Designers Decide It’s Chic To Be In The Pink

Pink has trickled up to chic status, no mean achievement. In the fashion world, where black is the uniform of true believers, the introduction of color is perceived as a temporary fall from grace, forgivable but not encouraged. Pink in particular has been held in low regard.

Except for Coco Chanel’s short fling with the little pink suit in the ‘30s and Elsa Schiaparelli’s flirtation with “shocking pink” in the ‘40s, pink has been perceived as a shade worn only by the hopelessly unsophisticated.

So, lo, for this spring, the designer lines are awash with every imaginable shade of pink.

Why the turnaround? Simple. Pink is pretty, another P word that is now acceptable in the fashion vocabulary. Up to now, describing a line of clothing as “pretty” was the ultimate fashion insult.

That is all changed, and welcome. After decades of black and beige, plus a few variations, designers have caught on to the fact that women miss prettiness.

They obliged, and the spring collections looked rosy. Bill Blass went all out for pink pastels done up in suits, lacy camisoles and sweaters in plains and gingham checks and polka dots. Liza Bruce did cuttingedge pink as a rubbery sheath dress. Ralph Lauren sent out cashmere twin sets and satin polo dresses in pales. Isaac Mizrahi went for pink power with saturated fuchsia shades in satin suits and petal lace ballerina gowns. The Ellen Tracy line had floral sleeveless summer sheaths and matching sweaters.

The designer way, which is many parts show-biz, pulls out all the pinks. Reality requires more discretion if a woman doesn’t want to look like she’s been dunked in Pepto-Bismol.

Color experts say pink is flattering to all ages and most complexions, so it is a fashion-friendly shade. However, there is no need to push it too hard.

The look comes across with a luscious cashmere sweater set; no need to match up the skirt. A paledout silk blouse would do the same for a gray suit. A bright geranium sun dress can go it alone without dyed-tomatch accessories.