Following a verdant 2017, the new year is being dominated by the fiercely regal shade 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.”
The hue has already made a huge cultural impact over the past year. Hillary Clinton wore a purple-accented Ralph Lauren pantsuit to concede defeat to Donald Trump in November 2016. While in June, Prince’s Purple Rain Deluxe Expanded was unveiled with ultra violet album artwork —a color which the legendary musician was intrinsically associated with. In September for Milan Fashion Week, Gucci’s Spring 2018 presentation commenced under an ultra violet strobe light, along with a major number of looks (approx. 106) were in head-to-toe ultra violet ranging from jumpsuits to glistening ruffled gowns and snake-embellished outerwear.
Whether you’re a fan of this rich shade or not, it’s definitely here to stay. Expect the runways and street style crowd to be sporting this regal hue but how exactly do you wear it? We take a page from the streets and show you 4 easy but chic ways to rock ultra violet.
- For such a strong color, purple is a great statement piece for a casual look. Make it the highlight of your ensemble by going for a flashy textured piece such as a metallic top and pair with accessories in complementing hues.
- Go for a softer shade such a lilac and match with neutral hues.
- Take a page from uber stylish gal and Attico designer, Gilda Ambrosio and get on board with color clashing. Yes, it may be quite bold but with ultra violet, now is the time to go more adventurous with your sartorial choices.
- An Italian girl staple and one statement piece we love—a robe. Wear one over a printed maxi dress for an essentially Resort look.
- For all the girls who love their fair share of workwear and menswear-influenced style, an ultraviolet suit is the way to go. For something more toned down (and one of our favorite shades of purple!), try going for lilac gray and incorporating the bright purple with mules or even a pair of booties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ultra Violet is Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2018, described by the color authority as a dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade that communicates originality, ingenuity and visionary thinking. It follows 2017’s Greenery, and is expected to appear on runways and in street style.
Make ultra violet the highlight of a casual look with a flashy textured piece such as a metallic top, paired with accessories in complementing hues. For a softer approach, choose a shade such as lilac and match it with neutral colors.
An ultra violet suit suits those who like workwear and menswear-influenced style. For something more toned down, wear a lilac gray suit and bring in the bright purple with mules or booties. The look balances a strong color with tailored, structured pieces.
Color clashing means pairing ultra violet with other bold colors for a more adventurous look. Attico designer Gilda Ambrosio is cited as an example of the approach, and ultra violet is presented as the shade for being more adventurous with sartorial choices.
Ultra violet appeared in Hillary Clinton’s purple-accented Ralph Lauren pantsuit when she conceded in November 2016, in the ultra violet artwork for Prince’s Purple Rain Deluxe Expanded in June 2017, and in Gucci’s Spring 2018 show in Milan, which began under an ultra violet strobe light.
