Through its Color of the Year initiative, Pantone has held power to influence product, packaging, graphic design, and purchasing decisions for over two decades. For 2023, the color of choice is Viva Magenta 18-1750 replacing last year's selection of Veri Peri. the dynamic periwinkle-blue hue with a vivifying violet-red undertone that blends the faithfulness and constancy of blue with the energy and excitement of red.

Viva Magenta descends from the red family and is "expressive of a new signal of strength." A pulsating color described as brave and fearless, promoting joy and celebration and writing a new narrative.

A reflection of the hope and ambition society needs after an unpredictable few years, Viva Magenta was selected to encourage experimentation and self-expression without restraint. 

The tone is manifested as a shade that welcomes everyone with a rebellious spirit, full of wit, and inclusive for anyone who receives it.

"Three years deep into a pandemic, facing a war, an unstable economy, social unrest, supply chain breakdowns, and mounting climate change, we need to heal, and still, we need to find the motivation to continue. Here, Viva Magenta cloaks us in both power and grace and sends us out into the world with the verve we've yearned for," Pantone says.

Designated to reconnect the world with nature, the shade invokes the inner spirit and helps to summon inner strength. Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of Pantone, explained that the shade is inspired by the red of cochineal, one of the strongest and brightest known dyes to man.

Eiseman also stated that in the current technology stages the world is in, Pantone chose the color as they look to draw their inspiration from what is real and nature. "The Color of the Year 2023 merges the richness, warmth, and strength of natural matters with the rich, open horizons of the digital world," Pantone says. "The result is a shade of red that expands our horizons of authenticity."

Last year's color, Veri Peri, also created a balance between technology and nature, but what separates Viva Magenta from the prior is its "ability to answer our collective need for strength.”

The color institution has partnered with companies such as Cariuma, Spoonflower, and Motorola to create a range of products in 2023's designated tint. Offerings from the collaborations include mobile phones, sneakers, and wallpaper. The "universally flattering shade" can also be explored through the exhibition art space Artechouse at Art Basel, showcasing an immersive experience that explores the hue through interactive rooms featuring visual, auditory, and tactile experiences.

As the new year rolls out, the bold message of confidence, hope, and self-expression will surely infiltrate beauty. Viva Magenta will present new possibilities for selections across all beauty categories, including haircare, eye, and nails.