It is true we have feelings of love or hate for certain colors in the color spectrum. Ask any kid, what’s your favorite color? Our’s is purple (this year :)). It changes, of course, as the years go by. And, so does Pantone’s favorite color each year. Indeed, Pantone sets out color experts yearly in search of color signals in food, cars, cosmetics, clothes, music housewares, entertainment and more. To some’s surprise, 2018’s color was announced as… Ultra Violet 18-3838. Love it? Hate it? It can be an overbearing and strong purple hue. However, the true meaning behind it all is quite enlightening. Pantone describes Ultra Violet as a “provocative and thoughtful purple shade” that embodies individuality and spirituality. According to the company, it alludes to the mysteries of the cosmos and the unknown.
“We are living in a time that requires inventiveness and imagination. It is this kind of creative inspiration that is indigenous to PANTONE 18-3838 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.” – Leatrice Eiseman Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute.
“It’s also the most complex of all colors,” Eisman continues, “because it takes two shades that are seemingly diametrically opposed — blue and red — and brings them together to create something new.”
Ultra Violet, while being complex and bright in nature, speaks originality and creativity. It is found in the cosmos, the wellness movement and was a favorite color of the architect Frank Lloyd Wright, who wore a purple cape to inspire his creativity. Ditto Wagner, would surround himself with purple when he was composing and of course, Ultra Violet is commonly known to surround the popular entertainer, Prince. Ultra Violet takes us back in history as well as inspires us to reach and explore the unknown.
Here at Nathan Anthony, we love purple and all variations- from amethyst to red to blush to indigo (not in that order). We are influenced by the yearly choice of Pantone’s as we know the importance of color and how it affects the buying habits of consumers. It gives us an idea of where trends are going and what we’re going to see in the coming year. We’ll see Ultra Violet showing up in products like lighting, furniture, textiles, paint, wall coverings, rugs and accessories. All this affects merchandising and display decisions for resellers and ultimately what consumers will want.
Last year, Pantone named Greenery as 2017 color of year, saying the color inspired new beginnings. It inspired us to talk about how you can transform your home with house plants and the vibe it brings to your space. We are interested to see whether consumers embrace this year’s Ultra Violet phenomenon as purple tends to be a divisive color. Those who love it, love it proudly; those who hate it are equally passionate. Incorporating such a shade into home design may not be for everyone.
Gio Ponti chairs
“The Pantone Color of the Year has come to mean so much more than ‘what’s trending’ in the world of design; it’s truly a reflection of what’s needed in our world today,” added Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute. “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. The Color of the Year is one moment in time that provides strategic direction for the world of trend and design, reflecting the Pantone Color Institute’s year-round work doing the same for designers and brands.”
While the deeper meaning behind ultraviolet is a “provocative and thoughtful purple shade” that embodies individuality and spirituality, we love 2018’s Ultra Violet because it makes us feel relaxed, lovey-dovey and romantic.
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