Color authority Pantone has released its 2018 Color of the Year and its Ultra Violet, a blue-based purple.

“The Pantone Color of the Year has come to mean so much more than ‘what’s trending’ in the world of design; it’s truly a reflection of what’s needed in our world today,” said Laurie Pressman, Vice President, The Pantone Color Institute.

And, what’s needed in the world is visionary thinking, according to the explanation behind the color selection. The hue, which has been used by musical icons Price, David Bowie and Jimi Hendrix as a statement of individuality, was chosen to symbolize experimentation and non-conformality.

“We are living in a time that requires inventiveness and imagination,” said Leatrice. “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.”

As the wellness trend continues to gain momentum among consumers, the Color of the Year is reflective of the growing global market for health and wellness, as the hue has also been attached to spirituality. For example, purple-toned lightning is often seen in meditation spaces and is the shade of amethyst crystals used for meditation and healing. For the beauty industry, the purple pigment is easily wearable on eyes, lips, nails and hair, and has already been widely accepted by brands and consumers who embraced the unicorn trend throughout 2017.