MarsalaThere’s nothing like an explosion of colour to kick start a New Year and in keeping with a tradition it has upheld since 1990, the Pantone Colour Institute (PCI) has announced MARSALA as it’s 2015 Pantone Colour of the Year.

Design enthusiasts will realise this means we bid a fond farewell to the 2014 winner, RADIANT ORCHID to make way for this robust, earthy wine red colour that the Pantone Colour Institute predicts will be all the rage with designers and consumers alike over the next 12 months.

The PCI team scour the world looking for future design and colour influences, searching for that one colour that is gaining popularity and importance throughout all creative sectors. Another key consideration is what the public is looking for and this year the need for something more nurturing was the driving force behind this decision.

It is thought that people across the globe are looking for something that feeds the mind, body and soul and the colour Marsala fits all of these categories. It comes from the colour of Marsala wine which the Pantone Colour Institute describes as a naturally robust and earthy wine red that is also the colour of fine chocolates, exotic spices and the fragrant loam of the fertile Earth.

PANTONE COLOUR OF THE YEAR_MARSALA

It was felt that whilst the Marsala wine red colour has earthy undertones, it also has a sophistication that will make the colour extremely versatile. Expect to see Marsala burst onto the scene in all walks of life. It is anticipated that there will be plenty of opportunity in the worlds of fashion, cosmetics and wearable technology to use Marsala both in a matt and gloss finish.

The colour is perfect for use as wall paint particularly in dining rooms where this colour is perceived as an appetite stimulant. It is also expected to lend itself well in treatments using texture (e.g. fabrics in fashion and upholstery).

The PCI team also predict that Marsala will work well layered with other colours and metallics. Expect to see it with opposites on the colour wheel such as teals and blue-greens for amazing combinations as well as colour such as oranges for interesting, striking results.

Marsala enriches our mind, body and soul, exuding confidence and stability. Marsala is a subtly seductive shade, one that draws us in to its embracing warmth.
Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute ®

Image source: http://www.youthedesigner.com/graphic-design-tips/spotted-marsala-pantones-color-of-the-year-2015/