For those who aren’t as clued up/as colour obsessed as me, every year Pantone awards a ‘Pantone of the year’ by studying colour trends throughout the year. They consider all aspects of our society and culture – everything from fashion, marketing, social media and even sometimes politics. The chosen hue has become increasingly influential in the design industry, influencing different projects and marketing trends throughout the year.

2023’s Pantone of the year (insert drum roll here) has been awarded to the bold and punchy Viva Magenta 18-1750. It has been described as “a new animated red that revels in pure joy, encouraging experimentation and self-expression without restraint, an electrifying, and a boundary-less shade that is manifesting as a stand-out statement” and is a Magenta that “welcomes anyone and everyone with the same verve for life and rebellious spirit. It is a colour that is audacious, full of wit and inclusive of all.”

“In this age of technology, we look to draw inspiration from nature and what is real…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…”

Leatrice Eiseman
Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute

In the spirit of all things Pantone, I decided to ask the team to pick their very own colour of the year. As an added challenge I even tried to predict their picks (spoiler alert, I didn’t get any of them remotely right.)

Jon – Foliage

“It reminds me of Autumn and I love wearing the colour as well, as it brings out my beautiful but wonky green eyes.”

Sarah – Ethereal Blue

“I find this colour calming yet so uplifting at the same time. It’s a little bit of mindfulness, reminding me to stop and look up every now and then.”

Annie – Puffin’s Bill

“Orange is my favourite colour, especially a rusty, burnt orange – it feels warm, inviting and familiar and reminds me of good times!”

Scott – Cockatoo

“It was a toss up between this and Mint Leaf but when the margins are so slim and the shades close to indistinguishable the excuse to say the word Cockatoo was enough to win gold… if gold was actually teal.”

Flossie – Bird of Paradise

“I love a bright, peachy looking orange. It’s a colour that feels summery and energetic and looks so vivid, especially on screen. I got a Bird of Paradise plant for Christmas so I’ll compare it to this swatch if it ever flowers.”

Gareth – Spring Bud

“It is a bright, fresh, and lively green colour that evokes feelings of spring, renewal and hope in me. I often think about how the colour green is associated with nature, growth, and new beginnings, which I find optimistic and hopeful for a better tomorrow.”

Emily – Emerald

“No surprise to the studio but I LOVE anything green and shock ­– I even have an Emerald Green Pantone phone case so this was the obvious answer!”

Hannah – Chocolate Fondant

“I love deep brown colours (especially at this time of year) and I love colours that remind me of food. This one makes me feel happy and my mouth water at the same time!”

Raihannah – Island Paradise

“First of all the name, what’s not to love? I love wearing this colour and it reminds me of summer and clear blue oceans!”