8 Clever Ways To Wear 2018’s Colour Of The Year

By Niamh ODonoghue
12th Dec 2017

8 Clever Ways To Wear 2018’s Colour Of The Year

Admittedly, the last time I wore purple (other than with a pair of sweats while hoovering the house), was probably sometime pre-2015, but following the announcement by Pantone this week of their new colour of the year, it seems that my friendship with purple will reignite far sooner than I expected.

Pantone’s 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. #UltraViolet Link in bio to discover more about the Pantone Color Institute and Color of the Year.

A post shared by PANTONE (@pantone) on Dec 9, 2017 at 7:44am PST

‘Ultraviolet’ has been chosen as 2018’s colour of the year and is bright and uplifting in contrast to last year’s cool and peaceful ‘greenery’. According to Pantone, the “dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future.

Historically, there has been a mystical or spiritual quality attached to Ultraviolet. The colour is often associated with mindfulness practices, which offer a higher ground to those seeking refuge from today’s over-stimulated world. The use of purple-toned lighting in meditation spaces and other gathering places energizes the communities that gather there and inspires connection.

When it comes to our wardrobes, the shade has already made a significant cultural impact. Refinery29 gently reminds us of the time that Hilary Clinton wore a purple-accented Ralph Lauren trouser suit when she conceded defeat to Donald Trump in November 2016. Or how about Prince’s iconic image and music which has been intrinsically linked to the colour purple over the last few decades. Indeed the colour has funnelled over time through our favourite catwalks as seen below at Area, Kenzo and Caroline Herrera.

Left-right; Area, Kenzo, Caroline Herrera. All SS18

If wearing a colour can instil hope and discovery through uncertain times then I’m excited to give it a go. Here are 8 clever ways to introduce this striking shade of purple into your wardrobe.