Ultra Violet 18-3838” – a purple hue described by Pantone as “a dramatically provocative and thoughtful shade”.
“The Pantone Colour of the Year has come to mean so much more than ‘what’s trending’ in the world of design; it’s truly a reflection of what’s needed in our world today,” said Pantone Colour Institute vice president Laurie Pressman.
“As individuals around the world become more fascinated with colour and realise its ability to convey deep messages and meanings, designers and brands should feel empowered to use colour to inspire and influence.”
Pantone uses the colour of the year to reflect on the current state of the world. Pantone’s 2017 colour of the year was a shade of green called “Greenery” – to reflect new beginnings; and 2016’s colours were unveiled as “Rose Quartz” and “Serenity” to celebrate gender fluidity.
This year the purple is a colour to represent innovation, with Pantone Colour Institute executive director Leatrice Eisman saying: “We are living in a time that requires inventiveness and imagination.
“From exploring new technologies and the greater galaxy, to artistic expression and spiritual reflection, intuitive Ultra Violet lights the way to what is yet to come.”
In terms of beauty, Pantone predicts the colour will be integrated into ombre and blended looks; while matte purple is expected to dominate lips and nails. Soft metallic purple is expected to be popular with eye makeup.
