Pantone has chosen 18-3838, Ultra Violet as its Colour of the year for 2018, which is described as a provocative and thoughtful purple shade that signals originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us towards the future.
Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute, explained: “As individuals around the world become more fascinated with colour and realize its ability to convey deep messages and meanings, designers and brands should feel empowered to use colour to inspire and influence. The Colour of the Year is one moment in time that provides strategic direction for the world of trend and design, reflecting the Pantone Color Institute’s year-round work doing the same for designers and brands.”
Or it could just be clever marketing from Pantone, which just happens to be shining a light on its Fashion, Home + Interiors Color System with this exercise. The press release waffled on about the spiritual quality of Ultra Violet, stating: “The colour is often associated with mindfulness practices, which offer a higher ground to those seeking refuge from today’s over-stimulated world. The use of purple-toned lighting in meditation spaces and other gathering places energizes the communities that gather there and inspire connection.” Of course, the other way to hide from the over-stimulated world is to stay away from coffee shops.
Pantone has helpfully listed some places where we can find Ultra Violet, including a long list of vegetables that are so healthy that I feel that I should point out that in some foods, any sign of purple might indicate that it’s gone off.
Pantone will also release limited-edition collections of Pantone Color of the Year 2018 Formula Guides and Fashion, Home + Interiors Color Guides as collector’s items for designers.
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