World colour authority Pantone has named Viva Magenta as the Colour of the Year 2023

Just when pink has been named a popular colour favoured by consumers this year (thanks to the Barbie trend), world colour authority Pantone has named Viva Magenta - a colour rooted in nature, descending from the red family and signals strength, vigour and optimism - as its Colour of 2023.

Pantone's 2023 colour of the year - Viva Magenta - is a "a carmine red."
Created in conjunction with an AI tool,  Midjourney, it is metaverse friendly.
Photo: Pantone

PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta is regarded as brave and fearless, a pulsating colour whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration.  

Pantone says this colour is powerful and empowering. It is a new animated red that revels in pure joy, encouraging experimentation and self-expression without restraint, an electrifying, and a boundaryless shade that is manifesting as a stand-out statement. PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta welcomes anyone and everyone with the same verve for life and rebellious spirit. It is a color that is audacious, full of wit and inclusive of all.

Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute says, “In this age of technology, we look to draw inspiration from nature and what is real. 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, PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta galvanizes our spirit, helping us to build our inner strength.”

Ms Eiseman also says "The last few years were transformative in many ways in terms of people’s sense of self, and the way well- being, priorities and identity are being thought about. As a result, space has been created where we are free to explore and be accepted for exactly who we feel we are, whether it be in a cybernetic universe, a conventional space, or a magical blend of both."

Working with the AI tool Midjourney, Pantone is leveraging the bold magenta colour to explore a "Magentaverse" ecosystem, which will include immersive experiences in the colour world in partnership with interactive art exhibition company ARTECHOUSE. While the company has art spaces in Washington, DC and New York City, it will host the "Magentaverse" at its Miami Beach location. Beginning on Dec. 3, the immersive exhibition will be open to the public for the first time, with "immersive rooms with textures and interactions that plunge attendees into an array of visual, auditory, and tactile experiences."

Milana Hot Pink/Grey wallpaper by Olenka Design celebrates with the same vibrant hues,
verve for life and rebellious spirit as Pantone’s Viva Magenta.