Global color authority Pantone announced that its 2022 Color of the Year is PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri, a "dynamic periwinkle blue hue with a vivifying violet red undertone." Blending the faithfulness and constancy of blue with the energy and excitement of red, this happiest and warmest of all the blue hues introduces an empowering mix of newness.

For the first time in the history of its Color of the Year series, Pantone created a color instead of choosing from its library, which signifies a cultural moment, the company says.

“Creating 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,” says Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute. “As society continues to recognize color as a critical form of communication and as a way to express and effect ideas and emotions and engage and connect, the complexity of this new red-violet-infused blue hue highlights the expansive possibilities that lie before us.”

PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri is a symbol of the global zeitgeist of the moment and the transition we are going through, a company statement says. As we emerge from an intense period of isolation, our notions and standards are changing, and our physical and digital lives have merged in new ways. 

“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,” says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute. “Encompassing the qualities of the blues, yet at the same time possessing a violet-red undertone, PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri displays a spritely, joyous attitude and dynamic presence that encourages courageous creativity and imaginative expression.”

Check out our slidehow of talented artists who incorporated a periwinkle-inspired shade into their looks; we're sold!