Carlstadt–With the start of 2015 comes many new changes–new diets, new gym regimens, new health benefits, and, of course, Pantone’s new Color of the Year. On the heels of the vibrant and captivating Radiant Orchid, Pantone, a Bergen County-based global color authority, announced Marsala as the color of 2015. Like the wine for which it is named, Marsala combines rich reds with earthy browns for a full, rich color that Pantone claims will bring a variety of options in decorating, fashion, and cosmetics.
Pantone explained its choice of color as one that reflects the dual nature of many individuals today. Leatrice Eiseman, the Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, described Marsala as “dramatic, and at the same time, grounding.” Pantone feels that Marsala’s neutral undertones make it “equally appealing to men and women.”
Pantone has conducted color studies and found specific associations with certain colors. Reds are often used by brands to convey boldness and passion, while browns convey grounded and robust sentiments. In blending the two colors, Marsala creates a stylish but adaptable hue. “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,” continued Eiseman.
Though Marsala may be considered a sophisticated color for fashion, Dassie Fuchs, who sells discounted designer children’s clothing in Bergenfield (www.instagram.com/dassiesdealsforkids), is excited for Marsala to appear throughout kids’ fashion, too. According to Fuchs, expect to see Marsala in “fun print designs in skirts, tops, and dresses,” and in Fuchs’s personal favorite: “loads of floral print!” In addition, Fuchs warned, don’t think of Marsala as solely a winter shade. “This color looks absolutely fabulous with spring colors, such as tans, light blues, and light pinks.”
Marsala will also work well in makeup colors on all skin tones, according to Pantone. It blends well with many of the metallic makeup shades still in style, but also works well as a natural look.
Marsala’s versatility continues to receive praise in home decor and accents, too. Lisa Fleischman, owner and designer of Linens by Lisa in Bergenfield, cannot wait to see how her clients use Marsala in their homes. “The earthy tone of Marsala adds warmth to any room, as it brightens up the surroundings,” explained Fleischman. Fleischman recommended pairing Marsala tablecloths with fine China for a sophisticated formal dining room look, but noted that it also has the versatility to work at a family meal in the kitchen. “I am really excited to see Marsala used not just as a solid, but in lots of fun prints and patterns, especially as an accent color,” said Fleischman.
According to Rachel Riss, designer of LineaR Collections, a Los Angeles-based line of stylish maxi dresses, “Marsala transcends the dinner table as a damsel’s new best friend.” Riss blogs under the Instagram handle @the_coverist and feels that Marsala lends itself to versatility in wardrobe, accessories, and beyond. “Expect to find it in hand and closet alike,” Riss anticipates.
Indeed, a quick perusal of the hashtag “Marsala” on Twitter revealed much excitement and anticipation for this color. Designers are offering tiles and paint colors, makeup artists are featuring Marsala-toned nail polish, lipstick, blush, and assorted cosmetics, and one can find a plethora of fashion and accessory tweets touting the beauty of Marsala. Sephora, Ikea, California Closets, as well as other national and global companies have created entire lines for those who want to wear and complement Marsala. Look forward to a year filled with the strong, grounded tones of Marsala.
By Jenny Gans
