Pantone, a color consulting agency in New Jersey, reigns supreme in the world of color. Each year, the company’s committee of color experts announces its prediction of color of the year. In December, the reddish-brown color dubbed Marsala was selected as 2015’s color of the year. We’ve seen the color on the runway and, true to prediction, it has found its way into the color palettes of fashionistas across the world. This has left us wondering, how exactly do they choose what shade to honor with the title?

According to color expert Leatrice Eiseman, the committee noticed Marsala making appearances in fashion collections in the fall, though not heavily. While the committee travels to fashion capitals of the world — London, Paris, Milan and New York included — they observe street fashion, automobiles, films and art. They take notes and photos while observing a large picture of the world, so they can determine the colors prevalent throughout every facet of society.

Here’s a look at the past Pantone colors of the year.

Marsala has also been included in the Fall 2015 color predictions, also made by Pantone color experts. The palette for the fall is titled “An Evolving Color Landscape.” It includes earthy tones and bold and natural colors to reflect the landscape. These colors were determined by the most prevalent runway colors from various designers during New York Fashion Week in February.

For more information about the fall color palette predictions, visit the Pantone website.