Brown: The Unexpected New Hue of Luxury and Refinement
From historical disdain to modern sophistication, brown emerges as a symbol of luxury. Trend forecasters and cultural shifts propel this earthy tone to the forefront of fashion and design.
The perception of luxury colors has evolved significantly over time. While Tyrian purple once symbolized power in ancient Rome, and imperial yellow represented prosperity in China, brown is now emerging as an unexpected contender in the luxury color palette.
Trend forecasters and color experts are noting brown's rising prominence. Pinterest's 2024 color palette features Mocha Brown, while Pantone has highlighted various brown shades in recent fashion reports. This shift is evident on high-fashion runways, with brands like Chloé, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci showcasing brown prominently.
The resurgence of brown can be attributed to several factors:
- Nostalgia for past decades
- Association with craftsmanship and heritage
- Reaction to the prevalence of technology and AI
Jane Boddy, an independent trend forecaster, describes brown as "a big deal" in current color trends. The hue's appeal extends beyond fashion, with interior decorators embracing its versatility and sophistication.
Brown's journey to luxury status has been complex. Historically, it was associated with soil, mud, and lower social classes. Medieval sumptuary laws often relegated brown to the working poor. In 1363, an English statute restricted certain groups to wearing only "Blanket, and Russet of Twelve-Pence."
However, brown's perception began to shift in the late 19th century. The Aesthetic Movement, which emerged in the 1860s, promoted subtler hues as a response to the prevalence of bright synthetic colors. This movement, combined with the rising popularity of luxury consumables like coffee and chocolate, elevated brown's status.
"You might wear a whole suit of chocolate brown (a very fashionable color), with touches of yellow here and there."
By the early 20th century, brown had become synonymous with sophistication. The Pullman Palace Car Company's use of "Pullman brown" for first-class train carriages solidified this association.
Today, brown's luxury status is linked to concepts of craftsmanship, heritage, and a return to natural aesthetics. As Joanne Thomas, director of color at Fashion Snoops, notes, "As AI-driven aesthetics become more prevalent, there's a renewed focus on human skill and artisanal craftsmanship."
Brown's journey from disdain to luxury exemplifies how perceptions of color can change over time, influenced by cultural shifts, technological advancements, and changing definitions of refinement and taste.
