Viva Magenta, Color 18-1750, is a bold signal of strength—and it has been named the 2023 Pantone Color of the Year. This hybrid pinkish-red straddles warm and cool, vigor and tenderness. Viva Magenta exudes both compassion and confidence.
The unconventionality of the past few years contributed to the selection for the 2023 Color of the Year. Growing compassion toward nature and a reconnection with the outdoors leads us to desire color that is primal and bold—a color that is found in nature and utilized in technology.
Magenta’s carmine and pure pigment carminic acid from the cochineal beetle have been used for centuries throughout the world. In what was considered a dull time color-wise, shades of deep red began to sweep the globe, cloaking emperors and showing up in masterpiece paintings. These deep reds proclaimed power and elegance in centuries past.
What will Viva Magenta bring us in modern times?
Although this color is rooted in nature, technology is another muse for the Color of the Year. Throughout the pandemic, we found connection through technology and new methods of self-expression—a light in an otherwise dark time. Pantone hopes the vibrance of Viva Magenta ignites energetic positivity within all of us after such a difficult time.
2023’s Color of the Year exemplifies vibrancy, whether worn as a full-on statement or as a bold accessory. Even in the smallest doses, Viva Magenta packs a powerful punch. Aside from clothing and accessories, we can expect to see this color fusing nature and technology in all aspects of life—from apparel to packaging, home interiors to the metaverse sky. Invoking the celebration of power and compassion, Viva Magenta will help us all create a more positive future.
“In this age of technology, we look to draw inspiration from nature and what is real. PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta descends from the red family, and is inspired by the red of cochineal, one of the most precious dyes belonging to the natural dye family as well as one of the strongest and brightest the world has known. 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.”
To create powerful images of Viva Magenta, Pantone used Midjourney, an artificial intelligence generative tool, to create artistic interpretations of this year’s color. Using the bold inspiration of technology entwined with nature, Pantone calls this “vibrant ecosystem” the Magentaverse. To get the full experience of this Magentaverse you can take part of an immersive exhibition at ARTECHOUSE in Miami.