AllLast week, the Pantone Color Institute announced its 2018 Color of the Year: 18-3838 Ultra Violet, a blue-based purple the brand says was inspired by musical icons Prince, David Bowie and Jimi Hendrix.
Ultra Violet is described by as a color that “takes our awareness and potential to a higher level,” according to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, in a press release. “From exploring new technologies and the greater galaxy, to artistic expression and spiritual reflection, intuitive Ultra Violet lights the way to what is yet to come.” The shade also is meant to evoke “the mysteries of the cosmos, the intrigue of what lies ahead, and the discoveries beyond where we are now” as well as “the vast and limitless night sky.”
In a nod to the announcement, I rounded up some goods from local boutiques and makers in the royal, mystical hue.
These bold, handcrafted earrings by hip Minneapolis maker quartet, There There Collective, are made from polystyrene and sterling silver. UU Violet Earring by There There Collection, $48 @ theretherecollective.com. You can also find them on Saturday, Dec. 16 at the White Page Holiday Artist Market (11 a.m.–5 p.m. @ White Page Gallery, 3400 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis)
Celebrate your love for your favorite flavored sparkling beverage with these hand-cast and hand-painted planters by Orlando-based maker Hello Happy Plants. La Croix Planter in Purple by Hello Happy Plants, $50 each (comes with air plant) @ Forage Modern Workshop, 4023 E. Lake St., Minneapolis, and foragemodernworkshop.com
This lightweight, draped silk V-neck dress by Minneapolis-based brand, Winsome Goods, features bracelet sleeves and a shirttail hem that can be worn knotted. Carmen Tunic/Dress in Aubergine by Winsome Goods, $190 @ Hazel & Rose, 945 Broadway St. NE. #220, Minneapolis, and shophazelandrose.com
This wallpaper designed by Justina Blakeney for by Minneapolis-based wallpaper brand, Hygge & West, features dusty lavender, is inspired by Aja, a patron of the forest and the animals in Yoruba mythology. Aja Wallpaper in Periwinkle, $190 per roll @ hyggeandwest.com
This handmade cocktail hat by Minneapolis milliner, Karen Morris, is embellished with fabric swirl trim and silk roses. Purple Luxe Cocktail Hat by Karen Morris Millinery, $325 @ Karen Morris Millinery Store, 326 E. Hennepin Ave. #206, Minneapolis (open Thursday–Sunday & by appointment), and kmhats.com
There are several purple Prince-themed pins available from Minneapolis maker, Cherry Moon Press, although I’m particularly fond of the glittery “Baby I’m a Star” version. “Baby I’m a Star” V.20 Pin by Cherry Moon Press, $10 @ cherrymoonpress.com
Wilmington, NC, designer Tay Ham’s distinctive cards feature illustrations of the Purple One and Lil Kim’s iconic purple look from the 1999 MTV VMAs. “Let’s Bounce” and “Reign On” greeting cards by Tay Ham, $5 each @ Duke Albert, 2516 Central Ave. NE., Minneapolis, and dukealbert.com
Gold bee accents lend a whimsical touch to the modern architectural shape of this handcrafted leather handbag by New Ulm–based brand, Angela Valentine Handbags. Loel Mini Military Bee Cross-body Bag in Radiant Orchid by Angela Valentine Handbags, $198 @ angelavalentinehandbags.com
This silk crepe blouse by Christian Wijnants features tie sleeves and a whimsical paisley print. Tra Tie Sleeve Shirt by Christian Wijnants, $297 (on sale from $495) at Grethen House, 4930 France Ave. S., Edina, grethenhouse.com
This deep purple nail polish is made in the U.S. by 8-free, vegan-free, cruelty-free brand Deco Miami. 8-free means all lacquers are free from harmful chemicals such as DBP, formaldehyde, and parabens. Nail Lacquer in Not Your Fortune Teller by Deco Miami, $9.38 (on sale from $12.50) at Hazel & Rose and shophazelandrose.com
These ’70s-inspired trainers are made from organic cotton and eco-tanned, vegetable-dyed suede by fair-trade sourced French brand, Veja. The brand uses a rubber tapping process that is less harmful for the environment and allows rubber tapper receive a higher income. Holiday LT Trainers in Burgundy by Veja, $165 @ Hazel & Rose, shophazelandrose.com
This bright purple lipstick by Minneapolis-based vegan, cruelty-free cosmetics brand, Elixery, features an iridescent appearance and satin finish. Love Potion Lipstick by Elixery, $22 @ elixery.com
(All images courtesy the brands)
