According to Pantone, the world’s foremost authority on color, the “It” color of 2008 will be PANTONE 18-3943 Blue Iris. They feel that the blue-purple-ish color “satisfies the need for reassurance in a complex world, while adding a hint of mystery and excitement.” Interesting stuff, but don’t go expecting a redesign of this site based on Blue Iris anytime soon…ha!

“From a color forecasting perspective, we have chosen PANTONE 18-3943 Blue Iris as the color of the year, as it best represents color direction in 2008 for fashion, cosmetics and home products,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “As a reflection of the times, Blue Iris brings together the dependable aspect of blue, underscored by a strong, soul-searching purple cast. Emotionally, it is anchoring and meditative with a touch of magic. Look for it artfully combined with deeper plums, red-browns, yellow-greens, grapes and grays.”

Just in case you were wondering what the “It” color of 2007 was…Chili Pepper.

(Design Boom via Unbeige)