Calling its selection “an unconventional shade for an unconventional time and a new vision,” colour sciences leader Pantone (Carlstadt, NJ) has chosen Pantone 18-1750 Viva Magenta as its Colour of the Year for 2023 – adding that the choice is “vibrating with vim and vigour, a shade rooted in nature descending from the red family demonstrating a new signal of strength. Brave and fearless, it’s a pulsating colour whose exuberance promotes optimism and joy. Powerful and empowering, it’s an animated red that encourages experimentation and self-expression without restraint – an electrifying, boundary-less shade that’s manifestly ‘out there’ and is a stand-out statement. Audacious, witty, and inclusive of all, Pantone 18-1750 Viva Magenta welcomes anyone and everyone with the same rebellious spirit.”
A nuanced crimson red tone that presents a balance between warm and cool, Pantone 18-1750 Viva Magenta is also a hybrid colour, one that straddles the physical and virtual, evocative of our multi-dimensional world, Pantone added. Assertive but not aggressive, it’s a carmine red that doesn’t boldly dominate, but instead takes a “fist in a velvet glove” approach. Exuding dynamism, Pantone 18-1750 Viva Magenta is a transformative red tone capable of driving design to create a more positive future.
“As virtual worlds become a more prominent part of our daily lives, we look to draw inspiration from nature and what’s real,” said Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. “Pantone 18-1750 Viva Magenta descends from the red family, and is inspired by the red of cochineal, one of the most precious dyes belonging to the natural dye family, as well as one of the strongest and brightest the world has known. Rooted in the primordial, Pantone 18-1750 Viva Magenta reconnects us to original matter. Invoking the forces of nature, it galvanizes our spirit, helping us to build our inner strength,” she added.