Pantone Color of the Year
by Melony Forcier
Photography courtesy of Audria Hadikusumo
In the past few years, Pantone’s color of the year has included colors like “Greenery”, “Rose Quartz”, and “Serenity”. These colors are much softer than the very out-there Ultra Violet from this year. Although, the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, Leatrice Eiseman, told the Times that she believes ultra violet is “the most complex of all colors, because it takes two shades that are seemingly diametrically opposed- blue and red - and brings them together to create something new,” which sounds like something the world could use this year.
Each year Pantone releases their color of the year, which is a color that represents the newest trends and designs for the year. This year Pantone deemed “Ultra Violet” as the color of the year. The color “symbolizes experimentation and non-conformity, spurring individuals to imagine their unique part in the world and push boundaries through creative outlets,” Pantone said. This testament holds true as boldness slowly takes the place of minimalism. Purple has long been a symbol of risk taking, and incorporating it into fashion is the perfect way to take a step outside of a conservative zone.
The color purple is no stranger to the fashion of some of the most influential figures in pop culture. Prince, who was always one to think outside the box, always donned some shade of purple in his outfits. Also, who could forget David Bowie wearing the iconic purple suit while playing at a show in London. These icons were always trying to push the boundaries, and it seems only right for them to opt for the color purple in their fashion choices.
The color is not just prevalent in clothing, but in many organizational initiatives like the Epilepsy Foundation and the National Coalition against Domestic Violence. Both of these organizations have powerful messages, which further reinforces the connotation that comes with the color purple. Freshman Olivia Spina (CAS ‘21) thinks of the color violet as a symbolic statement rather than something to wear everyday.
“I think of violet as a color for different causes. You don’t really see people wearing a lot of purple unless it is for a reason,” said Spina who personally doesn’t own anything of the color.
Another BU student Maggie Knutzen (CFA ‘19) says the color brings a completely different idea to her mind. Instead, she thinks of the color in terms of breaking the rules of traditional color palettes seen in pre-impressionist art.
“It makes me think a lot of Impressionists and the ways they started to paint with colors that wouldn’t normally appear in the natural world to get closer to what we experience as humans when we see nature,” said Knutzen.
Violet may seem intimidating at first to add into an everyday outfit; however, there is a sense of confidence and energy that comes with it. The color is made for those who want to own the room. Although, everyone has the ability to pull off the color of the year, as it can pull any outfit together with the right kind of styling. Maggie Axford (COM ‘21) says that she thinks incorporating violet can help to create a standout outfit.
“I would style violet in my outfit by tying a cute violet silk scarf or bandana onto my tote. It’s a fun pop of color, but not distracting enough to take away from my entire outfit,” said Axford.