Pretty in Pink At USD

Looking into the history of the color pink in fashion and the color pink on USD's campus.

Captivating, dazzling, enticing are a few words that only just begin to encapsulate the prominence and power of the color pink. The implementation of the color pink in fashion dates all the way back to 18th century European society where it took on a different meaning than the modern day connotation of the color. It began as a genderless color, worn by both men and women as a symbol of aristocracy and elegance. It wasn't until after World War II when American culture redefined, and remarked, the color as girly and frivolous, providing its restricted association with femininity.

Despite the reservation of pink for girls and blue for boys that existed for so many years, the color pink has come to represent so many different societal and cultural aims that it no longer is constrained to one perception. French professor and color historian, Michel Pastoureau once described the color phenomenon, explaining that "there is no transcultural truth to color perception. It is society that 'makes' color, defines it, gives it meaning." In this way, the color pink holds so much depth, allowing its expression, whether through displays of art or fashion, to be left to the interpretation of the individual.

For USD senior, Ava Cunningham (pictured above), the color pink signifies playfulness, cheer, and elation, so much so that she chose to dress in all pink from head to toe for her 20th birthday party. Ava considers fashion to be an "outward expression of who you are on the inside and what makes you feel good about yourself." The color pink takes on a meaning for her, that goes beyond the historical, cultural, and societal interpretation of the color, as it represents an emotion and value that is unique to her own experience. She wears the color pink, decorates with the color pink, and expresses herself through the color pink, because it is a reflection of the fun, playful and dynamic way in which she lives her life.