“An unconventional shade for an unconventional time.”
Introducing Pantone’s Colour for 2023, Viva Magenta, or Pantone 18-1750. Viva Magenta is “a shade rooted in nature, descending from the red family, and expressive of a new signal of strength.” Pantone, the colour and design company, has selected the colour of the year every year since 2000. In order to determine its decision, Pantone researches current trends in fashion, home design, film, technology, and other areas. It is also meant to reflect the culture and portray its mood.
According to Pantone, Viva Magenta is a pulsating colour whose vibrancy encourages a joyful and optimistic celebration while creating a fresh story. In the company’s statement, words like “brave,” “fearless,” and “empowering” recur often.
“In this age of technology, we look to draw inspiration from nature and what is real,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. Though the brilliant colour represents technological progress, Pantone says its pick was inspired by nature. The hue resembles cochineal, a natural red dye derived from a tiny insect.
In her description of the colour’s name, Leatrice says it is a happy, brilliant shade that inspires hope. She asserts that if you’re wearing this hue, there is no way you can enter a room without drawing attention to yourself. It’s a bold move. It embraces everyone with the same rebellious attitude and is funny and inclusive.
The “Magentaverse” appears to have arrived already. With the help of partnerships with businesses like Motorola, Spoonflower, and Cariuma, Pantone has made various products in the chosen colour, including skate shoes, wallpaper, and telephones. In addition, the art gallery ARTECHOUSE offers a whole magenta experience beginning at Miami’s Art Basel and extending to the general public.