Let me preface by saying, Elle Woods would be stoked to know pink is in the forefront of fashion, home decor, tech accessories, and basically every other facet of life that utilizes color. It’s been so popular, it’s actually been named “millennial pink” because of the obsession in millennial audiences. I’m sure you’ve seen it everywhere, as companies are using it as a marketing tactic.
Yeah, yeah, yeah. “Millennials are so special, they get a color named for them.” Before we delve too far into millennial criticism, let’s talk about this huge trend and the fascination surrounding it.
“Millennial Pink” isn’t a new color.
To the millennials under the impression millennial pink is a revolutionary advancement, it isn’t. Pink isn’t new. Before the current craze, the color was better known as “pastel pink” or “light pink.” Generations before us probably would have referred to it as “Jackie O Pink” or “Chanel pink” a time or two. Alongside (rather, in rivalry with) Gabrielle Chanel, Elsa Schiaparelli heavily showcased her line with a hot pink, later claimed as “shocking-pink,” her signature color.
It’s about fluidity and non-binary thinking.
So if millennial pink isn’t a new concept, why the fierce obsession?
Pantone really re-introduced the color in 2016 when they named Rose Quartz as a co-color of the year, along with a light blue named Serenity. According to Pantone, the shades represented a kind of gender fluidity spotted in pop culture that extended far beyond “real men wear pink.”
And sitting back, thinking about it, the millennial generation really is the first to embrace this kind of non-binary, open way of thinking, without pushing too much judgement. It shouldn’t be a surprise that marketers and advertisers are utilizing this as a business move.
The color speaks to millennials differently than it does the generations before them. It stands for a blurred line between masculinity and femininity that doesn’t resonate as easily with members of Gen-Y or the Baby Boomers.
Ok…but what exactly is “millennial pink?”
That’s an interesting question you ask. Really, it’s more of a range of colors that complement various moods, mindsets, and seasons. Millennial pink can be anything from a borderline nude color to a tropical flamingo pink.
The nude versions tend to make a statement by themselves while the dusty versions pair nicely with navy. The warmer end of the spectrum is more firey and punchy and works well with oranges.
What can I say…we can’t commit, right?
Shop some of my favorite “millennial pink” pieces below, and let me know what you think of the color.
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