It’s official, X-Rite company and global color authority Pantone has announced its annual “Color of the Year.” The 2015 Color of the Year is Marsala, a terracotta red described as an “earthy wine red.” According to Leatrice Eiseman, “Marsala enriches our mind, body, and soul, exuding confidence and stability.”
Now that the color has been announced, you can expect to see it everywhere in cosmetics, fashion, and even home decor. Marsala is set to hit Sephora as early as December 26. It will arguably be the most wearable color collaboration between Pantone and Sephora so far. It promises to be a versatile shade to suit most, if not all, skin tones and eye colors. Eiseman suggests pairing Marsala with teal and aqua.
About the Color of the Year Tradition
The Color of the Year tradition began in 1999, when Pantone announced its color of the millennium. This garnered so much attention that the company began releasing one every year.
Each year, the color is selected by a committee of ten Pantone professionals who, according to Eiseman, are “well traveled and invested in color.” Eiseman says the committee looks first to high fashion, before colors get introduced to the mass market. They also look to sets and wardrobes of films, popular travel destinations, and the world of art.
Last year’s color, Radiant Orchid, was much brighter and captivated a different sense in audiences. While 2014’s color inspired creativity, this year’s hue seems more sensual and earthy.