“Blue color is everlastingly appointed by the deity to be a source of delight”.
John Ruskin
Blue is undeniably the world’s uniting color. We are enveloped in blue by our common sky and the blue of our waterways that cover 71% of the earth’s surface.* Blue is consistently voted the favorite color around the world regardless of culture or demographics. Red packs a punch, declares confidence, draws attention and makes a statement, but it cannot compete with blue for popularity.
Blue is one of three primary colors (the other two are red and yellow). From the palest pastel powder blue to the darkest blue shade, blue expresses the human bond to nature, an historical association with the divine, protection (of a god or ruler), peace and stability. These attributes are still attached to blue today.
Ancient civilizations first created blue using pigments from minerals or stones such as lapis lazuli or dyes extracted from plants, especially indigo. The process was labor intensive and therefore expensive so blue was reserved for royalty or the wealthy. The Industrial Revolution introduced synthetic blues such as Cobalt and Prussian blue as well as many inexpensive variations of blue. Today the Pantone (Color) Matching System includes over three hundred tones, tints and shades of blue.
Of all the variations, Majorelle blue is one of the most striking and fascinating.
Jacques Majorelle, a French painter, moved to Marrakesh in the 1920’s. As a painter, he was struck by his adopted country’s deep, vibrant landscape colors which were reproduced in architecture, clothing and jewelry. Influenced by the colors around him, he experimented with creating a blue to use as a background for his now famous garden. The result is the unique, vivid blue that bears his name and its own PMS number: 18-4033. Begun in 1923 as a hobby, the garden expanded until it became his life’s work and a Marrakesh landmark. His Majorelle blue is now a symbol – a shorthand expression – for Moroccan style and allure. It’s exotic nature is both deeply calming and intensely simulating. These opposing, mysterious and captivating qualities make it impossible to ignore; even as it dominates, it becomes an accent for the lush green plants, bright bougainvillea and dusty browns of the earth.
In clothing and fabrics this arresting color (sometimes referred to as Royal blue) is often combined with bright florals or neutrals. Just as it performs in the garden, this bold hue can take center stage or act as an accent. Majorelle blue is perhaps the only blue intense enough to compete with red for pure impact, but without the projection of power or strong confidence red requires.
Blue communicates calmness, stability, trust and a casual self-assuredness. As a primary color, blue pairs easily with any other hue – either as the main color or as an accent. Blue moves effortlessly through seasons and situations. For example, blue and white are a classic summer combination and blue transitions into fall and winter when combined with autumnal colors such as deep gold, brick reds, rusty oranges and even black. A deep blue can replace black for formal occasions.
Blue, in any of its iterations, is easily incorporated into any wardrobe and adds a sophisticated touch, so whether you prefer a pastel, the intensity of Majorelle blue or a classic navy, blue adds a world of possibilities to your Purely Personal style.
* Since 1972 when astronauts aboard the Apollo 17 spacecraft took a photo of a blue earth floating in the black of space, earth has been called the “blue planet.”
