Lilac

LILAC

Lilac is a lighter, paler shade of violet than our amethyst, a mixture of blue, red and pink.

HISTORY & ATTRIBUTES

Before

After

The name “Lilac” was first used in England in 1775 to designate a small flower of the eponymous colour. Like other purples, lilac has long been associated with wealth and power, as the colour was extremely expensive in the 18th century, but in 19th-century Europe, lilac was also used in fashion to represent the final stage of mourning. Indeed, while black was the main colour associated with the final stage, after 1 year of mourning, lilac, white and lavender became popular as appropriate colours for those in mourning.

Finally, its connection with flora associates the colour with romance and emotions. In love, lilacs are often the flowers of choice as the first bouquet to offer, metaphorising blossoming emotions. Like other pastels and soft shades, lilac is also often associated with nostalgia, youth and innocence.

How & why should I use it ?

Lilac is becoming increasingly popular in the worlds of fashion and design. It's a great alternative to pink, which sometimes seems too committed. Because of its combination of pink and violet, lilac has the values of both colours: it can convey the energy of pink but also the dreaminess and luxury of violet.

In colour theory and psychology, lilac is often associated with feelings of calm, appeasement and compassion. It is therefore an ideal colour for a pure, relaxing and free living space.