Forget the tranquil dark blue of 2020, the sombre grey of 2021, the transitional periwinkle of 2022. Pantone’s colour of the year for 2023 is no calm, soothing hue, but bright, joyful and pulsating with optimism. The colour authority describes the bold pinkish-red — officially called Viva Magenta, or Pantone 18-1750 — as “brave,” “fearless,” “empowering” and “writing a new narrative.”
Every year since 2000, Pantone has selected its colour of the year by observing trends in fashion, home décor, film, technology and more. It also captures the mood of the moment; it’s fitting that Pantone used an artificial intelligence image-generation tool to introduce what it calls the “Magentaverse.”
In any case, expect to see Viva Magenta everywhere from lip tints to party frocks to patterns like the Danube Retro Vintage Zinnia Cow Parsley Floral (pictured here), created by Victoria pattern designer Jackie Tahara of UnBlink Studio. It appears on wallpaper, tablecloths and the throw cushions you’ll be tossing on your patio furniture this summer.