Could pastels be a thing of the past? Pantone Color Institute has predicted that the world is ready for bold, out-there colour, a stark contrast to the calm-inducing tones of previous years.
Pantone’s Viva Magenta is unapologetically bold and demands all the attention, unlike the much more placid ‘Millennial Pink’, and the complete opposite of the brand’s 2022 Colour of the Year, periwinkle. Periwinkle, a much softer purple-blue tone, suited the tumultuous past two years as a tranquiliser to the chaos. As consumers, we were comforted by the colour. Now, however, colour trend experts believe that magenta is the shade to pay attention to over the next year.
This statement colour is, on many colour wheels, perfectly situated between red and blue, and can be likened to fuchsia, a similar (if slightly more bluish) shade. Searches for magenta clothing have taken a sharp rise this season, in particular following Valentino’s AW22-23 show, where the fashion house debuted its viral Pink PP Collection, including those pink platform heels.
While head-to-toe magenta Valentino might seem a bit much for a quick trip to the corner shop, this shade can be easily incorporated into any outfit, regardless of how neutral your tastes. A simple pop of colour in the form of shoes, a handbag, sunglasses or earrings may be the remedy to the influencer-endorsed all-over-beige phase that has gripped our wardrobes.
Of course, if you’re an established sartorial maverick, we don’t need to tell you that magenta pairs well with a dash of lush green (its polar opposite on the colour wheel), amethyst, crimson or tangerine. And if you’re still holding onto Millennial Pink, you’ll be pleased to know that mixing your pinks is highly encouraged this season.
Browse our gallery for more inspiration on how to utilise magenta to its full potential.
