The Pink Princess

A popular new trend has began to appear in the world of high fashion and home decorating: the use of the colour pink. What began as a fashion statement has become a personal obsession, as pink lovers discover new ways to use pink in every aspect of their daily lives. The history of pink provides interesting insight into the rising popularity of the colour pink.

The story of Pink – Surprisingly, prior to World War II, the colour pink was more often associated with baby boys than girls. Red was viewed as a masculine colour, and baby boys were expected to wear the diluted colour red. Baby girls were often dressed in blue! However, things began to change starting sometime after the second World War, and pink began the rise to feminine dominance that would continue for decades.

During the booming post-war economy of the 1950s, women were finding their way back out of the factories and into the home. The stronger economy led to a rise in the sale of consumer goods and make-up. As women began to purchase pink nail polish and blushes (where pink symbolized health and vitality), pink began to become more heavily associated with women. The phrase “think pink” began to appear in sales to women after appearing as a song in the 1957 film “Funny Face,” starring 1950s icon Audrey Hepburn. At the same time, the Barbie doll was introduced, and capitalized on the rising pink associations. Later, in the 1960s, pink was used as an ironic way to undercut masculinity, as in the “Pink Panther” film. Pink continued its rise as a cheeky, feminine symbol in songs like “Pink Cadillac” and “Pretty in Pink” in the 1980s. In 2000, a new singer with hot pink hair even arrived on the scene, going by the name Pink.

What Started the present Passion for Pink? – The current pink obsession was probably set in motion by the 2001 film “Legally Blond,” in which Reese Witherspoon plays a law student who lives in a world of pink and even has a tiny pink-dressed dog. The comedy showed how a human “Barbie doll” could be tough and smart without losing her girlish femininity. Girls everywhere enjoyed the idea of combining intelligence with girly sexiness, and the popularity of pink products rose even further.

Pink in the Home – Those in search of a rosier world can now find a wide range of ways to decorate their homes in fashionable pink things. Pink can be the dominant colour scheme for a room, or it can be used as an accent colour to bring a little fun to the everyday. In the bedroom, pink blankets and sheets create a cosy haven, with pink fuzzy slippers waiting at the foot of the bed. In the bathroom, pink toothbrushes and shower curtains can create a sense of pampering, and pink clocks and rugs create elegant touches for the living room as well. Pink has even invaded the kitchen. Now pink kitchen accessories are available, from pink kettles and toasters to a pink microwave oven!

Pink Motoring – Those who love pink do not just want it for the home, however. Pink car accessories are now the rage, with pink flashlights, key chains, and even car mats for pink floors. Travellers heading overseas may decide to purchase pink luggage, which not only makes a statement but is easy to spot at the airport.

A Psychology of Pink – A “pink princess” is the nickname given to women devoted to the colour pink. Pink princesses embrace pink as a whole identity, a personal statement and an outlook on life. Edith Piaf’s song “Ma Vie En Rose” translates well for these pink lovers: “My Life in Pink.” The colour offers a wonderful combination of associations: on the one hand, pink is soft and flirty, but it is also elegant and fashionable. The growing field of colour psychology makes even more dramatic claims about pink, arguing that the presence of pink even has the power to soothe. Studies suggest that even criminals may behave better when surrounded by the colour pink.

The rising pink trend may prove to be about more than a fashion. It may be about pink lovers adopting a new outlook on life. There is a reason for the phrase “seeing the world through rose colored glasses.” Surrounding people with pink may actually make them happier.