MARSHMALLOW PINK

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“Think pink. But don’t wear it.” 

- Karl Lagerfeld 

The colour pink has been the subject of much furore debate throughout the fashion ages. Only a few brave souls have solely dedicated their designs and collections to that shade. As a result, pink has been synonymous with statement-making fashion. 

The colour has a convoluted, but lasting history. Before, pink was commonly associated with femininity, romanticism and sweetness, it was denoted as quite the opposite. By virtue of being a diminutive of the colour red, which men wore as uniforms in the 19th century, pink was considered masculine and often worn by boys. 

Fast-forward two centuries and the cycle has returned, with the hue becoming as popular with men as it is with women, recently popularised by One Direction singer, Harry Styles in a public performance. His fitted two-piece suit in the candy hue was shocking, colourful, yet fun. His youthful appearance and immense popularity questioned this traditional male fashion faux pas, and brought back this age-old debate on what constitutes a masculine colour. 

Quite simply, to convey child-like innocence and sweetness, pink should be combined with white. Think of the pastel confectionary packets of marshmallows and that would be the ideal palette if being worn as a two piece suit. But to project a level of eroticism and seduction, pink should be combined with violet or black. 

Both combinations were evident in this year’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia, with hordes of women embracing their femininity in almost floor length flowing gowns, some teaming their pink hued jackets and coats with black or white. But the most popular garment were bomber jackets that contained muted, musky hues of pinks. 

The converse of these pink pastel hues is Shocking pink. Created in 1931 by Italian designer Elsa Schiaparelli by mixing magenta with a small amount of white. Like any bold, electric colour, it works best as a single block of colour, worn head-to-toe. 

The easiest way to wear this trend is to select jackets or overcoats in a plain shade or with pink detailing on collars, lapels or sleeves. This kept one item as a statement piece, and the rest of the outfit as simply effortless. 

Whilst Karl Lagerfeld would tut-tut against wearing pink, go and embrace this colour and be a trend setter.

Images: Tristan Jud from Isolated Style