In between cream and vanilla, a “contemporary honey beige” in the words of the company. Glossy, metallic or in multiple other finishes. So universal as to deserve a name far removed from specific nuances and, likewise, indicative of the absence of a defined perimeter: Limitless. That’s the hue that will take centre stage in the coming months, according to the Colour Show 2023 set up by the PPG paint specialists. Behind the unusual name lies a twenty-four-month research process: “In truth, we propose a selection of new colours to the manufacturers every year”, explains Daniela Nicolelli, head of the Automotive Styling Centre for Italy. “However, with double the frequency, there is a broader assortment that is indicative of social trends and current fashions”. This is where the interest pops up for the study, which together with the colour of the year introduces as many as 43 complementary shades, with an ever underlying idea of reassurance: “We have all lived through very complex years, characterised by post-pandemic stress, which have seen the world change and have somewhat disorientated us. That’s why there is a need for a colour that allows us to vent our emotions, is neutral but at the same time it expresses the tenacity to regain light-heartedness. And thus becoming versatile, capable of adapting to the ‘hottest’ as well as the ‘coolest’ psychological states”, Nicolelli states.
“In order to visually signify this analysis, we decided to develop it into three ‘volumes’ and as many physical spaces. The first is dedicated to self-care and is multiplied, like the others, into three further expressive figures or ‘capsules’: the Rooted turning towards warm and earthy nuances (such as the browns), the Somatic for the more airy (light blue and light green) and the Transcendent (in which Limitless is placed) at the intersection of the previous ones. In the second area, the theme is nature, with Ancient Ground (again featuring Limitless) complementing Earthern Love (red and pink) and Fantasian Dream (violet and lagoon green). Finally, the representative universe of new creativity shows Rebel Renaissance (purple and copper) and Pop Mod (turquoise and lapis lazuli) merge into Classic Revisited (Limitless). In all three imaginative universes, therefore, opposite and vibrant polarities find a connection in the colour of the year, suggesting their flexibility of meaning and possible combinations.
How much of this will make it into production? “We don’t know for sure, as manufacturers’ decisions depend on many factors including, lately, investments in EVs, which reduce the scope for experimentation with colour palettes. But the Stellantis group, for example, has already focused on ivory or latte in the past, and our proposal today is heading in the same direction, only in a much more contemporary key”, reflects Daniela Nicolelli. “Moreover, we must not forget that each paint can be processed differently thanks to pigments, such as mica crystals, or the three-layer application. So the possibilities multiply”. So much so that, not surprisingly for PPG, a further horizon is emerging around rims, rear-view mirrors and spoilers, which are increasingly subject to effect treatments. Certainly, the colour to come will hold many surprises. And will be (almost) limitless.
