Not since 1984 has purple been such a fashion phenomenon.
In 1984, the artist formerly known as Prince released “Purple Rain” it was the top selling album of its day, and remains one of the top 20 best selling albums of all time. An equally popular film was made, winning several Oscars, and images of Prince on the red carpet in front of the Shrine Center in a purple cape with bejeweled hood still haunt me (involuntary shudder).
Now almost 25 years later purple has returned, big time! Purple has become a signature color, and has spotted on many a fashion show runway. The trend towards purple stated in 2006, and is going strong. Purple has become a sort of “insiders” color. So much so, that www.yahoo.com is promoting purple on their face page. If you scroll to the bottom of their search engine page you will find a link for “Start Wearing Purple”, and you be directed to purple factoids, purple history, purple music, purple pictures, purple pioneers and purple product. Yahoo is encouraging people to wear purple. Why you ask?
Purple has an irrtistiable balance of vibrant red (simulation) and serene blue (calm). This dichotomy accounts for part of its appeal. Purple has many unique associations, primarily with the aristocracy, and the papacy. Historically the pigments used to dye a garment purple were so scare that only royalty or the Pope could afford to purchase the dyes. In fact, the third century emperor, Aurelian, once told his wife she could not have a purple toga because he simply could not afford it (and he ruled the world!). Purple is a color therefore associated with spirituality and wealth, so perhaps during these time of political uncertainty and economic hardship purple has become a way to help us compensate.
I do not own a single purple garment; however, I did see a purple cashmere sweater on www.ballantyne.it website that I may be toying with for a proposed purchase.
Are you a purple people eater? If so, send your purple prose care of The Bespoken For Gentleman.
