The History of Red

The History of Red

By: Abby Fulmar

2023 will forever be known as the year of the color red. The obsession with the versatile color hit an all time high in recent months, popping up everywhere from bright red tights to ballet flats. However, red is not just the color of this season; it is the color of every season. Cherry red for the summer, wine in the fall, and scarlet in the winter. The fact is, the color red is not just a trend, it is becoming a staple. Therefore, it might come as a surprise that the color red has not always been as accepted as it is today. 

Prior to the Middle Ages, red clothing was hard to come by. Red was the first color formulated to dye clothing and was expensive to acquire. As a consequence, it quickly became a symbol of social status and was associated with the extravagance of the aristocracy. During the Renaissance period, the church relied heavily on red fabric to symbolize the blood of Christ and reinforce the importance of religion. Red seemed to be the color of the elite, and was unattainable for the majority of the population. 

The world looked a lot different by the turn of the 20th century. The rise of industrial America and mass production created a larger middle class, and neutral-toned business attire took over the fashion world. People began to care more about making a living and less about the color of their clothing. Red clothing had become associated with politics and war, and was seen as too flashy for everyday wear. 

Red solidified its place in pop culture with the invention of technicolor film. With the first click of Dorothy’s ruby slippers in The Wizard of Oz, audiences everywhere became captivated with the striking beauty of the color red. Audrey Hepburn’s iconic red lip and Marilyn Monroe’s gown in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes established the color as one of class and elegance.

Even with the impact the color was making on the big screen, many found it difficult to integrate red into their everyday wardrobe. This all changed with the establishment of high fashion brands like Valentino. Valentino Garavani’s first collection, released in 1959, included one of the most recognizable pieces produced in his lifetime, the ‘Fiesta’ dress. As technology advanced and the public started to pay more attention to fashion shows, many of the trends seen on runways trickled down to department stores worldwide, one of those being what would become the signature Valentino red. People soon had easy access to a variety of red clothing at their local stores and began to see the appeal of wearing the color in everyday life.

If Taylor Swift devoting an entire album to the color has not made it obvious, red has now become representative of confidence and strength. It brings a unique energy to any outfit and is the perfect way to make a statement. As fashion trends show maximalism making a comeback, there is no doubt that timeless red clothing will continue to dominate the market.

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