Pantone Colour Of The Year 2023

Just when the world needed a gentle nudge toward the horizon, Pantone chose Viva Magenta as its Colour of the Year for 2023. It isn’t just a shade; it’s a pulsing, optimistic declaration of joy. Think less “quiet luxury” and more “loud, joyful rebellion” against beige blah.

What Exactly is Viva Magenta?

Pantone describes it as a nuanced crimson red that doesn’t tip into blue or brown. It sits boldly in the red family, but with a surprising violet undertone that feels both retro and futuristic. Officially designated PANTONE 18-1750, it’s the brand’s attempt to bottle the energy of pure, unfiltered life.

Interestingly, this colour is inspired by the cochineal beetle, one of nature’s most vibrant dyes. Yes, your favourite lipstick might share DNA with a tiny insect—how’s that for a fun fact at brunch?

The Cultural Moment We Needed

After years of pandemic grey and digital fatigue, Viva Magenta screams “I am alive.” It channels the 1980s punk scene (think Sid Vicious’s hair) and the fearless spirit of Yayoi Kusama’s polka dots. Even the Met Gala’s 2023 “Karl Lagerfeld” theme had guests dipping into this magnetic hue.

Pop culture has been whispering its name. Remember Rihanna’s Super Bowl performance? That custom Loewe jumpsuit was practically Viva Magenta personified. It’s the colour of a confident text you send at 2 AM—bold, a little risky, but ultimately fun.

Practical Tip #1: Start Small, Think Big

Don’t paint your whole living room magenta unless you’re hosting a 1980s roller disco. Instead, try a statement vase, a velvet throw pillow, or a pair of sneakers. These small splashes can energize a neutral space without overwhelming it.

For clothing, a Viva Magenta top works wonders with denim or white trousers. It’s the unofficial “power colour” for Zoom calls—you’ll appear bold, approachable, and slightly mysterious.

How to Wear It (Without Looking Like a Valentine’s Card)

Balance is key. Pair Viva Magenta with crisp black, cool grey, or even a soft sage green to ground its intensity. Avoid mixing it with other bright reds—you’ll create a visual traffic jam.

For makeup lovers, a vivid magenta eyeliner or a matte lip is a low-commitment entry. It’s the shade that makes strangers ask, “Where did you get that?”—and that’s the highest compliment.

Fun Fact: The History of Magenta

Magenta was first synthesized in 1859, just after the Battle of Magenta in Italy. The dye was named to celebrate the French victory, making it a color born from conflict but reborn as a symbol of creative fire. Talk about a glow-up.

Viva Magenta in Your Home

Interior designers are calling it “the new millennial pink.” Try it on an accent wall in a home office to boost creativity, or use it in a bathroom for a spa-like pop. Velvet magenta chairs are having a moment on Instagram, especially against raw wood or brass fixtures.

If you’re renting, go for removable wallpaper or a magenta rug. It’s like a temporary tattoo for your floor—bold, fun, and easily swapped when your mood changes.

Practical Tip #2: Accessorize with Confidence

Your phone case, a beanie, or even a water bottle in Viva Magenta can transform your day. Psychologists say wearing a color you love activates dopamine receptors. It’s basically happiness you can carry in your pocket.

Why This Color Matters More Than You Think

Pantone’s choice reflects a global craving for authenticity and rebellion. In an era of AI-generated images and algorithmic blandness, Viva Magenta is a handmade, imperfect scream. It’s the color of protest posters, of cherry blossoms at dusk, of a perfectly ripe dragon fruit.

Fashion houses like Balenciaga and Gucci have already woven it into their 2023 collections. Even Apple’s iPhone 14 offered a “Deep Purple” that leans into this magenta territory—tech wants to feel warm again.

Final Fun Fact: The Beetle Connection

The cochineal beetle produces carminic acid, which creates a pigment so stable that it’s been used in Inca textiles for centuries. Viva Magenta is essentially a 500-year-old tradition in a modern tube. Your sweater has history.

A Short Reflection for Your Daily Life

Colour isn’t just decoration; it’s a dialogue with your own energy. Viva Magenta asks you to wake up, misbehave a little, and choose joy over safety. Next time you’re tempted to reach for that grey hoodie, try a magenta accessory instead—you might just feel the world tilt in a more interesting direction.

After all, as the writer Rebecca Solnit once noted, “Joy doesn’t betray but sustains activism.” And sometimes, that activism starts with a single, bold shade of lipstick. Or a throw pillow. You decide.