International Klein Blue
General Information about International Klein Blue
International Klein Blue (IKB), with the hex code #0429b0, is a deep shade of blue first mixed by the French artist Yves Klein. Klein registered this color as a trademark in 1957. IKB's visual impact comes from its heavy reliance on ultramarine pigment, as well as Klein's artistic vision. The color is intended to evoke a feeling of immersion and boundlessness, mirroring Klein's artistic explorations of the infinite. The color became famous during the 1960s, where it has a significant cultural impact. It appears in different forms of art, including paintings, sculptures and even fashion. It is a color associated with creativity, depth and modernity. Furthermore, the color can also be associated with luxury.
The hex color #0429b0, also known as International Klein Blue, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. Its very low luminance value (dark color) requires careful consideration of contrast ratios to ensure readability. When using this color for text or interactive elements, it's crucial to pair it with a very light color, ideally white or a very pale yellow, to achieve a contrast ratio that meets WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Failure to provide sufficient contrast can render content illegible for users with low vision. Avoid using this color for critical information or actions unless paired with a highly contrasting element. Moreover, relying solely on color to convey meaning is discouraged; supplement color cues with text labels or icons to accommodate users who are colorblind.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
International Klein Blue can be used to create a bold and modern look for websites and applications. Its intensity and depth make it suitable for backgrounds, buttons, and other key elements that need to stand out and draw attention. However, because of the accessibility concerns, it's important to use with care. Make sure to pair the color with light elements and enough white space to improve readability. Furthermore, IK Blue can create a feeling of trust and innovation. The strategic use of this color can enhance a brand's identity, conveying a sense of sophistication and technological advancement.
Beauty and Cosmetics
The color is very powerful and unique. In the beauty industry, it can be used in eye shadows, eyeliners, or nail polish to create a bold and captivating look. The color’s unique properties can give an extra touch to the make-up. It can also be the main theme for the entire look, in this case, it has to be chosen wisely, because it can easily be too much. Because of the intensity of the color, it can be useful in events like concerts or parties.
Fashion Design
The color is very popular in fashion design, especially in the modern fashion era. It could be used to make clothing or clothing accesories, like scarfs or hats. A full IK Blue clothing can be worn during an event or a party, to be in the center of attention. It is suitable for creating eye-catching and memorable fashion statements, while expressing confidence. This is a color that can boost self-esteem.