Pink: the History of a Punk, Pretty, Powerful Colour

Today, with the advent of 'millennial pink', the colour formerly associated with Barbie has acquired a new identity. Nor is this the first time the symbolism of pink has been radically transformed. In this volume, in collaboration with a major exhibition at the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, curator and fashion historian Valerie Steele explores the history and significance of pink in fashion, art and culture from the 18th century to the present.

Steele and her co-authors tell the whole story of his controversial colour, emphasizing how its meanings changed throughout the centuries and across the globe, in cultures as diverse as France, India, Japan, Mexico and the United States. In 18th-century France, men and women alike wore pink, which was a fashionably 'new' colour. A century later, however, pink had become feminized and eroticized in the West (although it took longer for pink-versus-blue gender coding to develop).

Pink is beautifully illustrated, with illustrations of stunning pink fashions given context by photographs, advertisements and works of art. It features essays by scholars across the disciplines, giving readers access to a wealth of research into subjects as diverse as Hollywood films and the symbolism of the pink triangle. This book will appeal to all those interested in fashion and culture, as well as those who love pink.

“"'Pink fashion can be fierce and feminist, punk and powerful,' [Steele] concludes. After reading this fascinating history, we couldn't agree more."”

'Captivating' - Home House 'Approaches the history of this single colour from the perspective of fashion and anyone curious about its made shade will find much to enjoy' - Times Literary Supplement 'decodes the candy coloured shade in fashion, art and politics over the years [and] features essays by scholars across the disciplines, giving readers access to a wealth of research into subjects' - Hunger 'A gorgeously illustrated cultural history' - The Lady 'With essays and a string of dazzling, sugary imagery all in one place, [Pink] is a feast for the eyes as well as the mind' - Refinery 29 'Confirmation, that being in the pink - from flamingo to fuchsia - is cool once more' - RED 'In Pink, Valerie Steele brews a mesmerizing potion of historic and cultural intrigue emitting from the world's most polarizing colour. I am always captivated by Dr. Steele's work, but Pink is especially hypnotic. Like me, you won't be able to put it down!' - Tim Gunn, Mentor, Project Runway

Valerie Steele is director and chief curator of The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, and co-author of more than twenty books.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.