THIS is the colour you’ll be seeing everywhere in 2019

The Asian Paints Colour of the Year 2019 is here. Spoiler: it’s particularly woke!

It’s more of a statement than a colour. It brings with it the promise of change. In fact, it is the first step in the direction of change. Christened ‘Awakening’, the Asian Paints Colour of the Year 2019 is a deep shade of plum which combines the power of purple with the humility of brown. It is the colour of the courage to be the change.

We caught up with SK Srikanth, General Manager – Innovation, Design & Digital, Customer Experience at Asian Paints to find out why this colour prediction is more important than the other global ones. “ColourNext is an India-specific forecasting exercise. This colour direction is current and rooted in the visual, social and cultural context of India. It captures the mood of the nation and is bound to inspire designers and artists working across various disciplines,” he explains.

To showcase the application of ‘Awakening’, Asian Paints commissioned some of the most innovative designers working with furniture, accessories, rugs and even art prints to use this next-level shade of plum on their pieces. The results are to be seen below. We also asked these experts to weigh in on why they are placing their bets on this dynamic and yet dignified colour.
 

Here’s what they had to say:
“The term awakening signifies change. A change in the way we think and how we live. It signifies a shift in our perspectives. The Colour of the Year represents this change, with it’s refreshing and unusual nature. The term is especially relevant in 2019 as we collectively become more aware and conscious of our surroundings. Millennials are the new decision makers, from leading the circular economy to finding meaning in their work or being conscious about the environment, ‘Awakening’ is a metaphor for being aware and having a purpose.”

-    Suzanne Dias, illustrator and graphic designer

“The Asian Paint’s Colour of the Year is an unusual one; it stirs our senses when we experience it. A dynamic hue of plum, it embodies an awakening of the mind, heart and the higher self to strive for the courage to change and bring change. 2019 signifies the near end of this decade and [instils hope for] new beginnings with a new awakening. The Colour of the Year is a tribute to this.”

-    Ashish Bajoria, founder of Scarlet Splendour

“Awakening is realising the importance of everything around you. In today’s world, with the advancements in technology, it is crucial to stay connected with people and nature. For me, this year’s colour symbolises love, compassion and joyfulness.”

-    Gopalkrishna Pai, designer

“The term awakening has a strong sense of a nearing and inevitable change. The colour—a deeply saturated shade—makes a strong statement. I believe that colour is a tangible emotion which helps us to connect with design. Also being one of the elements of design, it speaks first to the eye of the perceiver.”

-    Paridhi Burathoki, senior product designer at Oorjaa

“Awakening means being noticeable as bold, true and yet elegant. The colour is apt for the people who like to stand out, by being what they are. 2019 is all about positive change; taking bold steps in a dignified manner to show [our] true face in all aspects of life.”

-    Gurpreet Kaur, MD, Elite Earth