WHEN I WAS little, pink was my absolute favourite colour. Although I like to think I’ve grown out of it and now tell people my favourite colour is black (which is true), pink still holds a special place in my heart. In fact, until last week when I sold them on eBay, I had held onto my Alice Palmer pink and white striped frilly cushion and matching box-pleated lampshade. It’s a colour I’ll always love for its sheer optimism and unapologetic femininity. Throughout this article, we’ll explore the rich history and enduring influence of this beautiful colour over the years.
Pink pigments were rare in ancient times, and primarily derived from natural sources like berries, flowers, and insects. In ancient Egypt, pink found its way into cosmetics, notably as rouge for cheeks and lips. During the medieval era, pink was not widely recognised as a distinct colour. However, the Renaissance witnessed pink’s emergence in religious and mythological art, often symbolising love and innocence. The 18th century saw the colour become fashionable among the European aristocracy, especially in France. The ornate and elaborate Rococo style frequently employed pastel shades, including pink, in both fashion and interior design. The 19th century cemented pink’s association with romanticism, as it was used in literature and art to convey delicacy and gentle emotions.
In early 1900s, pink was popular in children’s clothing, with little distinction between boys and girls. In fact, the colour was considered a more robust colour suitable for boys, while blue was seen as delicate and dainty for girls. By the 1940s and 1950s, societal norms shifted, and pink became strongly associated with femininity. This change was influenced by marketing and cultural trends, solidifying the pink-for-girls and blue-for-boys stereotype. Figures like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn popularised pink in fashion and media. Monroe’s iconic dress in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Hepburn’s pink wardrobe in Funny Face cemented the colour’s glamorous image.
The 1990s and 2000s witnessed a feminist movement to reclaim pink as a symbol of empowerment, rather than a mere marker of traditional femininity. This was evident in the iconic “Girl Power” movement and the strategic adoption of pink in feminist campaigns. Pink’s prominence in pop culture persisted, with trailblazing celebrities like Madonna, Pink (the singer), and Elle Woods from the film, Legally Blonde, using the colour to convey strength and confidence.
Today, pink is increasingly embraced as a gender-neutral colour. Fashion and product design often incorporate pink to appeal to a broader audience, actively breaking down traditional gender barriers. In the realms of technology and modern design, pink is strategically utilised to create fresh, contemporary aesthetics. It appears in gadgets, user interfaces, and branding, targeting younger, progressive audiences who appreciate its vibrancy and boldness.
Renowned for its calming and soothing effects, pink is often employed in environments where relaxation is paramount, such as hospitals and wellness centres. In Japanese culture, the colour is closely associated with springtime and the cherry blossom, symbolising renewal and the transient nature of life – a revered motif in fashion and cultural traditions.
Pink remains a staple in global fashion, continuously evolving with trends and reflecting cultural shifts. Designers worldwide strategically utilise pink to make bold statements and challenge conventional norms, pushing boundaries and redefining aesthetics.
Pink’s history is rich and multifaceted, transforming from a symbol of aristocracy to a marker of gender norms, and ultimately emerging as a colour of empowerment and inclusivity. Its influence spans art, fashion, culture, and social movements, rendering it a powerful and dynamic hue that continues to shape and reflect societal values and perceptions.
