Pantone, the US corporation given to declaring a colour of the year since 2000, has decreed that this year’s hue will be purple – or more specifically, “ultra-violet”.

It describes PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet as “a blue-based purple tone that is reflective of the inventiveness, imagination and enlightenment of our modern age”.

“Complex and contemplative, ultra-violet suggests the mysteries of the cosmos, the intrigue of what lies ahead, and the discoveries beyond where we are now. The vast and limitless night sky is symbolic of what is possible and continues to inspire the desire to pursue a world beyond our own.”

In a nod to the likes of Prince (Purple Rain) and Hendrix (Purple Haze), Pantone says musicians have “brought shades of ultra-violet to the forefront of western pop culture as personal expressions of individuality”.

“Nuanced and full of emotion, the depth of PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet symbolises experimentation and non-conformity, spurring individuals to imagine their unique mark on the world, and push boundaries through creative outlets.”

Pantone Color Institute executive director Leatrice Eiseman says we can expect “a galactic collection of stunning items to hit the market” inspired by the announcement of this year’s official colour, as well as by NASA’s ultraviolet photography - such as the pioneering UV photograph of the Andromeda Galaxy (pictured) taken by NASA's Swift satellite earlier this decade.

"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," Leatrice said.