Pantone Announces Its 2018 ‘Color Of The Year’

Pantone Color Institute has spun its color wheel and landed on its annual prediction: We’ll be seeing lots of purple in the year ahead.

Specifically the ‘2018 Color of the Year’ will be “ultra violet,” best described as a blue-based purple, according to Pantone. Watch the institute’s Instagram video to get a good visual of the shade of purple:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcZ0S1rjVUL/?taken-by=pantone

Purples are symbolic of counterculture and artistic brilliance, Pantone explained in their news release announcing its “Color of the Year.” The institute reminds us that icons like Prince, David Bowie and Jimi Hendrix all embraced shades of ultra violet.

The Pantone “Color of the Year” is also in tune with what’s trending in the world food and fashion. For example, purple-shaded cauliflower and asparagus are both trending in the food realm. As for fashion, purple is appearing on velvets, which are popular right now, but also more unexpectedly on sneakers and athleisure, according to Pantone.

In the realm of beauty, purple shades of hair are popping up in street style, Pantone says. The color institute also predicts more ultra violet to trend in home decor and hotels.

And here’s a look at the color in a home for all of your ultra violet decorating inspiration.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcaHYB5FPVG/?tagged=ultraviolet

But the color choice goes beyond design and taps into our society’s psyche as designers and brands use color to convey messages and meaning. Describing its purple pick, Pantone explained ultra violet communicates “originality, ingenuity and visionary thinking that points us towards the future.”

Before purple reigns supreme, we have a few more weeks to enjoy Pantone’s 2017 “Color of the Year” — greenery” a yellow-green shade meant to evoke the feelings associated with the first days of spring.

Other past colors have included blending two shades—serenity, a soft blue and rose quartz—in 2016; marsala in 2015; radiant orchid in 2014; emerald in 2013; tangerine tango in 2012; honeysuckle in 2011; and turquoise in 2010.

Do you like Pantone’s choice for “Color of the Year”?