Shades of Purple: Explore Its Power, Moods, Iconic Brands and Hex Codes

Why Purple Colour Stands Out

For centuries now, purple has been the colour of the ‘unreachable elites’. Rulers from big cultures like that of Rome and Byzantium, for instance, were obsessed with Tyrian purple. This dye was even more expensive than gold. Monarchs, priests, and the clergy treated purple colour as a way to communicate power, wealth, and divinity. By wearing purple, one did not merely make a fashion statement; they were making a statement of position and divinity.

The meaning of Purple varies from culture to culture. However, today, the colour purple continues to grow new meanings for people in different walks of life. The reason why purple is so compelling today is its flexibility. Purple provides companies an advantage in branding as well, for it is rare, distinctive and curiously eccentric. In sum, purple is not ‘just’ a colour; it is an attitude which changes, but is rooted in historical importance and is a modern expression.

Popular Shades of Purple with Names

Purple is not a mere colour. Rather, it is a spectrum of emotions, each colour shade narrating a story. The new designers, as well as brands, make use of the colour very strategically. The intentional utilisation of the colour is a way to communicate with their customers. Here is a list of some iconic purple shades with their hex codes:

Popular Shades of Purple Colour with Hex Code

Purple Shades & Emotional Associations

Purple shades carry a wide spectrum of emotions – from the luxury and authority of Royal Purple to the calm serenity of Lavender and Mauve. Each tone of purple evokes distinct feelings, balancing mystery, creativity, and spirituality in design and branding.

Lavender (#E6E6FA)

Soft, light, and unmistakably calming. It’s a go-to for spa brands and yoga studios.

Lilac (#C8A2C8)

It sits a few tones deeper than lavender. It is often used in spring fashion or lifestyle brands.

Amethyst (#9966CC)

Luxury and prestige would be the perfect terms to describe this shade. It glimmers like a gemstone, suiting beauty and accessory brands.

Orchid (#DA70D6)

Playful and modern, this colour suits trendy palettes and is perfect for cosmetic brands.

Plum (#673147)

Leaning a little darker than orchid, plum is now revered for the beauty brand named after the colour. This one sells all skincare products and is the ultimate favourite of all teens and young adults.

Mauve (#E0B0FF)

This colour stands for nostalgia. It feels like the smell of the wet mud after rain. It is favoured, particularly for vintage fashion brands or for wedding ceremonies.

Eggplant (#311432)

Similar to plum, this colour welcomes ‘drama’, and is an ideal choice for ‘dramatic’ interiors and particularly for fine dining spaces.

Royal Purple (#7851A9)

Sitting right beside Amethyst, royal purple denotes nobility and is perfect for beauty and accessory brands.

With all these shades, there is a seamless shift that allows for purple to remain calm, daring or luxe but still avoid blending in with the rest of the colour palette.

Famous Brands Using Purple Colour

A plethora of brands have opted for purple and its various shades in their logo and marketing. Now, the question is – ‘Why do the brands choose purple?’

Well, the answer is simple- “purple stands out”. Purple is a colour of luxury, creativity, uniqueness, and innovation. And! It can never go out of trend. Here is a list of 12 well-known brands and their associations with purple:

Famous Brands	Purple Branding Significance
	Cadbury – Deep purple packaging evokes indulgence, heritage, and little everyday luxuries.
	Yahoo – Playful purple logo suggests creativity, freedom, and digital individuality.
	Hallmark – Softer purples suggest elegance and the familiar emotional warmth provided by keepsakes.
	Twitch – Bold purple represents the world of digital creativity, gaming culture, and online community.
	FedEx (secondary purple with orange) – Implies speed, flexibility, and innovation regarding logistics and transportation.
	Syfy – Creates a purple identity suggesting the imagination of creativity and the essence of science fiction in the future.
	Premier League – Strong purple branding equates to authority, prestige, and sporting excellence.
	Always (P&G) – Uses purple, suggesting sensitivity, care, and trust for feminine products.
	Wonka (Nestlé) – Bright purple packaging represents fun, imagination, and childhood joy.
	NYU (New York University) – Defines wisdom, higher learning and a sense of tradition through a purple identity.

The choice of colour is probably the hardest one for any brand. Purple simply makes these brands stand out. You can never forget these logos, even if you aren’t an avid buyer or user of these brands and companies.

Conclusion: The Power of Purple in Modern Design

Purple is one of the most complex colours with multiple layers. With purple, everything is context sensitive. You need to aim for the right tone to communicate the right content for your consumers and audience.

Above all, purple is a multi-purpose colour because it inhabits a ‘perfect’ position. It contains the calm of blue and the fierceness of red. That balance enables it to strike belongingness with the heart and the mind. It is not just the colour on your products, in your designs, or on your branding; purple is an attitude. It is a colour with an attitude driven by luxury, creativity, and calm.

FAQs About Purple Colour and Its Shades