Pantone Color of the Year 2023: Viva Magenta (and Why It Matters)
Viva Magenta
This year, Pantone picked Viva Magenta as THE color for 2023. And honestly, it’s kind of a big deal. So let me tell you why that is and also why you should care…
Each year the Pantone Color Institute does global trend forecasting as it pertains to color. This color forecast encompasses way more than just fashion. These color trends affect interior and exterior design, nail color, home accessories, paint color, appliances, cosmetics, and even office supplies.
Think about how avocado green was so prevalent in 1970’s homes - particularly refrigerators. It spoke, color-wise, to what was popular at the time. The Pantone Institute takes that and flips the paradigm. Instead of looking back and seeing what was favored, they are predicting and, in some ways, influencing what will be in vogue.
Pantone Color of the Year - Why Should We Care?
The Color Institute is not some willy-nilly person randomly thinking of colors to make trendy. It’s a global organization that has standardized how color is used across multiple industries. This might be a slightly dramatic example, but it’s like the Nobel Peace Prize of color.
In fact, and I’m plagiarizing from myself, as I wrote this last year, “Twice a year, Pantone hosts numerous nations’ color standards groups in a secret European city, and after two days of presentations and debates, they decide on the colors of the year. It’s believed the colors of the year are a snapshot of what’s taking place in our global culture. And that, in turn, serves as an expression of mood and attitude.”
So, basically, knowing about the Pantone Color of the Year can help us refresh our wardrobes in an effortless way.
The Easiest Way to Update Your Wardrobe
For the last few weeks, I’ve been chatting about what’s trending for spring. And while I love recommending clothing trends to keep on your radar (and to add to your repertoire possibly), the truth is that color is the EASIEST way to give a quick and effective update to any outfit.
Adding a little, like an accessory (think, a belt, earring, or shoe) or a lot (think monochromatic, head to toe in one color) of magenta will give your outfits that seasonal shot in the arm update we all desperately need at this time of the year.
The hue’s beauty is that it easily pairs back with the basics most of us already have in our closets. Viva Magenta is a shade rooted in nature descending from the red family and “expressive of a new signal of strength”, according to the Color Institute. It balances both warm and cool colors, so, in layman’s terms, it pretty much goes with everything.
Fun Facts About Viva Magenta
Viva Magenta is brave and fearless, and a pulsating color whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative.
balances warm and cool, Viva Magenta is "an unconventional shade for an unconventional time
Viva Magenta represents reassurance, confidence and connection
Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, said the hue was inspired by the natural red dye derived from small insects called cochineals.
Common Objections to Wearing Color (and my stylist approved solutions)
I Don’t Feel Like Myself When I Wear Color
Check out my blog post, How To Wear Color and Still Feel Like You
But I Don’t Look Good in Color
I Like the Idea of Color in Theory but How Do I Pull it Off in Real Life?
People Talk About a Pop of Color, But How is That Done?
Some of my Favorite Magenta Pieces
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