Colour of the year

Each year, the Pantone Colour Institute picks a hue to highlight, and for 2018 the colour is Ultra Violet. Yes, that is two words capitalized.  

For those unfamiliar with the company, Pantone has standardized colour palettes and formulas used by graphic designers and artists worldwide. Their Colour Institute forecasts colour trends and advises marketers on the emotional influence of certain shades. 

For 2018’s Colour of the Year the Institute chose Ultra Violet, as their website states:

“A dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade, Pantone #18-3838 Ultra Violet communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future.”

In previous years, Pantone has highlighted such shades as Greenery, a bright grassy green, and Tangerine Tango, a vibrant orange. 

A blue-tinged deep purple, Pantone says that Ultra Violet is evocative of the night sky and mysteries of the cosmos, as well as bringing to mind the counterculture individualism of artists such as Prince and Jimi Hendrix. 

Personally, I’ve always also associated this hue with royalty, like ermine-edged velvet cloaks and crowns.

Whatever Ultra Violet means to you, there are many ways to infuse the colour of the year into your look. 

In my opinion, it is too dramatic to use head-to-toe, but packs a punch as a statement piece or accessory. The items in the top picture, all available at TheBay.com, are perfect examples. 

This shade of purple is one of those rare colours that can be worn in any season. In spring and summer, pair it with a blush or buttery cream neutral. During fall and winter, it adds a splash of vibrancy against the darker hues of black, charcoal, navy and burgundy.

As a season-less colour, it is a great option for investment accessories such as handbags, shoes and jewelry. 

Even if amethyst and tanzanite aren’t your birthstones, a ring or earrings with these stones will complement almost any outfit. Consider purple for a work tote or small crossbody purse instead of conventional black. 

A luxurious silk scarf in violet would also be a great way to celebrate 2018, enhancing a multitude of outfits throughout the year. 

As for making a statement, if you have a formal event on your calendar, an Ultra Violet dress or ensemble will ensure you are noticed. However, be careful not to overdo the hue and accessorize with complementary tones instead of matching ones. 

Going by the colour wheel, purple’s opposite is yellow. An Ultra Violet gown would look striking with yellow gold shoes and jewels. 

Violet also looks fabulous against green — just like the flower. For those blessed with green-and-hazel eyes, use purple as an eyeliner or lid colour to make your eye colour pop. 

Pantone has a solid track record of defining colours of the moment so don’t be surprised if you start seeing more of this deep purple shade in fashion and decor stores this year, and consider marking 2018 with an Ultra Violet addition to your closet. 

For more information on Pantone, its annual colour picks, and an Ultra Violet shopping guide, visit Pantone’s Colour of the Year website. 

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.