As a quintessentially feminine colour, pink has undoubtedly marked many important ‘fashion moments’, from 18th Century Rococo fashion to Elsa Schiaparelli’s 1930’s ‘Shocking pink’, and Christian Dior’s 1950’s ‘New Look’ pastel shade. For the past decade or so, however, pink seemed reserved to little girls and their beloved Barbie dolls, or bimbo heroines in Hollywood comedies.
While the Rock, Modern Art, Sci-Fi, post-war Retro and Photorealistic trends prevailed, pale pink was disdainfully considered too classic and fuchsia too showy. Indeed, pink has too often been associated with passive femininity, while symbolising marriage and maternity.
However, there does seem to be a decisive shift this season, as nostalgia for ‘girliness’ has caused an explosion of all things pink. Feel free to indulge in bubblegum pink, peachy pink or magenta hues: the colour brings positive feelings, improves the mood and is well known for its calming effects! Starting with shoes and accessories, from trainers to elegant pumps or gorgeous heels, bunny iPhone cases or candy bags, shades and jewellery, whether delicately romantic or ferociously feminine, take your pick of pink. Combine it with typical lingerie tones like white, black or turquoise for a macaroon style or pair it with grass green, Klein blue or blood red for a more tonic effect.
Marketers are well aware of how attractive pink is to women and widely use it for the packaging of cleaning products and stationery, as well as for cosmetics, perfumes and toiletries.
However, since 1997, the pink ribbon has also become a symbol of the battle against breast cancer, thanks to the Breast Cancer Foundation, a non-profit organization, which started programmes of early detection before gaining worldwide attention. Last week, the Breast Cancer Foundation celebrated its sixteenth anniversary in New York, with its ‘Hot Pink Party’, which aimed to raise funds and increase awareness about this life-threatening disease, with special guest Sir Elton John and the face of Estée Lauder’s Breast Cancer Campaign, British actress Elizabeth Hurley.
Louise Kissa