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The Color Pink: From Femininity to Power and Rebellion

Pink has long been associated with femininity, but its journey from a “soft” color to a bold symbol of power, defiance, and self-expression is one worth exploring. Over the centuries, pink has evolved from being a status symbol to a gendered shade, a fashion statement, and even a political tool. It’s one where we can explore how gender affiliation is not necessary and how the power of a color can enhance and strengthen both genders, and also push us to explore ideas around femininity and masculinity.

1. Pink as a Symbol of Prestige in History

Surprisingly, pink was not always tied to femininity. In the 18th century, European aristocrats—both men and women—wore pink as a sign of wealth and status. The color was seen as luxurious, with men of the French court (including King Louis XV) favoring pink suits adorned with embroidery. During this time, pink was not considered “girly” but rather elegant and sophisticated!

2. The 20th Century: Pink Becomes Feminine

The shift towards pink as a “women’s color” began in the early 20th century. Before that, it was actually seen as a strong color suitable for boys, while blue was considered more delicate and suited for girls. However, marketing and societal shifts in the 1940s and 1950s (particularly after World War II) reinforced pink as a feminine color.

Hollywood & Fashion Influence: Marilyn Monroe’s famous pink dress in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) solidified pink as a glamorous and ultra-feminine hue. The rise of pink in fashion, from Dior’s “New Look” to Barbie’s introduction in 1959, further cemented the association with womanhood.
The ‘Pinkification’ of Girls’ Products: In the mid-to-late 20th century, toy companies and advertisers aggressively pushed pink for girls’ products, reinforcing gender norms that still exist today, and can be analyzed even further. As much as we can create and construct a narrative, we can also deconstruct the narrative.

3. Pink as Rebellion & Strength

By the late 20th century, pink was being reclaimed as a color of strength rather than just softness.

The Power Suit: In the 1980s, pink power suits became a way for women to embrace femininity while asserting dominance in male-dominated industries.
Breast Cancer Awareness: The pink ribbon, introduced in the 1990s, turned the color into a symbol of resilience and solidarity in the fight against breast cancer.
Punk & Protest: The riot grrrl movement of the ’90s and artists like Madonna used pink in a rebellious, almost ironically—showing that femininity could be both powerful and defiant.

4. Modern Day: Pink as a Political & Cultural Statement

Today, pink has evolved into a symbol of empowerment, breaking free from its once-restrictive associations.

The 2017 Women’s March: Pink knitted hats become a global symbol of feminism and resistance.
Pink in High Fashion: Designers like Valentino and Jacquemus use bold pinks to celebrate femininity with strength rather than fragility.
Millennial Pink & Gender Fluidity: The rise of “millennial pink” (a muted, almost neutral shade of pink) in the 2010s marked the shift of pink being more inclusive—moving beyond gender norms and becoming a universal aesthetic and one that was especially utilized by Glossier.

Pink as a Color of Strength

Pink is no longer just the color of dolls and princess dresses—it’s a color of revolution, resilience, and self-expression. Whether worn in protest, in fashion, or as a personal statement, pink has transcended outdated gender stereotypes and become a powerful shade of confidence, defiance, and identity.

How to Wear Pink with Power & Confidence

a) The Pink Power Suit

Channel your inner boss with a structured pink suit. From soft blush tones to hot pinks, the right shade can make a statement while remaining sophisticated. Pair it with neutral accessories or go all out with monochrome styling for a striking effect.

🩷 Style Tip: Opt for tailored cuts and structured fabrics to maintain an air of authority while embracing the playful nature of pink.

b) Pink in Streetwear & Casual Looks

For a more laid-back approach, incorporate pink into everyday wear through oversized blazers, statement sneakers, or a pop of color in a graphic tee. Pink hoodies and joggers, especially in deeper shades like fuchsia or dusty rose, blend femininity with urban edge.

🩷 Style Tip: Try pairing a pastel pink top with leather pants or denim to balance softness with edginess.

c) Pink Accessories for a Subtle Touch

Not ready to fully embrace head-to-toe pink? Accessories like a bold pink handbag, rose-tinted sunglasses, or a statement belt can add a touch of empowerment without overwhelming your outfit.

🩷 Style Tip: A pink handbag or heels can instantly elevate an all-black outfit, adding a striking yet sophisticated contrast.

Beauty: The Power of Pink Makeup

Pink isn’t just for clothing—beauty trends continue to push pink as a symbol of both femininity and bold self-expression.

a) The Bold Red-Pink Lipstick

Red lipstick has long been seen as a power move, but pink variations (like deep raspberry or electric fuchsia) offer an equally daring alternative. A bold pink lip can be just as commanding as a classic red, while still feeling fresh and modern.

🩷 Beauty Tip: Try a matte hot pink lipstick for a striking statement, or a glossy rose shade for a softer, elegant touch.

b) Blush: The Ultimate Confidence Booster

A well-placed pink blush can instantly lift the face and add warmth. Rosy and berry-toned blushes create a fresh, youthful glow while emphasizing natural beauty.

🩷 Beauty Tip: Apply blush higher on the cheekbones for a sculpted, lifted look rather than just on the apples of the cheeks.

c) Pink Eyeshadow for Playful or Edgy Looks

Pink eyeshadow may seem intimidating, but it can be effortlessly chic when done right. Soft pinks offer a romantic vibe, while neon pinks bring a fearless, high-fashion edge.

🩷 Beauty Tip: For a subtle approach, blend a dusty rose shade into the crease. For a bold statement, go for a monochromatic pink eye with shimmering finishes.

Pink as a Lifestyle Choice

Beyond fashion and beauty, pink has also become a lifestyle aesthetic—one that represents confidence, empowerment, and self-expression. From pink-themed home decor to stationary and branding, the color has cemented itself as a force beyond trends.

🩷 Incorporate Pink into Your Life:

A pink journal for manifesting powerful goals
Rosy-hued candles or decor to create a calming yet inspiring atmosphere
Pink-tinted sunglasses for a “rose-colored” outlook on life (literally!)

Embracing the Power of Pink

Pink is no longer just a color for princesses and dolls—it is a statement of power, rebellion, and individuality. Whether through a striking fashion moment, a bold lip color, or a lifestyle choice, pink allows you to embrace both your femininity and your strength, proving that the two are not only compatible but beautifully intertwined.

So go ahead—wear that pink 🩷

The Westmore Family is a well known name, yet perhaps now overlooked in the current beauty industry narrative, yet this family was so integral in the shaping of our contemporary beauty standards that this family created what we know as the “makeup chair” in Hollywood. The Westmores are an esteemed family who led makeup departments of film studios, wrote numerous books and worked to have the makeup chair as a standard norm in Hollywood studios. The family would go on to advocate for there to be an Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling. The family’s name made an impact in Hollywood beginning with George Westmore, who created the first makeup department in 1917, where he freelanced through major film studios of the time. This experience also acquired a deep knowledge of how Hollywood studios operate, which would impact generations to come, with the achievement of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for the family.

George would go on to have six sons in leading makeup department roles in Hollywood studios, out of his 19 children during his marriage to Ada Savage. I am fascinated by the idea that each of so many of his sons were passionate enough to pursue a burgeoning industry, which undoubtedly crafted our idea of glamour and classic beauty, which holds firm in its concepts today. The family also found success in the emerging field of classic horror films, such as Frankenstein (1931). When Bud Westmore led Universal Studios, he took over for the role of makeup for Frankenstein – a truly artistic endeavor to create such an impactful and iconic film monster. According to Wikipedia, by 1926, four of George’s sons, Monte, Perc, Ern (Perc’s twin), and Bud all became chief makeup artists of four different Hollywood studios. They each became the champions of beauty in Hollywood, and they formulated the ideas of how women should look on screen. Their passion and impact was truly for the betterment of Hollywood studios. Monte, the first makeup artist to use airbrush makeup, tragically passed away due to a heart attack because of the demands of working on the film production of Gone with the Wind (1939). Monte was the only makeup artist working on such an extensive and expansive film production. His work on that film was the first use of airbrushing of makeup. Remaining family members went on to build the House of Westmore Salon, which served both Hollywood stars and the public alike.

The Westmore family brought innovation to Hollywood. They enabled Hollywood studios to have an in-house makeup artist, but they also crafted a narrative for the public to also hold themselves to a personal standard of grooming, which is to say that when you feel your best, you look your best. This is something that stands true today and will remain a timeless concept!

I own one of their books on the topic of 1940s beauty and most of the ideas presented are focused on ensuring skincare that suits your skin type and the overall enhancement of natural beauty with specific tools that are geared to bringing out the best of the features that person has. I think that’s more inspiring than some of the beauty standards we are seeing today, which emphasize so much “change” in the features of someone, so much so that people have normalized the idea of plastic surgery. This is not healthy for the most part to believe that changing oneself is a good thing, and it’s important to remember that we are all unique for a reason! Social media has unfortunately created unrealistic beauty standards through photoshop and filters and have impacted an entire generation to not be comfortable with their own features now. Beauty should be about elevating your best features and not changing them. It’s important to remember that beauty does come from within and that the attitude and mindset one carries is also reflected in your style makeup!

The Westmore family was not only critical in its development of major film studio makeup departments, they also learned to collaborate. Ern Westmore, for example, went on to work closely with Max Factor, another well-known Hollywood name. Ern, for his part, worked on Bette Davis giving her a fuller more natural brow and focused on creating the classic lip line we know her to have.

In contemporary Hollywood, the family has continued to work on major productions, including films like Blade Runner in the 1980s, and perhaps most notably, for the Star Trek series. Ultimately, the passion and commitment to quality and understanding of character development and presentation in Hollywood is how the Westmore family has persisted for so many generations. Today, the brand lives on through Westmore Beauty with his great-great granddaughter’s commitment to timeless beauty sharing its commitment to 100+ years of innovation.