The Covid-19 pandemic has had a hand in nearly every aspect of people’s lives over the last two years, and, for the second time, it has played its part in the selection of Pantone’s colour of the year.
‘Very Peri’ – or Pantone 17-3938 – is the company’s first-ever newly digitally-created colour for the year, and comprises a complex blend of red violet shades, infused with blue hues.
The colour’s digital roots have particular relevance to its inspiration.
As we emerge from an intense period of isolation and uncertainty, the colour is said to be a representation of changing attitudes towards the digital world – as well as the global zeitgeist that we live in today.
Trends in gaming and the growing popularity of the metaverse have influenced the Pantone 17-3938 shade heavily and are an illustration of its fusion into the modern day.
“As we move into a world of unprecedented change, the selection of Pantone 17-3938 Very Peri brings a novel perspective and vision of the trusted and beloved blue colour family, encompassing the qualities of the blues, yet at the same time with its violet red undertone, Pantone 17-3938 Very Peri displays a spritely, joyous attitude and dynamic presence that encourages creativity and imaginative expressions,” said Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute.
In constant reference to the shade’s code, rather than its given name, Pantone also gives a nod to its digital roots.
“The Pantone Color of the Year reflects what is taking place in our global culture, expressing what people are looking for that colour can hope to answer,” added Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute.
“Creating a new colour for the first time in the history of our Pantone Colour of the Year educational colour programme reflects the global innovation and transformation taking place.
“As society continues to recognise colour as a critical form of communication and a way to express and affect ideas and emotions and engage and connect, the complexity of this red violet infused blue hue highlights the expansive possibilities that lay before us.”
For 2021’s colour of the year, Pantone selected two shades to represent the year ahead – another first in its history.
To reflect the disconnection and unity of the world as Covid-19 surged across parts of the world, the company selected Ultimate grey and Illuminating yellow.
Together, Pantone said the colours deliver ‘a deeper feeling of thoughtfulness with the optimistic promise of a sunshine filled day’.
