Think Pink

Today was one of those wonderful weekend days where I had no errands or chores to concern myself with... I was free to do as I pleased.

A few weeks back, I heard of the 'Think Pink' exhibit going on at the Museum of Fine Arts and was eager to check it out. It is about PINK after all! 

So off to the MFA I went.

The museum is home to many collections and often features a wide range of exhibits throughout the year. When I was younger, we visited the MFA quite frequently and never did we see the same things twice. They really do a great job bringing in art from all over and making sure that their exhibits appeal to young and old. 

'Think Pink' (running until May 26, 2014) is definitely one of those exhibits that can be appreciated by all, no matter what your age. Or gender. Because it looks at the color pink's history (18th century to present) and explores how its symbolism, social significance, and gender association has changed and evolved over time. 

So you know that whole "pink for girls" and "blue for boys" business - totally not the case a couple hundred years ago.

So, having arrived at the museum, I wandered around for a bit while defrosting from the cold outside.

 

And eventually found myself to the 'Think Pink' gallery.

The exhibit was structured by time-period. So you begin in the 18th century and as you walk the perimeter of the room, you advance in time.

How crazy is that dress? What's even more crazy is that it's actually a doll's dress and no bigger than your forearm. The details are amazing. It definitely puts Barbie's dresses to shame when it comes to intricacy.

Here's a look at men's fashion and how it's drastically changed.

On the right is menswear from the late 18th century. According to what I read at the exhibit, it wasn't until the 19th century that pink became more associated with women. While men went for the darker, more sober business suits, women dressed in lighter hues. This trend continued throughout the 1920s and 30s. Once WWII broke out, the connection of pink and femininity became even stronger. With women being encouraged to embrace their femininity after men returned from war, fashion, consumer goods, and even cars were pinked-out for women. Men typically stayed with the darker tones.

However, the transformation of pink fashion for men came full circle in the 1970s when Robert Redford wore Ralph Lauren’s pink suit in The Great Gatsby movie. On the left is a replica of the pink suit. Very snazzy.

These outfits date back to around 1825. In the painting behind them are two brothers (their shoes and the hat on the floor to the right indicate their gender), one of whom is wearing a pink dress. Again just showing how the color pink (or dresses for that matter!) were not always indicative of being female. 
Pretty interesting, right?

But time changes things... 

Check out these pink, suede Christian Louboutin Greissimo pumps (circa 2005). Swoon!

If you're in the area and have time, you should check out the full exhibit.  It's a pretty small gallery so you can easily pop in and out. My iPhone pictures definitely don't do it justice.

I need get in the habit of visiting museums more often.
The impressionist exhibit opened at the MFA this weekend which I'm dying to see. It was packed when I walked by though so I've made a mental note to come back another weekend.

xo Belle