Since the 50s, the company behind the famous Pantone Color Matching system has developed a reputation as a tastemaker, as well – one with an influence that reaches across numerous industries.
Perhaps the best example of this is the Pantone Color of the Year.
Starting in 1999, Pantone began predicting what the standout color would be for the year ahead. Their track record has been an impressive one.
Some of their past choices have included fuchsia rose (2001), sand dollar (2006), mimosa (2009), and serenity (2016).
For 2018, the Pantone Color of the Year was ultra violet.
Long before ultra violet was the 2018 Pantone Color of the Year, its ancestors found favor with people all over the world for centuries. Everyone knows purple was the color of Caesar and one of the favorites of Queen Cleopatra.
In modern times, ultra violet saw its popularity swell throughout the 1960s thanks to the likes of pop culture icon, Andy Warhol. His famous friend and standout Factory superstar, Isabelle Collin Dufresne, took her lover for the color to another level, though. She actually changed her name to Ultra Violet and, in case her passion for the purple hue wasn’t clear, dyed her hair ultra violet, did her makeup in ultra violet, and wore predominantly ultra-violet clothes.
Speaking of pop culture, many people believe another legendary icon may have been behind this year’s choice. However, while Prince probably would have loved ultra violet, Pantone already made a color in his honor, Love Symbol #2.
Ultra violet barely had the tiara on before its influence began spreading throughout a number of different industries.
Here are just some examples of products that proudly wore the Pantone Color of the Year for 2018.
Perhaps not surprisingly, the fashion industry definitely welcomed ultra violet with the most admirers.
Dresses, ties, and even the height of fashion, Crocs, have all adopted ultra violet.
Similarly, brands like Elizabeth Arden, Aveda and Garnier also felt inspired by the color.
When Samsung looked to make a splash with their new Galaxy S9 and S9+, it seems they were grabbed by the beauty of ultra violet, too. While they called their color lilac purple, it’s hard to believe Pantone’s opinion didn’t play a role.
This small charlotte bench would be an elegant way to introduce the color to your living room, but if that’s not an option for your home’s style, don’t worry. Crate and Barrel introduced a number of items bathed in this gorgeous shade of purple.
Finally, it should come as no surprise that Welch’s – famous for their grape juice – was happy to hear about Pantone’s decision last year.
It would seem as though Kansas-City based Tohi Ventures also took note of ultra violet’s popularity when it created its logo. The lifestyle brand also introduced four beverages, all made with Aronia Berry, this past month. The can of its blackberry-raspberry flavor clearly wells the color, too.
While ultra violent has clearly cultivated plenty of fans, many of us are already looking forward to next year. Pantone always announces their color of the year on December 4th, so we don’t have too much longer until we’ll know for sure.
However, based on their predictions for which colors will be trendy in spring 2019, the frontrunner is either another shade from the bright and bold side of the spectrum – like ultra violet – or a more subdued option like a burgundy red or “caviar black.”
What’s your prediction?
-for-Your-Full-Funnel-Marketing-Strategy.jpg)
