We’ve seen it everywhere from the runways of Gucci to NYC subway ads to Dirt Cobain’s street art. Millennial Pink also known as Tumblr and Scandi Pink is THE design color at the moment. For those who still don’t know what we’re talking about think Glossier packaging, Acne shopping bags, and Thinx ads. Yes, we know what you’re about to say, “but those are three different pinks.” Well that’s right, Millennial Pink isn’t just one color, but an entire range. The Cut describes it as “a range of shades from beige with just a touch of blush to a peach-salmon hybrid.” So, that’s a big N.O. to Barbie Pink. In the article, “Is there a reason Millennial Women Love this Color?” Millennial pink is described as an, “ironic pink, pink without the sugary prettiness. It’s a non-color that doesn’t commit, whose semi-ugliness is proof of its sophistication.” Basically, it’s the least pretentious gender-neutral pink on the block.
Where did the pink phenomena begin? It all started with our friends at Apple who released the rose gold iPhone in 2015. The following year, Pantone announced Rose Quartz as the color of 2016. Since then it has spread through the internet like wildfire, becoming a stable in pop culture and influencing artists such as Drake to create the pink Hotline Bling art to the all-pink-everything restaurant, Pietro NoLita, in Lower Manhattan. The popularity of Millennial Pink continues to be heavily influenced by the internet and we don’t see the trend slowing down any time soon.
Besides the impact the color is making in the design and business industry, Millennial Pink is an all-around easy color to use. The gender fluid range matches nicely with most neutral tones such as white, black, grey, and beige, allowing it to be one of the most design friendly colors to use.