Question: Earlier vs later (much darker) transparent Axis colors?

So I have seen many pre-2000 Axis/EVH guitars that have faded over time. I also noticed back in 2012 that the Axis tribute models always appeared lighter and then faded too. It seems like between those times (and, in fact, ever since) the Axis transparent colors have been much darker. I have seen several dark blue/purple Axis guitars where you almost couldn’t even see the figure of the top. Was this a response to the fading of the colors previously? Do these colors eventually fade also? I honestly would like my Purple Axis to fade a bit. You have to put it in bright light just to see the top.