Pantone has declared Marsala, a naturally robust and earthy wine red, as the 2015 Color of the Year. Marsala, say the color experts, is rich, grounded, steady and satisfying, ideal for print, p-o-p, and packaging.
“While Radiant Orchid, the captivating 2014 color of the year, encouraged creativity and innovation, Marsala, PANTONE® 18-1438, enriches our mind, body and soul, exuding confidence and stability,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “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. This hearty, yet stylish tone is universally appealing and translates easily to fashion, beauty, industrial design, home furnishings and interiors.”
FASHION, BEAUTY, INTERIORS, GRAPHICS
Marsala is already hit on the runways with fashion designers featured in the PANTONE Fashion Color Report Spring 2015. Daniel Silverstain, Hervé Léger by Max Azria and Dennis Basso incorporated the hue into their collections. The impactful, full-bodied qualities of Marsala make for an elegant statement color when the color is used on its own or as a compelling accent. Pantone expects variations of this hue to carry into men’s and women’s clothing throughout next year. Marsala is also proving to be popular choice for jewelry and fashion accessories. A versatile color for beauty, Marsala is an appealing and sophisticated shade that’s flattering against many skin tones. Marsala pairs exquisitely with monochromatic mixes of peachy pinks, and sparkles against antiqued gold metallics, offering an assortment of lipstick and blush options, as well as making it a captivating eye shadow color or as a go-to finishing touch on nails. With regard to interiors, Marsala is described as complex and full-bodied without overpowering, providing a unifying element for interior spaces. It is an excellent choice for rugs and upholstered living room furniture, as well as a natural fit for the kitchen and dining room. As for graphic design, Marsala’s rich, contrasting color make it useful for graphic design and packaging. Eiseman states: “Eye-catching, but not overwhelming or bright, consumers are immediately drawn to the hue, making it an alluring shade at point-of-purchase. As packaging becomes increasingly more artistic, Marsala will be a natural fit for both high- and low-tech materials, including on-shelf periodicals as well as printed assets, like calendars and stationery.”
ABOUT COLOR OF THE YEAR
The Color of the Year selection requires careful consideration and, to arrive at the selection, Pantone combs the world looking for color influences. This can include the fashion and entertainment industries — including films, art, travel destinations and socio-economic conditions. Influences may also stem from technology, the availability of new textures and effects, and even upcoming events that may capture worldwide attention. For 15 years, the selection has influenced product development and purchasing decisions in multiple industries, including fashion, home and industrial design, as well as graphic design and package design. Past colors include:
· PANTONE 18-3224 Radiant Orchid (2014)
· PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald (2013)
· PANTONE 17-1463 Tangerine Tango (2012)
· PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle (2011)
· PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise (2010)
· PANTONE 14-0848 Mimosa (2009)
· PANTONE 18-3943 Blue Iris (2008)
· PANTONE 19-1557 Chili Pepper (2007)
· PANTONE 13-1106 Sand Dollar (2006)
· PANTONE 15-5217 Blue Turquoise (2005)
· PANTONE 17-1456 Tigerlily (2004)
· PANTONE 14-4811 Aqua Sky (2003)
· PANTONE 19-1664 True Red (2002)
· PANTONE 17-2031 Fuchsia Rose (2001)
· PANTONE 15-4020 Cerulean (2000)
