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New York, NY—Emeralds, orchids, and wine.

Every year the Pantone Color Institute, the leading authority on color trends, names a new Color of the Year, and its choices of the last three years have underscored a return to luxury after recession-era austerity. Colors like Emerald (2013), Radiant Orchid (2014) and now Marsala, Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2015, reflect origins of quality and rarity in the items for which they are named.

Marsala, named for the rich, full-bodied Italian red wine, is a “hearty, yet stylish tone is universally appealing and translates easily to fashion, beauty, industrial design, home furnishings and interiors,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the 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,” she says.

This highly varietal shade combines well with neutrals, including warmer taupes and grays. Because of its burnished undertones, Marsala is highly compatible with amber, umber and golden yellows, greens in both turquoise and teal, and blues in the more vibrant range. It is:

• Equally appealing to men and women
• Flattering against many skin tones, a great “go-to” color for beauty, providing enormous highlight for the cheek, and a captivating pop of color for nails, eyes, lips, and hair.
• Dramatic and at the same time grounding, the rich and full-bodied red-brown brings color warmth into home interiors.

Texture is important in print and packaging. A matte finish highlights Marsala’s organic nature, while adding sheen conveys a completely different message of glamour and luxury. In fashion, Marsala makes for an elegant statement color when the color is used on its own or as a compelling accent when paired with many other colors, says Pantone. Variations of this hue will undoubtedly carry into men’s and women’s clothing throughout next year. Marsala is also a popular choice for jewelry and fashion accessories, including handbags, hats, footwear, and the burgeoning market of wearable technology.

Societal trends impact color choices, and the return to luxury has been evident in the Pantone Color Of The Year choices since 2013 (emerald, left) and 2014 (radiant orchid, right).