It’s that time of year again!  A new year is right around the corner and for some it means new beginnings, fresh starts, more growth and opportunities.  I’m not into all that “new year, new me” nonsense, but I do like to make sure I accomplish some type of  personal and professional growth. Pantone’s Color of the Year is always a good source of guidance if you need help with trying to figure out where to start.  The Color of the Year sets a theme.  “It’s truly a reflection of what’s needed in the world today” (Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute).

Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2017 was Greenery, which symbolized new beginnings.  Very fitting considering how 2016 ended, and only imagining the chaos 2017 would bring.  We’ve definitely been on quite the journey these past 348 days, but we as a society have made small strides in our efforts to come together and make changes that will positively affect future generations.  There is so much tenacity in making sure we continue the fight for equality and justice for many.

Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2018 is Ultra Violet.  A shade of purple that “communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future”.  To me this is the perfect follow up color to Greenery.  After a year of so much change, it’s important we continue to move forward and find creative ways to keep the fire going to fight for justice as well as be innovators to how we want to map out our future.  “Nuanced and full of emotion, the depth of PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet symbolizes experimentation and non-conformity, spurring individuals to imagine their unique mark on the world, and push boundaries through creative outlets.”

I love that 2018’s Color of the Year is Ultra Violet.  Purple is not my favorite color, but it’s the favorite color of a lot of my favorite people that have brought happiness and positivity to my life: my father, my Nana, and Prince!  Ironically these people have in some way embodied what Ultra Violet represents.  Prince especially.

He constantly pushed boundaries of what was considered “normal” and always did the things he wanted to do regardless of the opinions of others.  Of course this lead him to have such a long, successful career.  Prince’s music continues to live on and inspire others even after his death.  I’ve always said that originality always wins.  So may we thrive to be original in the new year so we can continue leaving a mark on this world the way others before us have.

Of course one of the best ways to express originality is through a manicure, even makeup.  And once again we can count on Butter London teaming up with Pantone to curate a collection of nail polishes, Lippys, and other cosmetics, inspired by Ultra Violet, to keep the imagination flowing.

So let’s finish out 2017 strong, and gear up for what WE are going to make of 2018 in the most polished way possible!

XO,

Melly