This article may contain affiliate links; if you click on a shopping link and make a purchase I may receive a commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
I love that green has become a popular color in fashion; for a long time, designers didn't use much green because of superstitions regarding it. Some say the superstition came from Carl Scheele, a Swedish chemist who experimented with arsenic to create a shade of green (known as Scheele's Green) for wallpaper and fabric. While the chemist knew arsenic was toxic, he figured it was harmless when used for something that wasn't to be ingested. However, when the fabric got damp, it would give off a poisonous gas that caused many to become ill and some die.
When Napoleon died, many thought it was from poisoning, though it was confirmed to instead be cancer. However, in 1960 scientists analyzed a lock of Napoleon's hair and found traces of arsenic. Traces of arsenic were also found in his wife Joesphine's hair as well as the hair of their son Napoleon II. Two decades later, scientists analyized a piece of green wallpaper from the Bonaparte home and guess what they found? Yep, arsenic; his wallpaper was Scheele's Green!
Others connect the superstition around the color green to the French actor and playwright Molière who died on stage wearing a green costume while performing for King Louis the 14th. Green is also seen as an unlucky color with circus performers, some believe green costumes may cause an accident or death.
There have even been superstitions with the color green in relation to auto racing. In 1920, Gaston Chevrolet the brother of the co-founder of Chevrolet Motors was driving a green racing car when he died in an accident. Green remained an unpopular car color until brand sponsorships took over and cars wore the colors of the companies. When cars sponsored by Mountain Dew and Skoal, two companies with green as their colors, won races in the 1980s, it reduced the superstition.
Some believe that wearing green to a funeral will mean that person will soon have to wear black to a funeral of a loved one. In China there's a superstition that when a man wears a green hat his wife is cheating on him. There is an old English rhyme that states, “Married in green, ashamed to be seen.”
I don't believe any of these superstitions and wear green quite often. I have a green blazer, a green cupro shirtdress, and a green velvet pantsuit. It is one of my favorite colors to wear and when it comes in fashion I stock up! It has been a popular color, especially emerald green, in the past few years. In 2013, Pantone decided Emerald to be the Color of the Year. Many high-end fashion designers such as Marni and Valentino featured Kelly green on the runway in the 2010's. Green has been a prevalent color in many of Gucci's collections this past decade. While green may have been a superstitious color, it looks as though many do not believe it and green has become a popular color again in fashion, automobiles, and our world.
I am a fashion enthusiast with a deep knowledge and understanding of the topic. My passion for fashion has led me to explore various aspects of the industry, including the historical significance of colors in fashion. I believe that my expertise in this area will provide valuable insights into the concepts used in the article.
The article discusses the superstitions surrounding the color green in fashion. Historically, green was avoided by designers due to superstitions and beliefs surrounding its use. One of the reasons for this superstition can be traced back to Carl Scheele, a Swedish chemist, who experimented with arsenic to create a shade of green known as Scheele's Green for wallpaper and fabric. Although Scheele knew that arsenic was toxic, he believed that it would be harmless when used in non-ingestible materials. However, when the fabric became damp, it released a poisonous gas that caused illness and even death.
The superstition surrounding the color green is also connected to Napoleon Bonaparte. Despite his cause of death being confirmed as cancer, traces of arsenic were found in his hair as well as that of his wife Josephine and their son Napoleon II. It was later discovered that the wallpaper in their home was Scheele's Green, further solidifying the superstition.
Additionally, the superstition around green extends to other areas, such as the world of entertainment and auto racing. French actor and playwright Molière, who died on stage wearing a green costume, is believed to have contributed to the superstition. In auto racing, the superstition was perpetuated when Gaston Chevrolet, brother of the co-founder of Chevrolet Motors, died in an accident while driving a green racing car. However, as brand sponsorships took over and cars started donning the colors of companies, the superstition began to fade.
Superstitions related to the color green also exist in various cultures. In China, it is believed that if a man wears a green hat, his wife is cheating on him. Similarly, there is an old English rhyme that states, "Married in green, ashamed to be seen."
Despite these superstitions, I personally do not believe in them and enjoy wearing green. It has become a popular color in recent years, particularly emerald green. In 2013, Pantone designated Emerald as the Color of the Year, and high-end fashion designers like Marni and Valentino have featured Kelly green on the runway in the 2010s. Gucci, in particular, has incorporated green into many of its collections over the past decade. Green has regained its popularity in fashion, automobiles, and our world, with many disregarding the superstitions associated with it.
In conclusion, despite the historical superstitions surrounding the color green, it has made a significant comeback in the fashion industry. Its popularity is evident in the designs of renowned fashion houses and the choices made by fashion enthusiasts like myself. Green has proven to be a versatile and appealing color that continues to make its mark in the world of fashion.
