We're
in a feminist renaissance known as the hot pink movement
The
history of the colour "hot pink," which is frequently linked to
flirtatiousness, disobedience, and hyper femininity, is murky. Perhaps it comes
as no surprise that the disputed colour is prevalent throughout the maximalist
fashion scene of 2022. The common colour is establishing a new era of bold
self-expression, free of obsolete gender preconceptions, in designer
collections and popular media.
Valentino,
an Italian luxury brand, can help with this. Pierpaolo Piccioli, the brand's
creative director, embraced the bold colour with a monochromatic presentation
of hot pink walls, runways, and clothing for the label's fall 2022
ready-to-wear show. From Blumarine's pre-fall 2022 exhibition to Rick Owens'
spring 2023 menswear collection, other labels have also embraced the bold
colour in recent releases. Not to mention that fashionable celebrities like
Lizzo, Zendaya, Harry Styles, Lil Nas X, and Billy Porter have adopted the
daring colour as a non-binary fashion mainstay.
It's
no longer revolutionary to consider hot pink to be gender-neutral, and that's
kind of a huge deal. According to Shakaila Forbes-Bell, fashion psychologist at
Afterpay, "the color's uptake by men is an indication of our culture's
active march away from traditional gender roles."
Tradition
dictates that boys wear blue and girls wear pink, which reinforces antiquated
preconceptions. Particularly hot pink has long been used to represent a
superficial and shallow form of femininity. According to Nafissa Ismail, a
professor at the University of Ottawa whose study involves colour psychology,
women have historically felt pressure to avoid wearing bright colours,
especially in professional settings. She claims that for a long time in her
society, women were afraid to display their femininity in such a public way.
However, as it becomes more popular, hot pink is being reclaimed as a symbol of
strength. Enter the modern-day Bimbohood viral sensation.
Fiona
Fairbairn is just one of many self-described bimbos on TikTok, a movement that
seeks to reclaim the insulting epithet once used to describe women as being
stupid. Bimbo conjures up specific images, like glittery accessories, matching
tracksuits, and vivid, bubble gum pink. However, modern Bimbohood challenges
the word's negative connotations by focusing on its images.
According
to Fairbairn, "hot pink is a very aggressive colour." The content
developer, who is headquartered in Toronto, seems unconcerned with the
ramifications of a high-maintenance lifestyle. "I should have [them] if I
want the best things, especially as a Black and Indigenous woman." She
takes up space without apology when she dons hot pink.
Color
has always been utilised as a strategy to captivate viewers. Marilyn Monroe in
1953's Gentlemen Prefer Blondes is credited with popularising the eye-catching
shade. Monroe satirised her role as a shallow money digger in the movie by
dressing up for her cheeky rendition of "Diamonds are a Girl's Best
Friend" in a hot pink satin gown. The distinctive attire has endured over
time as a representation of this conventional image. And over time, hot pink's
tense overtones lingered.
Early
2000s media frequently paired unlikable women with hot pink. Pink was largely despised,
with the exception of 2001's Legally Blonde, which championed the idea that you
could be intelligent, charitable, and independent while wearing pink.
Ultra-femininity was demonised by Hollywood in the 2000s through the use of
pink-obsessed villains like Regina George from Mean Girls and Sharpay Evans
from High School Musical. Interests in pink, shopping, and fashion among these
individuals were used as markers of their villainy.
However,
a new perspective on hot pink is emerging in the 2020s, one that genuinely
celebrates those who wear it. Take the next Barbie movie as an example. The
live-action adaption, which was directed by feminist filmmaker Greta Gerwig,
brings the doll's permanently pink world to life. It will apparently cast a
critical eye on the franchise's exclusivity, with Margot Robbie, Issa Rae, and
Hari Nef portraying different Barbies. Barbie's online buzz grows with each new
pink-themed poster and behind-the-scenes image. Redefining hot pink is becoming
more popular. And it's easy to understand why.
According
to Ismail, the vibrant colour inspires people to rediscover their enthusiasm
for fashion after years of solitary existence. "We have experienced
loneliness when we are alone at home and away from people. We now want to
experience love. We desire warmth. We desire attention. According to
Forbes-Bell, hot pink gives its wearers a special sensation of exhilaration and
self-assurance. She points out that the resurgence of the colour coincides with
the rising popularity of gender-neutral clothing. We're letting go of hot
pink's negative connotations as society becomes weary of gender roles.
According to Fairbairn, "It's for everyone now because everyone is
understanding the boldness and force within the colour."
Hot
pink celebrates being noticed in the era of dopamine dressing, non-binary
fashion, and experimental personal style. People will look if you wear a
striking hot pink attire, according to Fairbairn. What's wrong with that,
though? Fashion is rewriting the history of its most gendered colour by
introducing the lively shade into the mainstream.