The colour pink has been the subject of much debate throughout history. While many designers have been forever linked to a uniform of monochrome, entire segments of fashion culture have been solely dedicated to the shade. Think: the sing song-y rendition of ‘Think Pink’ in the film Funny Face, which was based on the world of New York City and Paris fashion photography, or the unexpected love affair between Rei Kawakubo and the magical colour. Pink has long been a part of statement-making fashion.
Mia Wasikowska in AnOther Magazine S/S14Photography by Craig McDean, Styling by Olivier Rizzo
The colour has an enduring and complex history; before it was considered girlish and feminine, it was considered masculine by virtue of being a diminutive of red. It was not until the early 19th century that pink became coded as female, while blue was indicative of masculinity. Fortunately the tables are turning, and the hue is now almost as popular with men as it is with women, the pink shirt now a staple in many a modern man’s wardrobe.
If the S/S16 shows are any indication, the predilection for pink is stronger than ever. Dries van Noten mixed shocking pink bras with fully flared skirts and turtlenecks, and there were flashes of the colour in sweeping coats, satin platforms and embroidery. Chanel, too had a penchant for a rose palette, rendering her classic tweed suits in blush and yellow plaid, alongside technicolor prints which popped in neon fuschia. Louis Vuitton applied the colour to leather bikers; Saint Laurent to sparkling minidresses; Marques’Almeida to frothing ruffles. Here, in honour of its chic resurgence, we explore some of our favourite quotes on the colour, from Lagerfeld to Hepburn...
AnOther Magazine S/S14Photography by Colin Dodgson, Styling by Agata Belcen
1. “Pink is the navy blue of India.” – Diana Vreeland
2. “I love a nice hot pink. I like thick lipstick, otherwise it doesn’t look like you’re wearing any.” – Iris Apfel
3. “I gave to pink, the nerve of the red, a neon pink, an unreal pink.” – Elsa Schiaparelli
4. “Why would anyone pick blue over pink? Pink is obviously a better colour.” – Kanye West
5. “Anything is possible with sunshine and a little pink.” – Lilly Pulitzer
6. “On Wednesdays we wear pink.” – Regina George
AnOther Magazine S/S11Photography by Serge Leblon, Styling by Camille Bidaut-Waddington
7. “Always have a pink Oxford shirt ready for days when you’re feeling run down.” – Michael Bastian
8. “Whoever said orange was the new pink was seriously disturbed.” – Elle Woods [Reese Witherspoon, Legally Blonde, 2001]
9. “I remember being mad about having pink and red shoes. I gew up envying other girls’ pink and red shoes.” – Miuccia Prada
10. “Think pink. But don’t wear it.” – Karl Lagerfeld
AnOther Magazine A/W12Photography by Ben Toms, Styling by Robbie Spencer
