Following a froggy-green 2017, last week Pantone revealed the colour of 2018, a decidedly more wearable, uplifting hue of Ultra Violet. According to Pantone, the "dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade... communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future."
"We are living in a time that requires inventiveness and imagination," Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Colour Institute explained. "It is this kind of creative inspiration that is indigenous to Pantone 18-3838 Ultra Violet, a blue-based purple that takes our awareness and potential to a higher level. From exploring new technologies and the greater galaxy, to artistic expression and spiritual reflection, intuitive Ultra Violet lights the way to what is yet to come.”
Elected the colour of 2018, the shade has already made a significant cultural impact over the past year. Remember the purple-accented Ralph Lauren trouser suit Hillary Clinton wore to nobly concede defeat to Donald Trump in November 2016? In June 2017, Prince's Purple Rain Deluxe Expanded was posthumously released, with suitably ultra violet album artwork from the iconic musician whose artistic image was intrinsically linked to the colour purple.
Then, in September during Milan Fashion Week, Gucci's SS18 collection was not only presented under an ultra violet strobe light but a number of the 106 looks were head-to-toe ultra violet, from a purple jumpsuit and shimmering ruffled gown to velvet trousers worn with a snake-adorned jacket.
Mixing blue and red, two shades which are seemingly opposed, to create something entirely new, Ultra Violet is therefore one of the most complex colours. "Complex and contemplative, Ultra Violet suggests the mysteries of the cosmos, the intrigue of what lies ahead, and the discoveries beyond where we are now. The vast and limitless night sky is symbolic of what is possible and continues to inspire the desire to pursue a world beyond our own," Pantone stated.
During such turbulent sociopolitical times, we're excited about the prevalence of a colour that stands for hope, discovery, limitlessness and reflection. It's time to get into the colour purple. Click ahead for 18 ways to wear ultra violet now.
Tassel earrings were a huge accessories trend in 2017 and their popularity shows no sign of abating for 2018, especially if in an ultra violet, eye-catching hue.
Mango Tassels pendant earrings, £12.99, available at Mango
If you're not on board with adding a vivid shade of purple to your wardrobe, try this sweater for a low-key way of wearing ultra violet. Well, as 'low-key' as ultra violet could ever be...
& Other Stories Sparkling sweater, £45, available at & Other Stories
Ready to trade your trusty denim for velvet? Then these straight-leg disco trousers have your name all over them. Wear with sparkles and ruffles for a show-stopping party look.
Marc Jacobs Straight high-rise velvet trousers, £355, available at Selfridges
Summer may be a distant memory but wear this mood-enhancing floral dress over jeans for now, until the warmer weather returns when you can pair with white boots or sandals.
Mango Floral pattern dress, £49.99, available at Mango
Tremaine Emory and DJ Acyde conceived Art Dad during a late-night conversation about Kanye West’s Madison Square Garden show and soon after, Virgil Abloh of Off-White texted them to collaborate. This '70s-inspired ‘Cigars and Tequila’ T-shirt is perfect for down days, worn with denim and trainers.
ART DAD x Off-White Cigars and Tequila cotton-jersey T-shirt, £210, available at Selfridges
A boot Prince would be proud of.
Mango Geometric leather ankle boots, £79.99, available at Mango
Embellished with shimmering gold, bronze and silver sequins that create a leaf motif, let this satin pouch swing from the sleeve of an evening gown.
Attico Embellished-leaf satin pouch, £340, available at Matches Fashion
Alessandro Michele is a master of purple and this skinny flared silhouette skims the leg in all the right places.
Gucci Cady flared pants, £590, available at Net-A-Porter
For the girl who's more statement than subtle when it comes to earrings.
Mango Metal pendant earrings, £15.99, available at Mango
Add some colour to your everyday work wardrobe with this easy, elegant sweater.
Zara Sweater with slits, £12.99, available at Zara
Upgrade your knitwear with this textured, XL long-sleeved jumper.
Topshop Boutique Extreme long sleeve knitted jumper, £60, available at Topshop
Just because it's winter, that doesn't mean you have to resign your feet to ugly, clonky footwear. Wear these heels with (thick) tights and your favourite dress.
Zara Ruffled leather high heel shoes, £79.99, available at Zara
Bored of the trousers you wear to work every other day? These purple paper bag trousers are just as suitable for the office as your favourite Friday night haunt.
Miss Selfridge Paper bag trousers, £35, available at Miss Selfridge
Because the sock boot trend isn't going anywhere fast.
Uterqüe Velvet ankle boots, £120, available at Uterqüe
This jewel-toned silk shirt is a luxurious investment piece that will become a versatile staple.
Prada Silk crepe de chine shirt, £560, available at Net-A-Porter
These purple and green Gucci glitter monogram socks will add a dash of glitter dust to your party feet.
Gucci Interlocking G Socks, £100, available at Browns Fashion
Have you noticed that ultra violet satin pouches are a big thing?
Mango Satin bag, £19.99, available at Mango
This AW17 purple Prada silk blend lurex velvet high neck midi dress is not for shy, retiring types. Minimalists, look away now. Maximalists, we think we've found The One.
Prada Lurex velvet high neck midi dress, £2,590, available at Browns Fashion
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