You’ve probably seen it all over social media, “Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2022!” You probably know that it’s a bluish-purplish color called Very Peri. You have probably seen headlines about the color being worn by a celebrity, posts about what it means, moodboards and outfit inspos that are all about this hot topic color. But what is this “Pantone Color of the Year” really? What is Pantone exactly?

Pantone is a company that was founded way back in 1962. In the following year, 1963, they came out with their revolutionary color-matching system that paved the way to a “universal language of color” across industries (About Pantone). However, it was not until the year 2000 that they picked a color of the year–which was Cerulean Blue, by the way. This color was meant to reflect a calm sky amidst the high-tec new millennium.

Specifically, it is the Pantone Color Institute that is in charge of selecting and declaring Pantone’s color of the year. According to the company’s website, color experts from all over the world would meet two times a year to choose the coming year’s color after much research, trend analysis, and debate. Basically, these representatives try and predict the color that would be popular and influential for the year ahead.

The Pantone colors of the year 2021 are Ultimate Gray and Illuminating, a bright yellow. On the 9th of December, Pantone unveiled their color of the year for 2022. As mentioned, this is Very Peri or PANTONE 17-3938.

Introducing the Pantone Color of the Year 2022, PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri, a dynamic periwinkle blue hue with a vivifying violet red undertone blends the faithfulness and constancy of blue with the energy and excitement of red. Learn more: https://t.co/eNIwkTq2K8 pic.twitter.com/hBfiDusFKU

— PANTONE (@pantone) December 9, 2021

This periwinkle blue with a violet red undertone is unique because this is the first time that Pantone has created a brand-new color for their pick of the year and not a pre-existing one from their color library.

Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute Laurie Pressman is quoted on their website stating, “[c]reating a new color for the first time in the history of our Pantone Color of the Year educational color program reflects the global innovation and transformation taking place. As society continues to recognize color as a critical form of communication, and a way to express and affect ideas and emotions and engage and connect, the complexity of this new red violet infused blue hue highlights the expansive possibilities that lay before us.”

This color of Very Peri can be seen as reflective of the cool glow our gadgets tend to cast as we immerse ourselves in this increasingly mediated world. Although it also holds the warmer and organic red and violet.

Only time will tell if this color does go on to dominate this coming 2022. Do you like this new shade Very Peri? Will you be wearing something in this color to celebrate the new year?