Are You Ready For Marsala? I Hope So Because It’s The Color Of The Year

By Brian Maynor

You don’t have to be an arbiter of fashion to know that every year Pantone picks one color to be the ‘Color Of The Year’.  Remember radiant orchid and emerald green?

Well it’s that time of year again and the 2015 color is Marsala, yes like the wine.  Marsala is a reddish-brown shade that conjures earthy, robust images and is one of the Spring 2015 color palettes inspired by nature.  So why should we embrace this new ‘it color’?  Here’s what the experts say:

 

1. The namesake.  Marsala is a fortified wine that represents tasteful richness, satisfaction and sophistication with a hint of sweetness, and those are exactly the same qualities the color emotes.  Grounded in nature, the product is a symbol of luxury.
2. Versatility.  Marsala is a common color in cosmetics, but equally translates to fashion, home furnishings, interiors and industrial spaces.  Just as it crosses design planes the color is flattering for most skin tones and complementary to a wide range of palettes.
3. An unexpected statement color.  Most statement colors are loud and somewhat abrasive, but Marsala is just the opposite.  It is warm, inviting and grounded in its earthy brown undertone.  However, that doesn’t mean you should underestimate the color’s impact and drama.  Whether it’s a solo color or part of a larger story, Marsala will steal the show.
4. Multiple formats.  We’re not just talking about the types of products you can find in Marsala, but rather the forms of the color.  When you use it as a metallic it will have a very different impact than when used as a matte color.  The matte color enhances its natural side where the glossy and metallic versions focus on glamour and luxury.  Those characteristics hold true across all platforms and great to remember when working with the color.

 

Seductive, intoxicating and robust are just a few of the adjectives that jump to mind when we think about wine, but with Marsala there is the added note of sweetness.  Now your sense of style can embrace those same characteristics, as well as balance the elements of nature and glamour.

For all the details on Marsala and examples of palette pairings check out the official page from Pantone.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

 

 

I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace.  Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected].  Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

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