2015 Color of the Year – MARSALA?!

While Pantone 18-3224 Radiant Orchid, the captivating 2014 color of the year, encouraged creativity and innovation, Marsala enriches our mind, body and soul, exuding confidence and stability,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute in the press release announcing the choice. “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.

The announcement elevates Marsala (aka Pantone 18-1438), an earthy reddish-brown just a few shades off old-school maroon, to the color equivalent of the hot new “It” girl.

Pantone, an X-Rite company and the global color authority, today announced PANTONE 18-1438 Marsala, a naturally robust and earthy wine red, as the Color of the Year for 2015.

“While PANTONE 18-3224 Radiant Orchid, the captivating 2014 color of the year, encouraged creativity and innovation, Marsala enriches our mind, body and soul, exuding confidence and stability,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “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. This hearty, yet stylish tone is universally appealing and translates easily to fashion, beauty, industrial design, home furnishings and interiors.”

See more at: MARSALA

It’s a comparatively subdued hue compared to the eye-catching color run of the past several years — including 2014′s purple reign, 2013′s Emerald and 2012′s “is it a stripper or color?” top pick Tangerine Tango.

Those who follow the spin of the annual color wheel and stock up on all things Marsala in the coming year can perhaps look forward to an added benefit — the ability to better camouflage that occasional red wine spill.

We’ll drink to that!