https://blog.houseofcolour.co.uk/silver-vixens/

In 1999 Pantone launched a programme to choose a ‘Colour of the Year.’ Their aim was to draw attention to the fascinating connection between current culture and the colours prevalent in fashion and design. The chosen one would symbolise the global zeitgeist. Now each year their worldwide team research everything, including film, art, aspirational travel, sporting events, social media and new technology.  From this data they have decided on a colour symbolic of how we will live in 2022.

For the first time they’ve created one new to their range. Very Peri Pantone 17-3938 is ‘a dynamic periwinkle blue hue’ The reason for their choice? The colour must feel empowering after a turbulent pandemic year. Blue, the colour most beloved in the world, speaking of trust, calm and reliability was felt to be appropriate at this time. The red undertone, creating ‘the happiest and warmest of all blue hues’ would inject excitement and energy. Some commentators call Very Peri purple, others call it blue, another ‘a shade of lavender’ So take your pick!

But enough of theory. How will you wear it?

The good news is that unlike Illuminating, the vibrant yellow chosen for 2021, Very Peri works for all skin tones.

It’s fabulous for Winters, sitting in their royal purple/royal blue/ lobelia range. It will work well contrasted with brights or adding a pop of colour to any neutrals. Winter Dramatics might enjoy it as a fun hair colour. Summers can look out for softer or more plummy iterations to blend with similar colours for a tonal look or to mix well with their neutrals.  It’s close to Spring’s violet so will be great to add in, especially for Blue Springs. It’s also wonderful for Blue Autumns, being probably a ‘Wow’ colour.

If your rating on this look isn’t great don’t despair, just add an exciting pop, maybe in a bag, necklace, shoes or gloves. Some clothing personalities will enjoy it in glamorous metallic or shimmery fabrics. Others may rock it in street wear or a chunky sweater. Pantone have even produced Very Peri trainers. It works well in either delicate, pretty florals or large, bold geometric patterns.

If you want to jazz up your makeup consider our Violet eye pencil or Regal Plum retractable eye pencil. A dash of Royal Purple eye shadow will work beautifully with any season’s neutral greys or browns.

I was surprised at this choice. Although a huge contrast to Illuminating it’s extremely close to Ultraviolet Pantone Colour of 2018.  Both Jill Biden and Kamala Harris wore versions of it at the January 2021 inauguration so they can shop in their own wardrobes. Probably you can too! Or try a charity shop, now my first port of call when clothes shopping. I found my pre- loved version, a lace fit and flare party dress, perfect in every way for an Autumn Classic Gamine, in a Save the Children shop. By chance. Just an hour before the announcement was made. Now I just need to find a party!

Fiona Ingham 13/12/21