International Klein Blue
About International Klein Blue
International Klein Blue, represented by the hex code #0819ab, is a deep ultramarine blue pigment first synthesized and popularized by the French artist Yves Klein. Klein registered this color as a trademark to preserve its unique identity. The pigment's distinctive quality stems from its intense saturation and lack of reflective highlights, achieving a mesmerizing matte appearance. Chemically, it is a synthetic ultramarine, primarily composed of sodium aluminosilicate with small amounts of sulfur. In the RGB color space, #0819ab comprises 3.14% red, 9.8% green, and 67.06% blue. Its corresponding values in the CMYK space are 95% cyan, 85.4% magenta, 0% yellow, and 33% black. This color is highly esteemed in the art world for its depth, purity, and emotional impact, often associated with concepts of infinity, spirituality, and the sublime.
The hex color #0819ab, also known as International Klein Blue, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. Its extremely dark hue results in very low contrast against lighter backgrounds, making text or graphical elements difficult to discern. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) emphasize a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text against its background. This color likely fails to meet these guidelines against many common background colors, necessitating careful consideration. To improve accessibility, pairing #0819ab with very light colors like #ffffff or #f0f0f0 is crucial. Furthermore, avoid using it for critical information or interactive elements unless sufficient contrast is ensured. Providing alternative high-contrast themes can also enhance the user experience for individuals with visual sensitivities.
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Applications
Website Design
International Klein Blue evokes a sense of depth, introspection, and artistic flair. Its application in website design, particularly for portfolios or creative agency sites, lends an air of sophistication and exclusivity. Consider it for highlighting key design elements or creating a captivating color theme. When used sparingly, it provides an impression of high quality and professionalism. Due to its deep saturation, it's best used for backgrounds or accent colors, rather than for large bodies of text. In interior design, #0819ab can be applied in smaller doses, such as artwork, textiles or accent walls to deliver a powerful visual impact.
Fashion and Beauty
The color #0819ab, with its intense depth, is perfectly suited for creating standout pieces in fashion. Imagine a velvet evening gown, a statement handbag, or even bold accessories that capture attention. Designers can leverage this color to express a sense of confidence and sophistication. It is also used for activewear. For beauty and makeup, #0819ab can serve as an inspiration for unique nail polish colors, eyeliners, or even eyeshadow palettes, perfect for creating dramatic and eye-catching looks.
Package Design
International Klein Blue adds depth and luxury to packaging design for high-end products. Its rich color creates a premium feel for products like chocolates, cosmetics, or liquors. By using #0819ab, brands evoke a feeling of exclusivity and sophistication, effectively influencing consumer perception and purchasing decisions. Its captivating nature makes it well-suited for packaging that stands out on shelves and conveys a message of unparalleled quality.