Red.

It tells us to stop. It connotes to warmth. It represents love. One color can communicate an entire scale of emotion from love to hate, and will continue to splash across runways and wardrobes in 2015.

Looking back many seasons, the color red, along with black and white, was one of the first colors used by peoples in the Late Stone Age- perhaps the original trend color! It was extracted from natural pigments found in plants and insects, and was originally used to symbolize various rituals through cave paintings and body paint. The color became essential in various cultures, including ancient Egypt, where it was associated with life, health and victory. It was in Egypt, where color was first used for cosmetic purposes such as reddening the cheeks and lips, to produce a more healthy and beautiful exterior.

With this development of using a color to enhance the self-image, red started to represent different meanings such as wealth and power, worn by members of royalty and aristocracy.

Power, luxury and beauty may be the reasons as to why red is one of the most popular colors in the fashion industry. Brands want to market this concept of a strong beautiful woman, and through lipstick, nail polish, clothing, and accessories like this Karl Lagerfeld backpack, the consumer can become that ideal.

Valentino, whose name is as synonymous with the color red as it is with fashion, states that his intention is to symbolize the “power of femininity”. His choice of color was inspired by its meaning and three key experiences he endured. First, he was at a circus in Barcelona and found that the color dominated the scene and reflected both humor and tremendous sadness. Second, he was enchanted by a red costumed socialite at an Opera where he reminisces:

“Women usually prefer to wear black at events because it makes them feel safe, however, if there’s one woman wearing red, she will inevitably be the eye-catcher of the evening. It’s as though the room is suddenly illuminated- simply perfect for a grand-entrance”.

Finally, he was inspired by his dear friend Diane Vreeland who embodied the powerful, elegant woman.

While his pieces have withstood generations, only a very small fraction have been lucky enough to wear one of his masterpieces. Essentially, Valentino combined all meaning, emotion, and aesthetic into his clothing. Today, being this powerful, fearless woman is is what we all want to be, no?

I truly believe that fashion is a reflection of society.  Unfortunately, women are continuously being undermined as “objects” in the media, referred as derogatory terms in songs, and expected to be size 0 from a very young age. This exploitation and terrible image must be stopped and now more than ever is it vital to live up to Valentino’s legacy and be powerful women. Possibly through the everlasting color of red.

Have a wonderful weekend! :)