Ultra Violet, Pantone’s 2018 Color of the Year, Is Beyoncé And Hillary Clinton Approved
While the last few weeks of the year are traditionally reserved for reflecting on the year that was, each December, Pantone—the self-described “the global authority on color”—looks to the next twelve months as they officially announce the “Color of the Year.” And 2018’s hue-to-be is not for shrinking violets—or, maybe it is.
Today, Pantone declared Ultra Violet, a deep, bold purple, as 2018’s Color of the Year, stating, “UltraViolet is an enigmatic purple shade that evokes the inventive spirit and imaginative thinking that challenges the status quo. A spiritual, cosmic hue, Ultra Violet pushes the boundaries of what inspires us to look upward and outward to the future.”
The color mavens are also not skirting away from addressing what was undeniably a year of cultural change and shifts as they look to the next year, adding, “The Pantone Color of the Year selection is more than a comment on color trends; it is a reflection on a collective cultural moment. The selection of Ultra Violet speaks to our shared desire for deeper understanding in an increasingly complex landscape, and our eagerness to experiment to reach that level.”
And they aren’t exactly wrong. Recall the Ralph Lauren ensemble that Hillary Clinton wore to deliver her official concession speech following the 2016 election: a classic slate grey suit with a deep purple silk blouse and matching lapels. Clinton later explained the significance of the color in her book What Happened, writing, “The morning after the election, Bill and I both wore purple. It was a nod to bipartisanship (blue plus red equals purple).”
How To Shop Ultra Violet, Pantone’s 2018 Color of the Year, Before Everyone Else
Mansur Gavriel mini moon clutch in Italian patent leather in Ultra Violet, with interior pocket and zip closure, $245, mansurgavriel.com.
Think about warm get-aways as winter approaches and try Tabitha Simmons chic double bow flat in Pantone’s 2018 Color of the Year, Ultra Violet. Tabitha Simmons ‘Cleo’ flat, $523, [farfetch.com](https://www.farfetch.com/shopping/women/tabitha-simmons-cleo-flat-sandals-with-bow-detail-item-12534615.aspx?s toreid=9359&from=listing).
Prada contemporary art-inspired pointed toe pumps come in petunia purple suede leather and feature chunky cured mid heels. These pumps would make for a smart pop of color in a color-blocked look. Prada pumps, $411, farfetch.com.
For the person who prefers timeless pieces, Pomellato’s 18k rose gold stone ring featuring a faceted amethyst is a classic way to wear Pantone’s new Color of the Year. Pomellato ring, $2,425, farfetch.com.
Sotheby’s recently held a sale of Shaun Leane’s iconic couture jewelry, and the auction fetched in over $2.6 million in sales. Known for his work with the late Alexander McQueen, this Shaun Leane amethyst and rubies ring is an exciting way to channel Ultra Violet. Shaun Leane ring, $3,308, farfetch.com.
Attico rich purple drawstring satin pouch features striking gold sequin embroidered leaves is exactly the easy accessory one needs for evening soirées. Attico bag, $217, brownsfashion.com.
Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini star-studded ankle boots come in purple calf suede and is the perfect holiday party shoe. Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini boots, $890, farfetch.com.
Embrace Pantone’s Color of the Year with these Aquazurra Fur Purr 105 mules are made from purple satin and feature fluffy aubergine-hued mink cross straps and open toe. Aquazurra mules, $995, brownsfashion.com.
Shahla Karimi delicate 14K gold chain link necklace with single amethyst stone is an every day staple, and a subtle way to embrace Pantone’s Color of the Year 2018. Shahla Karimi necklace, $415, modaoperandi.com.
This hat somehow feels very Carmen Sandiego, but that’s a good thing. Nick Fouquet ultra violet purple window rider wool fedora hat with contrast stitching and wide ribbon around crown, $1,162, brownsfashion.com.
Spring for a chic new luggage set this holiday season. Rimowa’s ultralight cabinet suitcase comes in the color of the moment, Ultra Violet, and features an expandable telescopic handle, full zipper closure and four wheel system. Rimowa suitcase, $495, saksfifthavenue.com.
Bottega Veneta ‘Lauren’ napa clutch bag, in the brand’s signature intrecciato woven napa leather, in deep purple, $2,150, neimanmarcus.com.
Bea Bongiasca Gloriosa Lily 9k gold and amythyst spiral climber earrings are essential for those wanted to try Pantone’s Color Of the Year in a small way. Who doesn’t love an amethyst? Bea Bongiasca earrings, $615, modaoperandi.com.
Balenciaga Purple Knife 80 Over The Knee Boot feature an extremely flat pointed toe, logo embroidered cuff and ice pick heel. Balenciaga boots, $777, brownsfashion.com.
Akris calfskin belt in Pantone’s 2018 Color of the Year, Ultra Violet, features a trapezoid shaped buckle and is made in the United States. Akris belt, $495, modaoperandi.com.
Alison Lou’s oh-so-collectable tiny huggy hoop earrings now come in fun customizable enamel colors. In a nod to Pantone’s color of the year, try the aubergine hoop. Alison Lou tiny huggy, $155, alisonlou.com.
Renee Lewis 18k gold mismatched amethyst gemstone drop earrings with hook back fastening, handcrafted in New York City. Renee Lewis, $8,200, modaoperandi.com.
Saint Laurent’s perennial favorite, the Anja pump, takes on a bold hue this season. Saint Laurent purple pumps, $476, farfetch.com.
Pre-order this Rubeus Milano small Flash Natale bag, featuring gold hardware and a fold over top so you have a piece in Ultra Violet for the start of the new year. Rubeus Milano bag, $2,395, modaoperandi.com.
Yves Salomon deep purple rabbit fur Four Fex snood is the perfect way to channel Pantone’s color of the year on a wintry day. Yves Salomon snood, $280, farfetch.com.
The color has also been a strong choice with the celebrity set in recent months, with Beyoncé donning a fur stole in the hue for Jay-Z’s Tidal fundraiser in October, breakout style star Andrea Riseborough opting for a silk slip at an Emmy’s party, and Karlie Kloss wearing a notice-me Salvatore Ferragamo leather skirt to celebrate her stylist, Karla Welch.
Itching to get the look for yourself? You’re in luck. It was also a strong trend on the Spring 2018 runways, appearing everywhere from Carolina Herrera to Calvin Klein to Gucci, meaning it is only a matter of time until you can get your hands on some Ultra Violet threads.
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