So today was the big day for Pantone; the announcement of its colour prediction for 2018. In the past colours have taken a more reflective tone, for example in 2016 they acknowledged the lessened divide between men and women by picking two colours; pink and blue. But this time they’re saying its what we can expect to come and apparently that is Ultra Violet – purple.
Purple
The speculation has already begun around the possible connotations, the US Trump saga being a common theme. But its not a political statement, is it? It “communicates originality, ingenuity and visionary thinking,” Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, said by way of explanation. Thanks Leatrice, that helps… but it certainly doesn’t sounds like Trump.
So how did they decide on Ultra Violet? Benjamin Moore announced earlier this year that Caliente, a strong radiant red, was their colour of the year. I can see that, we’ve seen strong oriental themes and red has strong ties with that. He and Pantone are obviously on different wavelengths! Also, just recently Dulux decided on Heart Wood for 2018, a beautiful warm neutral with a hint of heather, so kind of purple but with out the ultra punch.
So do you like purple? Personally I’m not convinced. I had my fair share of purple in the 90s and I’m not sure I’m quite ready for its return. That said, I might not be painting my walls in it just yet, but I can see how it could be accessorised into a colour scheme… maybe. I guess for me the measure is that when I normally search for images to use in blog posts I’m overwhelmed with options, but today, I’m scrolling for ten minutes before seeing one image that I like… hmmm maybe these two will do?
If you look at colour theory, it tells you that purple is the the most complex of colours. Red and blue, two seemingly opposite colours, come together to create something completely new. I like that idea. Change is definitely upon us, but will we be redecorating any time soon? I guess only time will tell. I don’t imagine we all expected pink to become so popular again yet its seems we’re all embracing it.
I do wonder, however, if this time the Pantone colour of the year is more a statement about the current state of things, rather than a reflection of what is happening in our own lives. Perhaps they’re likening Trump to Willy Wonker?
You’re right, this colour works perfectly for working into an accessory colour scheme! Perhaps with a colder grey.