This Year's Color

A couple days ago, Pantone Corp., the international arbiter of color fashions announced the 2015 Color of the Year.  It is Marsala, and a sample swatch is pictured below.

The announcement of the new color was covered in the fashion rags, advertising publications, even USA Today.

According to Pantone's executive director, "This earthy red has wine and a very warm brown underneath.  It has a richness that lends sophistication.  When you wear it, it's a self-fulfilling prophecy -- you'll find you get positive reaction from others and it builds up your confidence."

I have been looking around the internet at various Marsala samples, and the above tone may not be fully true to the concept, especially given that computer renderings of colors can vary.  The range seems to run from magenta-y to middling or even dark brown.

Reactions have been mixed.  Some fashionistas find the shade quite wearable and appropriate even for summer clothes while others disapprove and go so far as to liken Marsala to the color of poop.

You will be seeing Marsala in clothes, makeup, dishware, curtains and wall paint.  Personally, I like the color.  There may be a Marsala sweater in my future.

Pantone

This company is an interesting one.  It is located in Carlstadt, NJ, which is not a fashion center but is not far from Manhattan, which many people do regard as a fashion center.  I spend part of the year in New Jersey and go into New York fairly often, and as near as I can tell, most people in both places look pretty shlubby.

But Pantone has tentacles out connecting with stylish people in major cities around the world.  I actually met one of these people, a well-dressed young European man who lived in San Francisco and was on retainer to send regular reports to organizations like Pantone.

For many years, Pantone has been issuing dispatches on trending colors and, starting around 2000, has announced an annual Color of the Year.  My favoring of Marsala may be a reflection of my disappointment with the previous two years' fave colors.

2014 -- Radiant Orchid

Here is the current year's top color, which makes me happy that we only have a few more weeks left to endure it.

This is a difficult color to make work.  I cannot see it on walls or upholstery.  It inspired a number of unflattering lipsticks and nail polishes -- no wonder all the girls started getting black manicures last spring.  I do not think most men could incorporate it into their wardrobes, although younger fellows might be willing to try it out in a necktie, a pair of socks or, if they are especially bold, a shirt.

Mostly, to me, it looks like the ideal color for a mother-of-the-groom dress, particularly if the groom's fiancee is not fond of his family.  It also might make a nice Easter bonnet.

Pantone described it as "an enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones.  Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health.  It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm."


2013 -- Emerald

The Pantone description was this:  "Lively.  Radiant.  Lush . . . A color of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony."

This isn't a bad color.  It would make a beautiful satin evening gown or a V-neck sweater for a fashion-forward man.  Maybe a nice bowl or vase.  There are limits, however.

I confess that I actually bought a pair of Emerald colored pants.  I wore them exactly once and then gave them away.  No doubt I was more influenced by the public hype than my own convictions about the colors that are appropriate for me.

There's one born every day.