Marsala: The Colour of 2015

Since  2010 I have been blogging little bits and bobs of things that interest me and little projects or shoots I've worked on. For some reason, this almost "cult" of the Pantone Colour of the Year has me hooked again, for the 6th year in a row now.

Maybe because it's so easy, relatable and finite, like the Chinese horoscope; next year is the Year of the Sheep, and we all want to know what that means for us. With the Pantone colour of the year, it is actually a prediction, based on current situations on a global, social, cultural, economical, political, etc. level we can all relate to.

Here are the previous years I've blogged (you can find them in each year's archive):

• PANTONE 18-3224 Radiant Orchid (2014)
• PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald (2013)
• PANTONE 17-1463 Tangerine Tango (2012)
• PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle (2011)
• PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise (2010)

WHY MARSALA?

So what does Pantone 18-1438 Marsala mean for us? Of the five million colours our eyes can distinguish, why was this one chosen? Prepare for seduction!

2015 is all about richness and being grounded. Satisfying and earthy red-brown like a deep, rich glass of wine, Marsala is sophisticated, natural and "earthy". (I can already hear the earth-loving hipsters rejoicing).

Hearty and stylishly sophisticated, this tone will appeal universally and easily lends itself to fashion, beauty, industrial design, home furnishings and interiors.

IN FASHION

Ever elegant as a statement colour for its full-bodied qualities, designers such as Hervé Léger and Max Azria have already used Marsala on the runways for Spring 2015 collections. Used as an accent colour when paired with other colours, it can be quite subdued and sophisticated. Or for more drama, pair it with neutrals, such as warmer taupes and greys. Because Marsala has burnished, sultry undertones, it is very complimentary with amber, umber and golden yellows, even greens in turqoise and teal, and vibrant blues. 

As florals and stripes continue in popularity, you will know doubt see Marsala make a presence in 2015 in both men's and women's clothing. This also includes jewellery and accessories, look out for leather especially for handbags, hats, footwear and the newly emerging market of wearable technology.

IN BEAUTY

Marsala is flattering against many skin tones and eye colours, and pairs really well with monochromatic mixes of peachy pink, and sparkles against antiquated gold metallics (and rose gold!) great for lipstick and blush options. Marsala smokey eyeshadow can be worn from day to night, will make you look like a femme fatale in lipstick and nailpolish. Make up artists rejoice! Look for Marsala featured in beauty editorials in future magazine shoots!

Wishing you all a very safe and happy Christmas, and I hope you ring in 2015 in style and maybe with a little (or a lot!) of Marsala, enjoy!
Bx

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2011 Colour Trend HONEYSUCKLE!!

“Honeysuckle, Sweet & Potent” by me.

In 2010 it was Turquoise, a mesmerising colour to whisk us away to a state of escapism and tranquillity. But 2011’s new colour is about to change all that. It’s time to wake up to a brave new world, to be emboldened and face every day troubles with confidence and strength. Although Honeysuckle 18-2120 is not an everyday colour…

A vibrant reddish pink, it will lift you up and give you the confidence, bravery and spirit to face the tiring challenges we meet every day, be it at uni, work, personal lives, new children, and relationships, this vibrant baby helps with warding off the blues and getting the adrenalin going!

“The intensity of this festive reddish pink allures and engages. In fact, this color, not the sweet fragrance of the flower blossoms for which it was named, is what attracts hummingbirds to nectar. Honeysuckle may also bring a wave of nostalgia for its associated delicious scent reminiscent of the carefree days of spring and summer.”  -Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®

Both men and women can wear this colour (although it may take an unworthy amount of time to persuade the former to. I’m not going to even try to ask my boyfriend), it is striking and engaging in women’s apparel, accessories and cosmetics day or night.

 For interior decorating, it makes a sweetly-intoxicating feature wall, or go for home wares with patterned cushions and lamp shades and little personal features that makes the colour work for you, not the other way around.

All in all, it’s a new dynamic burst of energy, I can’t wait to see it slowly creep through in merchandising and especially cosmetics and couture, the world needs more beauty, one can never have enough of the colour pink! And if you hate pink, (I used to, no seriously I did!) then maybe give Honeysuckle a chance to work its way into your heart, it’s not so painfully feminine that it leaves a sickly sweet taste in your mouth, and it’s not so loud and outrageous as a hot burst of molten red, so give it a chance, let it bring something more into your life, for 2011 is the year for brave, new things…

Belle Xx

sources ~ http://au.pantone.com