Each year, the industry eagerly awaits Pantone’s Color of the Year announcement to learn which hue the global authority on color anticipates will be ubiquitous in the coming year. In 2014, Radian Orchid, a soft spring-like purple hue was named the go-to shade, and for 2015, Pantone made a bold departure by selecting Marsala, a rich, reddish brown color, named after a wine produced in Marsala, Italy.
“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,” said Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. “This hearty, yet stylish tone is universally appealing and translates easily to fashion, beauty, industrial design, home furnishings and interiors.”
According to Pantone, the color is universally flattering on many skin tones, making it an exciting beauty choice for sultry and subtle eye shadows that can be worn during the day with smoky-neutral color combinations and then made dramatic at night with gold metallic, bronze tones and sparkles. Youngblood’s gel liner in “Sienna” for example, embodies the red-brown color with metallic bronze accents, and can be used as a liner or all over the lid for a smoky brown effect.
Thanks to marsala, lips in 2015 will be given a strong, yet sophisticated appearance with the rich pigment, which can already be seen in CARGO Cosmetics’ Essential Lip Color in Bourdeax.
In addition to color cosmetics, expect to see the 2015 Color of the Year throughout an assortment of beauty product packaging. The color is already being used by many brands including Osmosis’ Pur Medical Skincare Pore Minimizing Clay – Purifying Mask, which coated the lid of its product with the earthy shade.
Pantone’s Color of the Year has influenced product development and purchasing decisions across multiple industries, including fashion, home and beauty for 15 years. Once the color is announced retailers and product developers rush to get the products on-shelves.