Every year, we hear about the “color of the year” from Pantone who this year declared it as Very Peri (a new version of periwinkle created by the company).

Even KitchenAid declared the new color of the year as Beetroot … for being vibrant and uplifting. As a brand trying to “own the kitchen,” then I say go for it.

But as the year unfolds and we watch in horror the “activities” happening in Ukraine, a new set of colors is emerging as the true “colors of the year.” Colors that stand not only for a country but for a powerful force of unity that is shaping up around the world.

Ukraine’s beautiful mix of yellow and blue … these colors are being heralded and showcased all over the world in solidarity for the people and government of Ukraine.

They are the colors of the year. The beautiful and striking color combination of Ukraine dates way way back and symbolizes the yellow/gold of Ukraine’s wheat fields against the gorgeous blue sky above them.

Many say that merely displaying these colors isn’t enough to fight the fight, which may be true. But it’s a show of support that provides the strength that people need knowing the world is behind them. That’s a lot. And then that support does in fact turn to meaningful actions that change the outcome. We are seeing that with all the actions that governments, companies, brands, organizations, families, and individuals are taking to provide support. In addition to displaying Ukraine’s colors … the colors of the year.

Let’s hope it works. Let’s make it work.

What else can we do to support? What’s your experience? JIM

The True "Colors of the Year" 2022