History of Pink

As someone who gravitates towards pink when selecting fabrics for my millinery creations, I've often found myself reflecting on the long, fascinating history behind this colour.

It's much more than a pretty hue- it's a shade with deep cultural and historical meaning, transforming its image over centuries.

Pink truly began to rise as a notable colour in the 18th century, particularly in European aristocratic fashion. Prior to this, fashion and art were dominated by earth tones and primary colours, but advances in dyeing techniques allowed for the creation of more delicate and pastel shades, including pink. By the mid-1700s, pink had become highly fashionable among the European elite, often worn by both men and women as a symbol of refinement, luxury, and wealth. French aristocrats, in particular, led the trend, with men of the upper classes donning pink suits as a mark of elegance. In 1757, Madame de Pompadour, the chief mistress of Louis XV, had a shade of pink named after her, "Rose Pompadour," because of her deep love for the colour.

In 18th-century Paris, wearing pink was synonymous with being fashionable and aristocratic, a marker of status and luxury. However, the meaning and significance of pink would evolve in later centuries. Though we often think of pink for little girls, it was commonplace in the 18th century for babies and children to all wear white dresses, which make it easier for nappy changes, but as the children grew older it was still quite normal for a boy to wear a dress, and in fact pink was thought of as more of a masculine colour for boys as it was a lighter shade of red, a colour known for passion and therefore considered to be a masculine colour.

By the late 18th Century, the colour Pink had trickled down to the upper-middle Class, due to the availability of cheaper dyes, industrialisation and mass production. The result of this was bright tawdry versions of pink that turned the colour from one associated with luxury and elegance to one associated with vulgarity.

A portrait of children in Europe in the 18th Century
A portrait of a lady believed to be Madame Pompadour in beautiful ornate pink gown.
An embroidered men's suit 18th century Europe in a pink velvet fabric.

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20th Century Pink

Nothing changed in the perception of pink until the early 20th century when French couturier Paul Poiret revitalized the colour in high fashion. Poiret’s use of pink in gowns—ranging from fuchsia and coral to cherry, as well as pastel and pale pinks—reintroduced the colour to the world of high fashion and helped shift its image.

Historically, the perception of pink fluctuated significantly. In 1918, Earnshaw’s Infants’ Department suggested pink for boys and blue for girls, noting that pink, being a stronger colour, was deemed more suitable for boys, while blue was considered more delicate and fitting for girls. By 1927, Time Magazine echoed this sentiment, recommending pink for boys and blue for girls. However, by the 1940s, societal views shifted, and pink became linked with young girls while older women avoided it due to its infantilizing connotations. Pink was seen as diminishing a woman’s maturity or seriousness, reinforcing stereotypes that limited women’s self-expression. Similarly, it was deemed degrading for men to wear pink, further entrenching gender norms.

Hot pink owes much of its status as a powerful symbol to Italian designer Elsa Schiaparelli, who introduced “shocking pink” to the fashion world in the 1930s. Her bold use of the colour transformed it from a soft, demure shade into a statement of defiance, challenging traditional boundaries. Icons like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn cemented hot pink as a symbol of glamour and sophistication in the mid-20th century. Monroe’s satin gown in Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend and Hepburn’s pink dress in Breakfast at Tiffany’s reinforced its association with Hollywood elegance.

By the 1950s, pink had become central to the feminine mystique. In the movie Funny Face, the phrase “Think Pink” caught on, while Mamie Eisenhower’s pink rhinestone ball gown at her husband’s 1953 presidential inauguration redefined the colour’s role in public life. Dior’s New Look, with its pink voluminous skirts and corseted waists, further solidified pink as a symbol of femininity in post-war couture. However, feminists of the 1960s challenged these traditional associations, complicating pink’s identity.

A gown by Paul Poiret in 1907
An Elsa Schiaparelli velvet gown from 1937
Marilyn Monroe singing "Diamonds Are a Girls Best Friend" in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, released in 1953.
Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast At Tiffany's released in 1961
"Think Pink" from the movie Funny Face, released in 1957
A gorgeous gown by Christian Dior for his "New Look"

Meanwhile, pink took on new dimensions. During World War II, Hitler used pink triangles to identify gay men, a symbol later reclaimed by the LGBTQ+ community during the AIDS crisis as a badge of resistance. The 1970s punk movement also embraced neon pink as a mark of rebellion, with figures like Paul Simonon of The Clash proclaiming it as the “only true rock and roll color.” Bands like the Sex Pistols and the Ramones used pink to subvert conventional norms, reinforcing its defiant nature.

The late 20th century saw pink emerge as a symbol of social movements. Characters like Elle Woods in Legally Blonde and Barbie in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie film flipped stereotypes, showing that hot pink could represent intelligence, confidence, and strength. The Pussyhat Protest in 2017, where women donned bright pink hats to stand for solidarity and resistance, reinforced pink’s association with activism.

Pink’s role in empowerment is global. In 2006, the Gulabi Gang in Northern India adopted bright pink saris as their symbol of resistance against domestic violence and corruption. Additionally, the early 2000s introduced “Millennial Pink,” a softened, less saccharine shade, which marked a modern re-interpretation of the colour, devoid of its former associations with girlhood or sweetness.

Today, hot pink continues to evolve—standing at the crossroads of fashion, rebellion, and activism.

The pink triangle on men in the concentration camps during World War II
A pink record by The Sex Pistols
Members of the Gulabi Gang in Northern India protesting.
Elle Woods and Bruiser Woods in Legally Blonde.
Millennial Pink
A poster for the Greta Gerwig "Barbie" movie

Making a Statement with Pink Millinery

Pink millinery is not just about adding a pop of colour to an outfit; it’s about making a bold statement. From soft pastels to shocking pink, the colour’s versatility allows for a range of emotional and cultural expressions. Historically, pink has evolved from a hue associated with innocence and femininity to one representing strength, rebellion, and empowerment. As a milliner, choosing pink in your designs can make a powerful statement in both personal style and broader social commentary.

The Symbolism of Pink
Pink has long been symbolic of femininity, but over time, it has also come to represent confidence and defiance. When incorporated into millinery, pink can evoke everything from elegance and playfulness to boldness and activism. Whether it’s a soft blush fascinator for a wedding or a bright fuchsia headpiece for the races, pink headwear commands attention. It can be used to challenge traditional notions of style or to align with modern movements that celebrate individuality and self-expression.

Design Choices That Amplify the Message
Different shades of pink can convey different emotions. Soft pinks paired with delicate floral accents or lace can communicate grace and sophistication, perfect for more traditional settings. On the other hand, vibrant hot pinks combined with structured, avant-garde shapes or embellishments like feathers and spikes can make a daring, fashion-forward statement. A hot pink fascinator with exaggerated shapes can be a declaration of confidence, while a pink crown or headband can symbolize empowerment and leadership.

Pink as a Tool for Activism and Solidarity
Pink millinery is also an opportunity to make a statement about social causes. For example, a bright pink hat or headpiece could be worn to raise awareness for breast cancer or in support of gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights. The vivid hue, when used in a millinery piece, creates a sense of solidarity and strength, encouraging wearers to wear their beliefs quite literally on their heads. During protests or significant events, pink headwear becomes more than an accessory—it becomes a symbol of unity and resistance.

Embracing the Boldness of Pink
Ultimately, pink millinery is about fearlessness. Whether a subtle pastel pillbox or a dramatic magenta fascinator, pink has the ability to transform an outfit into a statement. It invites wearers to break from tradition, embrace their individuality, and stand out from the crowd. By incorporating pink into millinery designs, you not only celebrate the colour’s rich history and evolving symbolism but also offer a powerful mode of self-expression for those daring enough to wear it.

Jackie Kennedy in a pink pillbox.
Princess Diana in a Pink Suit and matching wide brim hat.
Britney Spears in a pink fedora
Dita Von Teese in a pink showgirl costume complete with sparkly top hat and feathers.
Duchess Catherine Middleton in a dark pink veiled fascinator.
Protestors at the Pussyhat Protest in 2017.

The Power of Pink: How Milliners, Designers, and Fashion Houses are Using Pink Today

In the world of fashion, pink has transcended its once-traditional associations with femininity to become a multifaceted tool for expression. Today, milliners, designers, and fashion houses are using pink in bold, innovative ways that reflect the colour’s evolving cultural significance. Whether through avant-garde millinery pieces, haute couture collections, or streetwear collaborations, pink continues to dominate the fashion scene, making statements of empowerment, individuality, and modernity.

Reinventing Pink in Millinery
Milliners are embracing the full spectrum of pink, from soft pastels to neon brights, to create headwear that turns heads and captures attention. In racing fashion, for example, bright pink fascinators and dramatic headpieces are making waves, pushing boundaries with innovative shapes and materials. These striking designs highlight the wearer’s confidence, often using architectural forms to make pink feel modern and powerful.

Additionally, milliners are pairing pink with unexpected textures—think metallic pink leather, neon netting, or matte velvet—to challenge the colour’s soft, feminine past. By blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, milliners are turning pink into a bold fashion statement for those looking to stand out.

Fashion Designers Embracing the Pink Revolution
Pink has made its way into high fashion, with leading designers using the colour to convey powerful messages on the runway. Brands like Valentino, Dior, and Gucci have all showcased pink in recent collections, reimagining the hue as a symbol of rebellion, elegance, and individuality. Valentino's iconic "Pink PP" collection, featuring monochromatic looks in a custom shade of hot pink, captured global attention and solidified the colour’s status as a must-have for fashion-forward wardrobes.

Designers like Alessandro Michele at Gucci and Pierpaolo Piccioli at Valentino are also tapping into pink’s cultural significance, using it to reflect themes of gender fluidity, non-conformity, and inclusivity. From sharp tailored suits in bubble-gum pink to flowing evening gowns in fuchsia, they are redefining how pink can be worn, transcending gender norms and embracing bold, untraditional silhouettes.

Streetwear and the Rise of Millennial Pink
Millennial Pink, a muted and more subdued shade of the colour, has made a lasting impact in both streetwear and luxury fashion. Designers like Virgil Abloh (Off-White) and Rihanna (Fenty) have woven pink into their collections, using it as a way to blend softness with the streetwear ethos of toughness and edge. Pink sneakers, bomber jackets, and oversized hoodies have become staples in the wardrobes of the fashion-conscious, proving that the colour can be both casual and cool.

Collaborations between luxury houses and streetwear brands have also embraced pink as a key colour. For instance, brands like Balenciaga have merged high fashion with street culture by incorporating neon pinks and blush tones into oversized coats, logo-heavy designs, and statement accessories. In this context, pink is no longer delicate but assertive and edgy.

Pink as a Statement in Activism and Couture
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, pink is being used by fashion houses to convey deeper messages. The colour has become a powerful statement of activism, with brands using it in support of movements like gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and breast cancer awareness. For example, in 2023, Moschino’s runway included pink looks designed to spotlight inclusivity and empowerment, reflecting a broader trend of fashion brands engaging with social causes.

In couture, pink continues to stand as a symbol of empowerment and rebellion. Designers are embracing pink to make political statements, as seen in the resurgence of pink suiting—a nod to the likes of Hillary Clinton and other political figures who have used the colour to blend authority with femininity. At the same time, pink’s association with protest movements, like the 2017 Pussyhat Project, has strengthened its identity as a colour of resistance.

Cargo pants by Virgil Abloh for Off-White
Fenty by Rihanna
Gucci 2023
Valentino 2023
Moschino 2023
Versace 2023

The Future of Pink in Fashion

As the fashion landscape continues to evolve, pink remains a constant, ever-changing force. From haute couture collections to cutting-edge millinery, designers are pushing the boundaries of what pink can represent. Whether used as a tool for self-expression, a statement of solidarity, or simply as a vibrant fashion choice, pink has proven its versatility in the modern fashion world.

Ultimately, milliners, designers, and fashion houses are reclaiming and reinterpreting pink to reflect the complexities of today’s social and cultural climate, ensuring that this iconic colour remains at the forefront of fashion.

For me, pink is timeless. It's a colour that represents everything from bold confidence to romantic elegance. Whether I'm crafting a delicate rose fascinator or a striking fuchsia headpiece, I know that pink will always have a special place in my designs- and in the hearts of many.

My designs

My "Fine Filly" Floating Headpiece in bright pink is perfect for the confident, bold woman.
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My Paper Braid Saucer Hat with various shades of pink and white would be ideal for elegant, feminine women.
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My Pink Silk Saucer Hat would be well suited to a soft, feminine woman.
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My Pink Beaded Millinery Headband is another soft, subtle feminine headband.
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My Dark Pink Feather Halo Headband is another bold choice.
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My Pink Smocked Crown is another elegant crown perfect for the confident woman.
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View All Pink Millinery Pieces

Discover the Power of Pink!

Ready to make a bold statement? Browse my millinery collection and explore the beauty of pink in all its shades—from soft blushes to vibrant hot pinks. Whether you’re looking for a standout headpiece or subtle elegance, there’s a perfect pink creation waiting for you.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the colour pink! What does it mean to you? Feel free to share your thoughts or ideas for future designs. Let’s celebrate this empowering hue together!