There’s a lot from the 1980s I hope doesn’t make a comeback. I can do without the big shoulder pads and the overabundance of Miami Vice-esque everything, from the clothes to the hairstyles to that beachy-white-pastel décor. Please, stay gone. But, on the other hand, I think the 1980s brought us some of the best in pop culture, from movies to music. And I love it when I see a way that pop culture intersects with our little world in the glass and glazing industry.

One of my favorite artists as a kid—and still today—was Prince. I remember listening to songs like “Little Red Corvette” and “Raspberry Beret” with my friends, singing along to lyrics that we were way too young to know anything about … but hey, it was all about the catchy rhythm and beat.

And then there was the movie (and title track on the soundtrack) “Purple Rain.” If he wasn’t the Purple Prince to you already, this is the movie that made him that.

Which brings us here and I’m sure you’re wondering, “Where is she going with this purple Prince talk?” Well in case you hadn’t heard, the Prince Estate, alongside the Pantone Color Institute, recently announced the creation of a standardized custom color to represent Prince. The announcement noted that the “(naturally) purple hue, represented by his ‘Love Symbol #2’ was inspired by his custom-made Yamaha purple piano, which was originally scheduled to go on tour with the performer before his untimely passing at the age of 57. The color pays tribute to Prince’s indelible mark on music, art, fashion and culture.”

So, as for the glass industry, could this mean backpainted Love Symbol #2 glass in the future? Why not? I’m sure there’s a perfect application for it … like maybe some famous Cleveland museum that’s really into music (you know the one …).

And whenever someone does make it, be sure and send some pictures my way. That’s one project I would love to see.

Many companies, including McGrory Glass, offer a number of vibrant colored glass options, such as this purple.

And while not at all related to glass, purple or Prince, here’s another color-related headline just worth sharing. It seems Cheerios has set its intentions on trademarking its signature yellow color. The U.S. trademark court office, however, has now denied that request twice, most recently last week. Had they won, competitors who also use the color yellow would have had to change their packaging.

My initial reaction was that the whole thing was absurd, trademarking a color? Apparently, it’s not. Turns out Cadbury once had the exclusive rights to royal purple, but lost those rights a few years ago when a competitor claimed that trademark was too vaque; Möet Hennessey has the yellow-orange Pantone 137; and Coca-Cola … yep … “Coke Red” is theirs and theirs alone.

The thing is, whether purple, yellow or red, color is a great way to bring a unique look to interior glass—or even facades. What are some of your most colorful projects? Email me at erogers@glass.com.