As the calendar hits ‘refresh’, the creative industry gears up for the one colour that will be taking over fashion, living spaces, art and also our lives in some or the other way in the new year. So now that we’ve stepped into 2020, it’s time to say Hello to the Pantone Colour of the Year – Classic Blue. Listed as one of the essential colours globally, Classic Blue derives its inspiration from a world in desperate need of stability and serenity, especially after the rather unsettling decade we’ve had. After skimming through several sectors and shortlisting tons of colours to represent the year ahead, Pantone’s Classic Blue denotes an era that needs to be built on a stable and reliable foundation. This time around, the colour is a treat to all five senses – touch, smell, vision, audio and taste.
Pantone’s on a mission to make this colour a diverse experience and how! Blue holds global importance for more than one reason. With its stems in style, music, culture, psychology and MUCH more, this refreshing tone occupies space in several genres.
Let’s dive deeper into the blues, shall we?
Blue in Psychology
If blue is what we’re going to see most of all this year, then we think it’s justified to firstly gauge how this colour makes one feel. Ever wondered why one look at the sky teleports us to oblivion? Or why an increasing number of people are now favouring seaside getaways to hit pause on their fast-paced lives? The answer is probably one we already know; blue – in every form – instantly induces a state of calmness. It is rightfully known as the colour of healing.
This is also why hospital logos, walls or signages are often seen in the reassuring hue. It’s in blue’s nature to evoke a strong sense of safety, inspiration and reflection.
(Fun Fact — true blue is rarely naturally available, but almost every ‘blue’ that we see is a result of light play and pigments of other colours combined. Right about now, except for the sky and the sea, you probably can’t think of many (or any) plants, animals, or things in blue. Truly, there aren’t many!)
Blue in Music
Blue has undoubtedly earned a reputation for being a colour associated with heartbreak and melancholy – but there are happier blues on the charts too! Several lyricists have been known to toy around with the idea of ‘blue eyes’ as the highlight of a romantic, all-consuming love affair. And even though, most times, the colour has been strung into icy romances, their depth is what ultimately makes this colour a musical winner.
A popular feel-good song, Haiki’s I was lost in those blue eyes never fails to make us groove. On the other hand, Halsey’s chart-buster Colors describes her lover and the relationship as ‘blue’ but in reference to happier times.
If we absolutely must acknowledge the melancholy though, we’d say there is no song that makes us take a trip down memory lane like Elton John’s Grammy-winning Blue Eyes. Safe to say, we don’t mind singing the blues all year long. Maybe we’ll find ourselves a blue-eyed romance too? Who knows!
Blue in Fashion
Miranda Priestly’s memorable monologue in The Devil Wears Prada has been successful in establishing the colour’s supreme status in the industry. Shades of blue have been dominating the fashion world for years now, and this is not just seconded by Meryl Streep, but your favourite (read: versatile) pair of denim too! Let’s not sideline that humble blue shirt though, without which your wardrobe is definitely deemed incomplete. We’re no Anne Hathaway, but we’ve learnt a thing or two about how distinguishable this colour really is.
Owing to it’s reassuring & healing attributes, it is also associated with the goodness in the world. Mother Teresa’s white saree with blue stripes is recognised for peace and goodwill, in addition to being a trademarked ‘uniform’.
Blue in Culture
All hail the Blue Bloods, but why? This term for the royals literally comes from the colour of their blood or more specifically, the colour of their veins. The bygone era saw royals with great privilege, with them never having to to do farm work, or even going to the farms at all due to their wealthy statuses. The lack of suntan was responsible for their pale complexions – even without the million skincare routines we now follow – making the veins ‘neath their flesh quite visible.
Think somebody’s intentions for you are nothing but evil? A blue eye-shaped amulet is believed to ward off negative energy in some cultures around the world.
In India too, we have a ‘blue city’ within our reach! Jodhpur – also known as the Sun City is referred to as the Blue City because of the colour of its houses. Seen from a distance, one can spot homely structures splashed with the same bright indigo hue and they are an absolute sight for everyone with an eye for architecture! What originally marked the homes of Bhramins is now a symbolic colour of the city. Well, all this talk about blue in various cultures has got us wanting to pick our next vacation spot already!
Blue in Art
Woman in Blue by Pablo Picasso 
Old Guitarist by Pablo Picasso
Known as the most popular hue in the world of art – both old and new – blue holds a special spot in every artist’s palette. Pablo Piccasso’s Blue Period consisted of paintings with blue tones that were symbolic of his emotional turmoil. The entire series, with outcasts as the subject, depicts their daily struggle inflicted by society and personal traumas. Van Gogh’s Starry Night too creates the perfect contrast between deep blue hues and brighter tones in line with his internal turmoil and hope for better days.
Since blue pigments were and still remain extremely rare in nature, medieval artists used mixed media and combinations to depict the colour. In fact, there have been blue hues discovered purely by accident! With a price drop in Indigo dyes later in the 1900s, the artists’ imaginations now explored a wider canvas. In the present day scenario, blue tones know no bounds!
There’s no denying the fact that there is more to blue hues than what meets the eye. In 2020 though, all we’re really looking forward to is seeing this colour transform, transition and make the difference it is fated to bring about by means of fashion, art, decor and of course – conscious living.
Image Credits: Pinterest