Pantone has spoken! The color of 2015 is Marsala.

by Megan Murray

Every year Pantone Color Institute® selects a color that embodies the spirit of the times. Pantone looks for influences from the worlds of fashion, beauty, film, art, sports, design, and architecture to arrive at their selection. Past years’ colors have included Radiant Orchid, Emerald, Tangerine Tango, and Honeysuckle.

This year, Pantone picked a “ Rich and Charismatic” deep wine color.

Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute® explains,

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. 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 emergence of this “it” color is no surprise to those of us who follow beauty trends.  Rich wine lipstick and nail color has been hot for the past few seasons.  While this color is always exciting on lips and tips, the color is very versatile.

Here are some unexpected ways to wear Pantone’s Color of 2015:

Photo credit: grandmakeup.com

Smokey Eye

When applied properly, a smokey wine-colored eye make-up does wonders for every eye color. Wine makes green and blue eyes more vibrant and gives an exotic look to brown and hazel hues. For a quick change up to your routine, add a wine colored mascara. It gives you the look of black mascara, but adds another layer of eye-flattering color.

Photo credit: left - refinery29.com, right - adoreness.com

Blush

It may look frightening in the pan, but an earthy wine colored blush is works for a variety of complexions. This color has long been a staple for darker skin tones, but it can also add a regal touch to pale skin. With a color of this depth, blending is key! This make-up look can go from zero to circus reject rather quickly.

photo credit: forzieri.com

Shoes

Rich wine colored shoes are the perfect way to perk up neutral fashions.  Wear Marsala colored booties with navy tights for an edgy fashion look, or go preppy with a pair of Oxfords and jeans. This shade is surprisingly easy to wear with a variety of colors. It looks lux with pinks and dreamy with teals.

Accessories

If you are not sure a shade this bold is right is for you, little accents will help you stay on-trend. Try a pair of sunglasses, a statement necklace, or a simple wristlet. Pair Marsala with gold for an old-money feel, or top it with silver for a vampy ensemble.

Of course, this will also be the color that launches a million highlights. Marsala is the perfect pick me up for dark brown hair. It is edgy enough to be used as for an ombre effect, but classic enough for baby lights.

Now, Marsala is already shaping up to be a controversial choice. Some fashion magazines are not happy about the color, likening it rust or dull brick.

So, we want to know, how do you feel about this new trend?

December 15, 2014

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *