Pink makes the boys wink

What do you think when the colour pink comes to mind? From Elvis Presley’s iconic 1955 Cadillac to Marylin Monroe’s unforgettable dress at the end of the film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, society’s perception of this colour kept changing until today’s era. What if we told you that Pink wasn’t always associated with femininity but, in fact, masculinity? An artifice utilised in World War II. Find out more in Pink makes the boys wink. Image by Keny Kakadia

Feminine, androgynous, kitsch, sophisticated, transgressive. Throughout the decades, the colour pink has been re-framed by different age groups, ethnicities, gender, political and social beliefs.

This colour became fashionable in the Western World, during the mid-1700s. European aristocrats wore hazy dusty variants as a representation of luxury and elegance. French porcelain manufacturer, Sèvres, named one of their pink shades after Madame Pompadour, Louis XV’s headmistress, as it was her favourite colour.

In the 18th century, Sèvres porcelain was a prized status symbol, and this rich shade of pink became associated with the opulence of the royal court, though it was not assigned to a specific gender. The tint was often thought to be more appropriate for young boys because it was perceived as a paler shade of red with “masculine,” military undertones.

The shift to associating it with femininity began during the mid-19th century, where men would wear darker colours. Pink developed feminine connotations because it hinted at nakedness: Pink lingerie became more popular, as did connections to the colour’s sexual appeal in literature and art.

During the Holocaust, the Nazis devised a marking system to identify the types of prisoners deported into concentration camps. Sexual criminals were assigned the pink triangle, which included homosexual men, bisexual men, and transgender women. The Nazis’ use of the pink triangle was not made public until the 1970s when gay rights activists reclaimed the symbol.

Many believed that pink was assigned to women as part of a post-World War II effort to reestablish traditional gender roles. Advertisers sought to feminize women as they were pushed out of the workforce and back into the home responsibilities.

The polarization of pink for girls, blue for boys increased after the appearance of the ultrasound fetal sex identification and gender reveal parties. The fashion industry offered a specific selection of baby clothing, which helped associate said colours to both genders.

Later on, pink also became a universal symbol for causes like breast cancer and feminist movements like the Pussyhat Project (worn in the 2017 Women’s March). Gender roles have begun to break down, as identity politics have gained mainstream attention. While the colour is still considered feminine, it is not solely used by women anymore.

So…any suggestions for you to proudly show off to your friends and family while you tell them what you know about this unbelievable shade? You’d thought we didn’t come prepared, but here you have some of our top picks for you to indulge on:

Amo Ferragamo Per Lei by Salvatore Ferragamo

The latest olfactory chapter in the Amo Ferragamo story is Salvatore Ferragamo’s new fragrance Amo Ferragamo Per Lei, an ode to happiness, harmony, and self-care encapsulated in an enchanting accord of fresh, transparent notes.

Marie Salamagne and Olivier Cresp’s Eau de parfum is a radiant, sophisticated woody floral musky blend that explores all facets of modern, mindful femininity. The fragrance begins with the natural simplicity of fruity Pear and Raspberry Juice notes, which transition into an enticing, romantic heart of Osmanthus and transparent Magnolia.

Housed in a curved flacon the juice is a soft elegant shade of light pink to emphasise its femininity.

Toy 2 Bubblegum by Moschino

Toy 2 Bubblegum, an iconic fragrance honouring the creative genius of Jeremy Scott, is now tinted a modern and elegant pink, dedicating its pure soul to all #pinkaddicted women.

Fun, outgoing, and playful notes explore her Majesty the rose’s nuances, invoking the delicate scent of the ironic and iconic bubblegum, from which the fragrance gets its name.

The fragrance expresses the joy of scent. A sweet, spicy and intense essence ignited by the vivacious bubblegum notes. Candied citrus mingles with succulent peach and spices in a cocktail of elegant woods and musk.

New C-Pink by Swatch

Innovative and one-of-a-kind bioceramic for the purest, most defined design, soft and silky touch, and resilience. The brand-new in-house creation is made up of two-thirds ceramic and one-third bio-sourced plastic, combining the best of both worlds. With full pink movement, this is the must-have pink option.

But wait, there’s more? Want a reason not to be blue? Presenting you a nice contrast from all the blush tones we’ve been gushing about, here’s an excellent option to give your outfits a touch of blue:

Mister Miller Master Hatter (Spring/Summer 2021)

Mister Miller has been quietly and diligently working on a capsule collection of unisex hats for everyday use. The flat cap in every permutation from Baker boys, Newsboys, and Mariners in various fabrications is the signature look. These hats are for anyone looking for a little extra attitude and flair in their daily lives.

Made from Herringbone blue linens, the Theo Newsboy hat provides a fitted look, with a stud button under the peak. You can flip it up and wear it both ways.

The current collection will be given a summer makeover and fabricated in lightweight materials such as cotton, linens, and seersucker, offering a wide variety of choices.