Pantone has just announced 2014’s color of the year as Radiant Orchid, a bold, versatile pinkish-purple color that Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, described as “an enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones” that “inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health.”

“It’s a little different, it’s a little off the beaten path, and it’s not a primary color,” she explains. “It’s an invitation to innovation. The purple family offers (an) opportunity to do creative things.”

And, she said, that’s what pop culture wants right now. “People associate purple with creativity and originality — and those are very valued today. We see words like that being used to describe technologies and products that are seen as innovative and with an approach you haven’t tried before.”

Pantone hailed the versatility of the shade, saying it can be livened up with yellows and oranges, while complementing blues, turquoise and teal. It also brightens up neutral shades of gray, beige and taupe.

For more about the hot colors for spring 2014, take a look at our rundown of color trends for the upcoming season.