Is India ultra violet ready?

The American colour consulting company, Pantone  has chosen a contemplative and altogether existential colour for 2018, as th Colour of the Year — Ultra Violet.

While Pantone reasons that ultra violet ‘points toward the future’ and that it ‘takes our awareness and potential to a higher level’, many are arguing that the colour doesn’t suit the Indian complexion much.

Pantone noted that a deep purple like the ultra violet has ‘long been symbolic of counterculture, unconventionality and artistic brilliance’. However, designer Anju Modi, who has designed for historical movie Bajirao Mastani, argues, “Ultra violet is a very English colour and will not suit our Indian complexion so much. However, if I have to use it in my collection, I would use it in fusion wear and that too with a lot of creative care. Historically too, one might find a lot of mauve, magenta and grape in our Indian wear, but not this particular shade of violet.”

Ranveer Singh

Resonating with her views, celebrity designer Nachiket Barve says, “It is a tricky colour. But, if I look at the idea of incorporating ultra violet, then we have to be cautious as it doesn’t go too well with many Indian tones. Also, the fabric one uses plays a very critical role. If you work with ultra-rich silk, this colour will look beautiful, but with a fabric like organza or satin, it might look quite awful.”

However, for those who want to keep up with the trend, celebrity stylist Nitasha Gaurav feels that being quirky is in vogue and one can certainly work around with the colour. “You can combine this colour with nudes, ivory, yellow and other bright hues and it would look really nice. It might look very bright, but I don’t think Indians are afraid of colours. If one can carry a violet lipstick like Aishwarya, then it would look cool too,” says Nitasha, who has styled celebrities like Ranveer Singh.