Pantone picks Ultra Violet as 2018's Colour of the Year

Sandra Halliday

Опубликовано
7 дек. 2017 г.

Colour giant Pantone has unveiled its latest colour of the year prediction with Ultra Violet (Pantone 18-3838 ) its big pick for 2018.

The shade looks like a strong choice after variations of it have been trending in directional collections in recent seasons. And it follows a series of predictions from the company that have made a major impact in recent years.

Pantone said the blue-based purple colour is “a dramatically provocative and thoughtful shade [that] communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future.”

The wider trend forecasting sector is also backing various versions of blue-tinged purples, lilacs and lavenders and such shades were strong on the recent SS18 catwalks, although given the summer season, it was more about lighter pastels than deeper tomes.

But why is Pantone’s forecast team backing Ultra Violet in particular? The company said that “complex and contemplative” enigmatic purples have “long been symbolic of counterculture, unconventionality, and artistic brilliance” and that “nuanced and full of emotion, the [shade’s] depth symbolises experimentation and non-conformity, spurring individuals to imagine their unique mark on the world, and push boundaries through creative outlets.”

It also said that historically, there has been a “mystical or spiritual quality attached to Ultra Violet” and 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 energises the communities that gather there and inspire connection.”

In short, a stressed society that is seeking a calm refuge but doesn’t want anything too classic is totally ready for Ultra Violet.

Laurie Pressman, VP of the Pantone Color Institute, said: “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.”

And they certainly seem to be feeling empowered to act on Pantone’s calls to action with the Pantone Color Insitute having a strong track record of predicting colours that hit the mainstream in the fashion, beauty and interiors categories.

2017’s light, bright, tangy Greenery prediction came as green trended upwards after some time in fashion’s slow lane with the freshest versions of the colour embraced for SS17 by Balenciaga, Vuitton and Versace and slightly darker tones by Rochas, Balmain and Sonia Rykiel. It also worked through to mass-market level and has seen a wide variety of greens looking strong in-store for AW17.

Meanwhile, 2016's Rose Quartz and Serenity prediction saw pale pink and blue hitting the mass-market with the pink, in particular, continuing to be seen in fashion and beauty products under the Millennial Pink name.