Painting the town purple

"Purple has a futuristic, exploratory aspect to it," Eiseman says.

"Purple allows us to play with the possibilities. We don't know where we are going. But at least we are trying."

But it's also likely that we may have no choice but to step outside our comfort zones, because, well, winter is coming.

Pantone likes its purples.

In 2014, Pantone predicted radiant orchid, a pinker version of the hue, would serve as an "invitation to innovation" as its color of the year. In August, Pantone named a slightly deeper purple Love Symbol #2, in honor of Prince.

Ultra violet's regal blend of red and blue doused the runways at Michael Kors, Tibi, and the Rows' spring 2018 shows. It's now the center of a violaceous collection of Butter London eyeliners, nail polishes, and lipcolors, a collaboration between the cosmetics company and Pantone.

Jillian Moskovitz, a consultant for Down 2 Earth Interior Design in Elkins Park, says ultra violet pillows, vases and artwork pop in a slate-gray space.

This year, Pantone says its choice was heavily inspired by food. Purple yams, cauliflower, the tips of asparagus, berries, even carrots come in shades of ultra violet. People are thinking a lot about superfoods these days, Eiseman says.