Thursday, 28 December 2017

Ultra Violet: the 2018 Colour of the Year

Image showing the colour ultra violet, the colour of the year for 2018 recommended by the Pantone Institute

The Pantone Institute has chosen this colour, ultra violet, as its colour of the year. Expect to see this variation of purple in home decor and fashion.

It's a challenging colour that we don't see in high fashion too often. Its near cousins, lilac and violet (both of which I love) tend to be relegated to bridesmaids' dresses. I imagine ultra violet may be greeted a little less enthusiastically than Greenery, the colour for 2017. Read my post on Greenery.

Pantone says that ultra violet is "complex and contemplative, suggesting the mysteries of the cosmos, the intrigue of what lies ahead, and the discoveries beyond where we are now. 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."

Spring will be lovely if the shops are filled with the punch of ultra violet to match the many violets and purples seen in gardens from spring bulbs.

Studio 8 Rylie jacket, reduced to £59, John Lewis

A cursory tour online shows there is not much violet around yet. I found this dress and jacket at John Lewis which are described as ultra violet, but looks more blue to me. The same brand, Studio 8, has several other items in this colour, many on sale, so they are clearly ahead of the times. They have a Pia pashmina in ultra violet, reduced to £30, which is a clever way to add a pop of ultra violet to an outfit if you aren't sure if it would suit you.

Studio 8 Destiny dress, £140, John Lewis

Melissa Nicholson, from colour experts Kettlewell Colours, says Pantone's ultra violet is similar to Kettlewell's Pansy, Purple and Violet. She said: "Pansy was a best selling colour in our Florence infinity scarf this season and we will be getting some more stock in March. We have several styles still available in Purple. And next season we will have some Violet trousers as well as a new colour called Wood Violet which is a little redder and more muted."

Melissa advises that once you have established which seasonal palette suits you best, it’s easier to combine colours using a few simple rules. For instance, Springs would wear Violet as a colour pop while Summers would blend Violet with other similar shades.

Gorgeous boots from Topshop in patent ultra violet leather £85.

How to wear Violet for your season

Spring (pop or contrast): Violet + Aqua + Soft White + Gold
Summer (soft blend): Violet + Denim Blue + Hyacinth + Silver
Autumn (earthy blend): Violet + Blackberry + Marine Blue + Bronze
Winter (high contrast): Violet + White + Carmine Red + Charcoal

If you'd like some help in identifying your season, try Kettlewell's colour quiz.

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