Meet Marsala, Pantone’s pick for the 2015 color of the year
Let’s all squeal for Marsala -- the Pantone people’s pick for the go-to-hue of 2015.
“While Pantone 18-3224 Radiant Orchid, the captivating 2014 color of the year, encouraged creativity and innovation, Marsala enriches our mind, body and soul, exuding confidence and stability,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute in the press release announcing the choice. “Much like the fortified wine that gives Marsala its name, this tasteful hue embodies the satisfying richness of a fulfilling meal, while its grounding red-brown roots emanate a sophisticated, natural earthiness.”
Thursday’s announcement elevates Marsala (aka 18-1438), an earthy reddish-brown just a few shades off old-school maroon, to the color equivalent of the hot new “It” girl.
The release points to the color’s prominence in the spring and summer 2015 collections of fashion labels including Vivienne Westwood, Hervé Léger by Max Azria and Dennis Basso, and prognosticates “[w]ith the ever-growing popularity of floral prints and striping, variations of this hue will undoubtedly carry into men’s and women’s clothing throughout next year. Marsala is also a popular choice for jewelry and fashion accessories, including handbags, hats, footwear and the burgeoning market of wearable technology.”
The announcement also notes that it’s “[a]n incredibly versatile color for beauty ... [and] an appealing and sophisticated shade that’s flattering against many skin tones.”
It’s a comparatively subdued hue compared to the eye-catching color run of the past several years -- including 2014’s purple reign, 2013’s Emerald and 2012’s “is it a stripper or color?” top pick Tangerine Tango.
Those who follow the spin of the annual color wheel and stock up on all things Marsala in the coming year can perhaps look forward to an added benefit -- the ability to better camouflage that occasional red wine spill.
We’ll drink to that!
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