Make Like Fortified Wine and Enrich Your Mind, Body, and Soul with Pantone’s Color of the Year 2015: Marsala

Exude confidence and stability in this earthy color

“While Radiant Orchid, the captivating 2014 color of the year, encouraged creativity and innovation, Marsala enriches our mind, body and soul, exuding confidence and stability,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®, which names a color of the year every year (see 2013’s emerald green here).

“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.”

The color choice is a departure from the brights that made up many of the past colors of the year, but Pantone seems confident the “rich and charismatic” hue is the perfect embodiment of the upcoming year. Here’s how to use it in your own life:

Marsala for Fashion
Marsala was already included on the Spring 2015 runways as an elegant statement color used on its own, or as a compelling accent when paired with many other colors.

This highly varietal shade combines dramatically with neutrals, including warmer taupes and grays. Because of its burnished undertones, sultry Marsala is highly compatible with amber, umber and golden yellows, greens in both turquoise and teal, and blues in the more vibrant range.

Marsala for Beauty
An incredibly 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. Marsala illuminates a range of smoky-neutral color combinations, making it a captivating eye shadow color that can be worn from morning until night. 

Marsala for Interiors
Complex and full-bodied without being overpowering, Marsala provides a unifying element for interior spaces. Incorporate the rich and welcoming hue in accent pieces, accessories, and paint. Marsala’s plush characteristics are enhanced when applied to textured surfaces, making it an ideal choice for rugs and upholstered living room furniture.

A natural fit for the kitchen and dining room, the hue will be especially prominent in striping and floral patterns found in printed placemats, dinnerware, bedding and throws.

How will you marsala in 2015? And do you think the color choice will help define your 2015?

Mug, $25, pantone.

Category: Style

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