Colour Files: Pink, The History, Symbolism and Aesthetic

What comes first into your mind when you think of pink? The movie Legally Blonde? Barbie, the toy? Pink clouds? (well, yeah maybe this one is on us) Believe it or not there is more to the lovely colour pink.

The colour pink is named after flowers dianthus in Greek. In fact, term 'pink' was even used instead of 'flower' in the meaning of 'the best'. Shakespeare who added new words to the English language displays an example in his legendary play Romeo and Juliet. Mercutio, who is a close friend to Romeo, says: "Nay, I am the very pink of courtesy." *

Symbolism and Meaning

"Anything is possible with sunshine and a little pink." – Lilly Pulitzer

Pink is a combination of colors red and white. It is not surprising that it derives meanings from both of these colors: Love, passion and femininity feeling from red, and pureness from white. White softens the strong action in red. Pink is positioned as a symbol of nurture, kindness and love. The deeper the tone of pink, the more red it has in it so there is more passion and energy it exhibits.

When Pink is used, it can reflect the idea of "everything will be OK". So, there is hope aspect to it. It is no surprise that Breast Cancer Foundation also chose pink as an iconic color.

According to color therapy, pink can help people to feel loved and safe. Hence, we can benefit from pink to create a non-threatening environment with full of unconditional love. This can be the main reason to see pink often in different interior, fashion or branding designs.

Bear Shaped Pink Hair Claw Clip

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Iconic Uses of Pink

Marilyn Monroe and her shocking pink dress from the movie Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

1. Marilyn Monroe's Pink Dress

Monroe's dress from the movie Gentlemen Prefer Blondes was sold during an auction in 2010 for the value of $307.000. This amount is not exaggerated considering the color of the dress was literally invented by designer Elsa Schiaparelli. Schiaparelli wanted some saturation on Marilyn Monroe when she saw the diamonds that Monroe would wear.

Elvis Presley's Pink Cadillac in front of the house — Elvis Presley's Pink Cadillac

2. Elvis Presley's Pink Cadillac

Presley could have been known as the King of Rock n Roll but for us he was also King of the color Pink. Here is why: Before all his fame, Presley found himself looking at shop window where pink coats and every colorful item were displayed. He chatted with the owner for a while and told him when he got rich, he will buy the store out. The owner replied, " don't buy me out, buy from me." Finally, once Presley got the money, he started shopping in pink from that store. He also added the famous pink Cadillac to his collections. During those times and places, there were two groups of people wearing pink: Women and the Black. Although some people questioned his preference of the color for this reason, Presley continued to rock the color Pink.

Barbie's Iconic Brand Logo

4. Barbie Logo

This logo is one of the most recognisable logos in the world. In the early years, letters in the logo were written by hand and it became a breakthrough. This calligraphic logo was combined by the color pink. In the later years, the font use have changed several time in the logo design but the use of pink stayed the same. Pink is considered to be optimistic and feminine for the logo.

Pink Ribbon, the symbol of Breast Cancer Research and Awareness

5. The Pink Ribbon

The history of "pink ribbon" goes back to run of 1991. Pink ribbons were distributed to all breast cancer survivors in New York City. Then in 1992, Alexandra Penney, editor-in-chief of Self magazine, wanted to put the magazine’s second annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month issue over the top. She did this by creating a ribbon and enlisting the cosmetics giants to distribute them in New York City stores. And thus, pink ribbon was born!(i)

Popular Colour Matches with Pink

Pink might be considered as an overwhelming colour but when it is paired correctly, it can create timeless designs and aesthetic.(i) There is a right amount of pink for everyone. Here are some popular suggestions for pink aesthetic: