The Future Is Ultra Violet [Pantone Colour Of The Year 2018]

In case you haven’t hear yet…

The colour for 2018 is PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet.

Initially, I was rather disappointed with this choice of Pantone – the worldwide authority on colour. As recently as 2014 a purple (Radiant Orchid) was colour of the year, so I wasn’t expecting a purple so soon again. In 2015, they chose Marsala, in 2016 two shades (light pink & baby blue) & in 2017 it was Greenery.

In the past, Pantone’s colour of the year was more of a reflection of what is happening in our world today. But for 2018’s shade, Pantone followed a proactive approach instead & recommends what is indispensable.

“We wanted to choose something that brings hope & an uplifting message,” explains Leatrice.

Think of it as the colour psychology equivalent of the theory that says that when you smile, you feel happier. Pantone, therefore, believes that wearing this colour, using it in your home or even just painting your nails purple, will help you find solutions & become more creative.

A bit over-ambitious maybe, but certainly worth a try right?

Here is how you incorporate Ultra Violet in your life:

In Your Home & Kitchen

“This is the perfect accent colour for smaller decorative items, such as pillows, glassware & so on. Especially for those who are rather uncertain about purple,”. says Charl Edwards, decor editor at superbalist.com.

“At a time when own style & eclectic taste is more important & common than ever before,  ultra-violet is perfect… for individual expression.”

If you are more daring, paint an entire wall Ultra Violet & add as much of this statement colour as you like.

Consol Grip & Go Curvy Water Bottle (R16.20, 350ml); Le Creuset Cappuccino Cup (R220 each);  Purple Forest Byzance Kettle (R1799.95 by Pylones). Double bed duvet cover set with press blow patterns (R749, H&M)

And don’t forget about beautiful violet fruits, vegetables, & starches, such as purple cauliflower, carrots, basil & cabbage. “These new ‘it’ foods are naturally rich in nutrients & antioxidants, & also bring vibrancy & sophistication to the table,” explains Pantone.

Grow your own purple veggies with an Exotic Slab Of Seed by Sow Delicious (from R70, yuppiechef).

Ultra Violet Style

When working with this hue you should go bold or go home, says Kelly Fung, Fashion Director at Superbalist.com. “Ultra-violet is not for the shy or faint-hearted. It’s a powerful colour which says exactly that about the person that wears it.”

“Ultra Violet lends itself to unique colour combinations in fashion & is easier to pair with more colours on the spectrum than one might think.

“With golds or other metallics, Ultra Violet becomes luxurious & dazzling; with greens or greys, it evokes natural elegance. Similarly, Ultra Violet takes on distinct appearances with different materials. Lush velvets in the colour suggest intrigue for evening but are also unexpectedly modern in athleisure or sneakers. In accessories, jewellery, & eyewear, Ultra Violet suggests the complexities of natural gems, textures & florals.”T-shirt for men with pocket detail (R179, H&M); Purple glass ring (R199.95, Pylones); Digitic Ladies Rio Watch (R149, Spree.co.za) & Tiffany Glass Frame (TIFF-189-C5), R1290 from Spec Savers.

Prettier With Purple

You might be surprised to learn that this gorgeous colour can be worn by all skin tones & eye colours.

“Just remember never to wear a full purple look as your face will look flat & hard,” says Branden Don, make-up specialist at Dis-Chem.  “When using purple on your eyes, pair with a peach toned blusher or a rust, copper or even crimson lip colours.”

Shades of gold & silver can also be used to brighten your eyes.

Violet lips say ‘look at me’ so Branden recommends that the rest of your look is really well looked after & minimalist – neatly shaped eyebrows, healthy skin, black eyeliner (on your upper eyelid) & black mascara.

And if you’re brave enough try purple hair – a symbol of creative expression.

Paco Rabanne Ultraviolet EDP R1305 for 80ml (by Edgards & Red Square); Urban Decay Iconic Eyeshadow in Flash (R240, Foschini; Image via).

INOAR’s Absolute Speed Blond series is specially formulated for blonde hair. Shampoo / Conditioner (R245) & mask (R390).

Ice Box Colors Nail Polish in Viola Ice (R119.95, Dis-Chem & Edgars); Tangle Teezer Purple Dazzle Compact Styler (R290, Clicks) & Palladio Li Gloss in Va Va Violet (R59,95, Dis-Chem).

I’d love to know what you think. Do you love this colour or are you undecided?

Thank you for reading.

Yolandi ♥

Image credits: Hydrangeas & supplied; purple hair via; interior collage.