Every year creatives from around the globe look to the supergiant PANTONE for guidance in determining the following year’s color trends. This year, Pantone has announced PANTONE® 18-1438 Marsala as its Color of the Year 2015.
Marsala is described as a dusty shade of red that feels warm and bohemian without lacking sophistication.
It can easily be translated into dozens of creative corners including fashion, cosmetics, interior design and graphic design, just to skim the surface. This … which is one of the main reasons for its selection.The color is inspired by the wine marsala which is used in cooking traditional Italian meals. The company describes the color as a “tasteful hue” that “embodies the satisfying richness of a fulfilling meal, while its grounding red-brown roots emanate a sophisticated, natural earthiness.”
Determining the shade of the year was based on many factors including trends featured during Spring 2015 runways and the PANTONE Fashion Color Report Spring 2015. Marsala made an appearance in collections by Daniel Silverstain, Hervé Léger by Max Azria and Dennis Basso, among others.
The choice has since received mixed reviews among social medias, dubbing the red-brown hue both versatile and a little outdated. Some media critics find the earthy tones comparable to cafeteria mystery meat or dried blood (which seems to be a bit dramatic… if you’re asking us.)
Other negative comments include Marsala projecting a less-than-exciting light on the new year in comparison to its predecessor, Radiant Orchid, which “encouraged creativity and innovation.”
Negative opinions are inevitable as what makes a color good or bad is completely subjective to the viewer. In comparison to last year’s color, theres no mistaking that Marsala lacks liveliness, but makes up for it in abundant versatility. A sister shade, Oxblood Red, made an impact during last year’s fashion frenzy so it’s no surprise that its influence has lasted into 2015.
In terms of wearability and versatility, Marsala earns an A+ as it can be used as an additional accent to already decorated spaces or styles, and is totally gender neutral. It has recently made appearances in footwear and hats on sites like NastyGal and ASOS. As opposed to the 2014 Color of the Year which was difficult to wear and coordinate into home interior.
Fashionistas should expect new pieces in shades of Marsala and beauty queens should keep an eye out for makeup palettes or lipsticks shaded in rust.
Feature Photo via We Heart It