For the first time in its history, the Pantone Color Institute created a new color as its Color of the Year. Very Peri, described as a vibrant periwinkle blue with violet and red undertones, was invented especially for the honor. That’s right, none of the 1,114 existing Pantone colors were deserving of the 2022 crown.
“It was really important for us to come up with a new color, because we have a very new vision of the world now,” Pantone Color Institute executive director Leatrice Eiseman recently told CNN in an interview. In choosing the color(s) of the year, the Institute considers global events. The Covid-19 pandemic continues to influence their choices. In 2021, for only the second time, two colors were selected: Ultimate Gray and Illuminating (bright yellow). The colors symbolized emergence from a dreary time into a brighter future. Likewise, the Institute felt that Very Peri was a hopeful and happy shade that created a feeling of newness.
As we move into a world of unprecedented change, the selection of PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri brings a novel perspective and vision of the trusted and beloved blue color family, encompassing the qualities of the blues, yet at the same time with its violet undertone, Very Peri displays a spritely, joyous attitude and dynamic presence that encourages courageous creativity and imaginative expressions.
Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute
Digital influences
In addition to world events, Pantone studies the entertainment industry, art, fashion, design, travel and lifestyles for emerging trends. This year, technology played an integral part in their choice as our lives are increasingly tied to the digital realm, or metaverse. The color is found in platforms from the Fortnite video game to Zoom call backgrounds. To further promote the tech theme, Pantone partnered with Microsoft to launch Very Peri as a series of wallpapers, PowerPoint palettes, and even a Teams camera filter.
peri partners
To give you a little inspiration for incorporating Very Peri into your world, Pantone provides suggested palettes. The color can be the star of the show among neutrals. It also serves as a complement to brighter hues.
Benjamin Moore paint company’s Color Preview collection includes Scandinavian Blue, which closely resembles Very Peri. They suggest pairing the color with a creamy white and silvery pale blue shade.
Peri weddinG?
Apart from the actual periwinkle flower (vinca), the blue-purple Very Peri color is rare in fresh florals. If you’ve fallen in love with the color and want to use it in your upcoming wedding, Lilium designers recommend incorporating the shade in your reception linens, invitations/announcements, bridesmaid dresses and accessories. It’s easier to coordinate florals to compliment the periwinkle tones than to find flowers in that specific shade. As shown in the suggested palettes above, there are many ways to build a color story around Very Peri.