pantone announces 'ultra violet' as 2018 color of the year

following marsala in 2015, rose quartz and serenity in 2016, and greenery in 2017, pantone has announced that its 2018 color of the year is… ‘ultra violet’. described as ‘inventive’ and ‘imaginative’, the color experts say that the shade communicates ‘originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future’. ‘complex and contemplative, ultra violet suggests the mysteries of the cosmos, the intrigue of what lies ahead, and the discoveries beyond where we are now,’ says pantone. ‘the vast and limitless night sky is symbolic of what is possible and continues to inspire the desire to pursue a world beyond our own.’

all images courtesy of pantone

‘we are living in a time that requires inventiveness and imagination,’ states leatrice eiseman, executive director of the pantone color institute. ‘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.’

according to pantone, ultra violet ‘lights the way to what is yet to come’

the annual announcement of ‘color of the year ‘seeks provide 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. ‘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,’ adds pressman.

earlier this year, designboom visited pantone’s factory headquarters as part of an exclusive press event for huawei, when the company launched its P10 series in partnership with the pantone color institute. see the full feature here.