History of Pink in Timeline

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Pink

Pink is a pale tint of red or rose, named after the pink flower. The term was first used to describe the color in the late 17th century. The color pink is associated with innocence when combined with white, while a pink and black combination is linked to eroticism and seduction.

June 1918: Article in Earnshaw's Infants' Department

In June 1918, an article in Earnshaw's Infants' Department discussed the association of pink with boys.

1931: Creation of Shocking Pink

In 1931, Elsa Schiaparelli created a new variety of the color pink called shocking pink by mixing magenta with a small amount of white.

1949: Dress Parade at Waldorf-Astoria Hotel

In 1949, A dress parade at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York showcased dresses in vibrant pink tones, leading to the association of the color with Mexican culture, described as Mexican Pink by Perle Mesta.

1953: Dwight D. Eisenhower's Inauguration

In 1953, during Dwight D. Eisenhower's inauguration, his wife Mamie Eisenhower wore a pink dress, which contributed to the association of pink with femininity.

1957: Lionel Trains Pink Model Freight Train

In 1957, Lionel Trains offered a pink model freight train for girls in its catalog, which was a marketing failure.

1957: American Musical Funny Face

In 1957, the American musical Funny Face further solidified the association of the color pink with women.

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1959: The Emergence of Barbie

In 1959, the emergence of Barbie is considered by scholars to be a decisive factor in the feminization of the color pink.

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1973: Death of Elsa Schiaparelli

In 1973, Elsa Schiaparelli, the Italian designer who created shocking pink, died.

2008: Pink and Breast Cancer Awareness

As of 2008, feminist groups and Breast Cancer Awareness Month use the color pink to convey empowerment of women.