Era of the Magentaverse: Why Pantone's Viva Magenta is perfect for the holiday season

Pantone has announced the much-awaited Colour of the Year 2023. This time, it’s the bright and powerful 18-1550 Viva Magenta that is “brave and fearless, whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration.” Calling it an unconventional red for an unconventional time, the colour institute has called it a signal of strength, inclusivity, and self-expression.We get designers to tell us how we can use the colour this party season.
’Tis the season to stand out
Sharing some Christmas decorating tips and ideas, art director and stylist Atheena Wilson gives us some tips on how to use the colour:
·A magenta and various hues of pink-themed Christmas tree, punctuated with hints of silver
·Magenta candles paired with green glass candle stands, set against some pine leaves and cones
·Pink rose wine glasses and with some Beefeater Pink Gin thrown in, as a cheeky add on
·An abstract painting with very vivid and wild magenta strokes or a monotoned armchair and ottoman
·Magenta and orange or teal are lovely pairings
Of design dreams
For Mumbai-based designer Dhruvi Panchal, “Magenta is a must-have colour in your wardrobe,” and works well with sarees, lehengas with tone-on-tone embroidery and shararas. It complements the Indian skin tones and gives a certain feminine appeal, she says, adding: “My suggestion is to keep it minimal to make it look classy.”
According to Mumbai-based stylist Aiman Sheikh, Viva Magenta screams power and energy. Though the shade is perfect for a wardrobe makeover, styling can be slightly tricky as it is a statement on its own. Here are her tips:



From runways to red carpets to couture houses, everywhere one can find hot pink and magenta-soaked creations. Fashion icons such as Harry Styles’ magenta blazer, Kate Middleton’s power suit, Gigi Hadid’s mini dress and matching bag, and Zendaya’s anti-fit suit are but a few examples of celebs choosing to appear in hot pink from head to toe. Closer home, actors such as Ranveer Singh, Anushka Sharma, Kiara Advani to Rashmika Mandanna, among others, have turned to magenta for fashion inspiration.