Press Releases
ICI Paints Thinks Pink
July 2007
Every little girl dreams of being "pretty in pink," but is it possible to also be manly in a color that until now has been so closely associated with cotton candy, ballet slippers and powder puffs?
According to color experts from the Glidden brand, the answer is a resounding "yes." In fact, if forecasts prevail, 2007 will bring the liberation of men to incorporate shades of pink into their wardrobes and their homes with Movie Star™ - a masculine pink - taking center stage as the 2007 "Color of the Year."
Each year, a group of international color experts from ICI Paints (maker of the Glidden brand) studies events and design influences from fashion, architecture, nature and cultures from around the globe to produce a contemporary color palette driven by society?s moods and interests, similar to the way that fashion designers seek unique styles and incorporate current philosophies into their work. The result is the ICI ColourFutures? forecast identifying color themes for the coming year and the naming of a single Color of the Year.
"Movie Star captures the essence of 2007 by representing the spirit of adventure and sophistication that currently dominates our culture, in which celebrities? wardrobes and home d?cors are coveted and closely emulated," explains Barbara Richardson, director of color marketing for ICI Paints. "It is a dark pink shade tinged with elements of gray that lends the color a remarkable versatility and a strong character. True to its name, Movie Star radiates confidence, creativity and refined elegance. It?s a chic, contemporary shade that is bold and accessible in the way it speaks to everyone ? even men."
The versatility of Movie Star is a result of society?s recent reassessment of its views on pink. The color has truly come full circle having originated in both Eastern and Western cultures as a strong color symbolizing masculinity. It was even worn by samurai warriors to represent power. Today, the hue is a favorite of top menswear designers such as the British-based, and aptly named, Thomas Pink label. In fact, the saying "in the pink" originated from the pride that Englishman felt from wearing Pink?s clothing more than a century ago.
"While pink always will appeal to the feminine aesthetic, today?s society also considers a man to be confident and masculine for sporting pink and even associates the color with strength and perseverance ? hence its use on breast cancer awareness ribbons," says Richardson.
