Pantone's Color of the Year announcements have become an annual tradition since 1999, drawing significant attention from paint companies, wall covering manufacturers, wood stain specialists, fabric producers and more. Pantone, originally founded as a printer from New Jersey during the 1950s but since transforming itself into an authority on color matching technology and now providing forecasting of trends without marketing-driven products.

2023 takes a sharp departure from recent color trends of soft pastels, muted neutrals and nature-inspired greens by choosing vibrant and uninhibited red Viva Magenta as its color of the year.

Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of Pantone Color Institute has stated that an unconventional shade suits our changing times perfectly. PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta belongs to the red family and draws its color from cochineal, an esteemed natural dye known for being brightest and strongest worldwide. According to Eiseman, Viva Magenta reminds us to reconnect with our origins, while sparking our creativity while strengthening inner strength.

Cochineal bugs, small oval-shaped insects, have long been used as natural dye sources, including cochineal extract, carmine, and pure carminic acid. These natural hues find wide use across food, textiles and cosmetic applications.

Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute, notes that recent years have witnessed seismic shifts in people's sense of themselves as well as changes to how well-being, priorities and identity are perceived. As an attempt to bring about new perspectives and pathways of living for us all to follow, Viva Magenta stands as an opportunity for renewal.

Although red, Viva Magenta strikes a balance between warm and cool tones. Eiseman refers to this transformative shade as assertive yet nonaggressive; she and Pressman note how impossible Viva Magenta is to overlook. When used in eye shadow or lipstick applications or as an accent against neutral tones - or even used as the base color in a stylish red kitchen - its use adds an upbeat and playful note that sets products apart.

Pantone's selection of the color of the year influences product and design decisions made by both homeowners and designers, as it takes into account fashion shows, art exhibitions, cars sold to consumers, new product offerings from manufacturers, etc. to identify emerging trends.

What do you think of Pantone's Color of the Year? Will you be adding it into your home or wardrobe?