Ultra Violet Is the Color of the Year for 2018
It is the color Prince crooned about, the color of royals, the color of clairvoyants and the color that forecasters at the Pantone Color Institute unveiled the embodiment of the coming year last Thursday. The official color of 2018 is a saturated, intense, blue-toned shade of purple called Ultra Violet (not to be confused with ultraviolet, which is invisible to most humans) or Pantone 18-3838.
A dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade, Ultra Violet communicates originality, ingenuity and visionary thinking that points us towards the future, Pantone said in a press release.
Every year since 2000, the global color authority has chosen a new shade to shine in fashion, beauty, home décor and more. The Pantone color of the year is a color snapshot of what the company’s executives see taking place in global culture that serves as an expression of a mood and an attitude. This past year, http://dconheels.com/2016/12/21/new-beginnings/ Greenery, a “life-affirming” yellow-green, was the color of the year. In 2016, it was the pairing of http://dconheels.com/2015/12/25/pastel-power/ Rose Quartz and Serenity – a dusty rose and baby blue pair — which was seen as anti-stress with a nod toward gender fluidity.
“We are living in a time that requires inventiveness and imagination,” said Leatrice Eiseman, Pantone’s executive director. “It is this kind of creative inspiration that is indigenous to Ultra Violet, a blue-based purple that takes our awareness and potential to a higher level. 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.”
Complex and contemplative, the color suggests the mysteries of the cosmos, the intrigue of what lies ahead and the discoveries beyond where we are now, according to Pantone.
“Complex” doesn’t begin to describe it. We are wrestling with an administration that wants to reverse decades of progress in civil rights, economic justice, environmentalism and more. We are confronting the ugly truths about gender inequality and abuse. But just as fast as some forces are yanking us back into the past, we are careening even more rapidly into the future thanks to powerful innovations in biotechnology, artificial intelligence and blockchain technology.
Enigmatic purples have also long been symbolic of counterculture, unconventionality and artistic brilliance. In addition to Prince, musical icons David Bowie and Jimi Hendrix brought shades of violet to the forefront of western pop culture as personal expressions of individuality. Nuanced and full of emotion, the depth of Ultra Violet symbolizes experimentation and non-conformity, spurring individuals to imagine their unique mark on the world and push boundaries through creative outlets, Pantone said.
Historically, there has been a mystical or spiritual quality attached to violet. The color 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.
In the current political climate, where red is linked with Republicans and blue with Democrats, purple is periodically identified as a symbol of bipartisanship, which isn’t overflowing in Washington these days.
Like politics, Eiseman told the New York Times that Ultra Violet is “the most complex of all colors, because it takes two shades that are seemingly diametrically opposed — blue and red — and brings them together to create something new.”
“The Pantone Color of the Year has come to mean so much more than ‘what’s trending’ in the world of design; it is truly a reflection of what is needed in our world today,” added Laurie Pressman, Pantone vice president. “As individuals around the world become more fascinated with color and realize its ability to convey deep messages and meanings, designers and brands should feel empowered to use color to inspire and influence.”
Ultra Violet in fashion
On the runway or the streets, Ultra Violet is an enchanting purple that provides a theatrical link for both men’s and women’s styles. True to the coupled nature of the color, it lends itself to unique color combinations in fashion and is easier to pair with all colors on the spectrum than one might think. With golds or other metallics, Ultra Violet becomes luxurious and dazzling; with greens or greys it evokes natural elegance.
Similarly, Ultra Violet takes on distinct appearances with different materials. Lush velvets in the color suggest intrigue for evening, but are also unexpectedly modern in athleisure or sneakers. In accessories, jewelry and eyewear, Ultra Violet suggests the complexities of natural gems, texture and florals.
Ultra Violet in beauty
Ultra Violet becomes spell-binding and steeped in spirituality in beauty to create expressive looks for all. The complex and deep nature of the color is well-suited for beauty looks created by combinations, blends and ombres. A singular matte purple on the lips or nails makes a bold statement of non-conformity, while softly blended metallics and shimmers in Ultra Violet transform the eyes into windows to the cosmos.
Purple shades in hair continue to elevate street styles as a symbol of creative expression. On the palette for every beauty medium, Ultra Violet complements and emboldens every other color, adding complexity and mystery.
Ultra Violet in home décor
In interiors, Ultra Violet can transform a room into one of extraordinary self-expression, or conversely can tone down a room with subdued, modern pairings. Adding spice and brightness, Ultra Violet calls attention to a tufted couch, piece of art or accent wall.
As a color that can take you in many directions, Ultra Violet makes a statement in any space, whether it is one of tradition and elegance or unexpected boldness. In hospitality, we are seeing purples like Ultra Violet take center stage in interior spaces as large and small hotels harness color and design to entice travelers and stay relevant.
Ultra Violet in food
Considered exotic and enticing, purple fruits, vegetables and starches, such as acai, purple shaded cauliflower, yams, carrots, asparagus and cabbage are also known for their natural health benefits. These new “it” foods are naturally rich in nutrients and antioxidants, and also bring vibrancy and sophistication to the table.
Editor-in-Chief Mark Heckathorn is a journalist, movie buff and foodie. He oversees DC on Heels editorial operations as well as strategic planning and staff development. Reach him with story ideas or suggestions at dcoheditor (at) gmail (dot) com.