Source: Pantone. PANTONE Ultra Violet 18-3838.
Pantone, a subsidiary of X-Rite and a leading authority on color systems and technology, declared PANTONE 18-3838, Ultra Violet, as its highly anticipated Color of the Year for 2018. According to Pantone, this shade embodies originality, creativity, and forward-thinking.
For nearly two decades, Pantone’s Color of the Year has significantly shaped product development and purchasing choices across diverse industries, including fashion, home furnishings, industrial design, packaging, and graphic design.
Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, emphasized the need for inventiveness and imagination in today’s world. She stated that PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet, a blue-based purple, symbolizes this creative spirit, elevating awareness and potential. Eiseman believes this color encourages exploration, from technological advancements and space exploration to artistic expression and spiritual contemplation, illuminating the path to the future.
Ultra Violet has long been associated with mysticism and spirituality, often linked to mindfulness practices. Additionally, music legends like Prince, David Bowie, and Jimi Hendrix popularized shades of Ultra Violet in Western culture, using it as a form of self-expression and individuality.
Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute, highlighted that the Color of the Year represents more than just a design trend. It reflects the current global climate and needs. As people become increasingly captivated by color and its power to communicate profound messages, designers and brands are encouraged to utilize color’s inspirational and influential qualities. The Color of the Year serves as a strategic guide for trends and design, representing the Pantone Color Institute’s continuous efforts in guiding designers and brands.
Pantone observes a growing use of Ultra Violet shades in packaging and graphic design across various sectors, including consumer packaged goods (CPG), luxury goods, and beauty products. This color is also favored by individuals and artists aiming to make a statement.
In Food:
Purple foods like acai, purple cauliflower, yams, carrots, asparagus, and cabbage are gaining popularity due to their exotic appeal and health benefits. These vibrant and sophisticated additions to meals are naturally rich in nutrients and antioxidants.
In Fashion:
Ultra Violet offers a dramatic flair to both men’s and women’s fashion. When paired with gold or metallic accents, it exudes luxury. Combining it with greens or grays creates natural elegance. Ultra Violet’s appearance also changes depending on the material. For instance, plush velvet in this shade adds intrigue to evening wear and a modern touch to athleisure or sneakers. In accessories, jewelry, and eyewear, Ultra Violet evokes the complexity of gemstones, textures, and flowers.
In Beauty:
Ultra Violet’s intricate nature makes it ideal for diverse beauty looks achieved through combinations, blends, and gradients. A single matte purple on the lips or nails makes a bold, unconventional statement. In contrast, subtly blended metallics and shimmers in Ultra Violet transform the eyes. Purple hues in hairstyles continue to dominate street style, symbolizing creative expression. This versatile color complements and enhances all other colors, adding complexity and intrigue.
In Home Décor:
Ultra Violet has the power to transform interior spaces. Pantone observes its growing prominence in the hospitality industry, with hotels incorporating it to create captivating and modern environments for travelers.
Selecting the Color of the Year is a meticulous process. Pantone’s color experts at the Pantone Color Institute thoroughly analyze global trends and influences. This includes examining the entertainment industry, films, art collections, fashion, design, travel destinations, lifestyles, socio-economic conditions, new technologies, materials, textures, social media, and even major sporting events.
Past selections for Color of the Year include:
Source: Pantone.
PANTONE Greenery
was the 2017 Color of
the Year.
PANTONE 15-0343 Greenery (2017)
PANTONE 15-3919 Serenity and PANTONE 13-1520 Rose Quartz (2016)
PANTONE 18-1438 Marsala (2015)
PANTONE 18-3224 Radiant Orchid (2014)
PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald (2013)
PANTONE 17-1463 Tangerine Tango (2012)
PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle (2011)
PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise (2010)
PANTONE 14-0848 Mimosa (2009)
PANTONE 18-3943 Blue Iris (2008)
Explore:
Read the WorkSmart Asia blog post about colours of the year for 2017
The Pantone Color of the Year 2018 Formula Guide (Coated & Uncoated) has a suggested retail price (SRP) of US$165
The Pantone Color of the Year 2018 Fashion, Home + Interiors Color Guide has a SRP of US$215