A journey into the meaning of red through eras, cultures and disciplines. From ancient history to contemporary fashion, through design and automotive, red has established itself as a noble, powerful and timeless colour. An in-depth investigation that begins in Pompeii and extends to Japan, showcasing how red continues to define character and style. We discussed this with Orietta Pellizzari, cross-cultural fashion advisor
by Domenico Casoria
A journey into the meaning of red
In the world of colour, red has never been a neutral tone. It is a colour that vibrates, that imposes its presence, that tells stories of power, nobility and courage. Lineapelle, with Orietta Pellizzari, chose to start its colour project with this shade, not by chance, but out of necessity. “Red is the first colour that catches the eye, the first emotional driver for the consumer.” The research culminated in the “Rosso Pelle” workshop held in June. The symbolic, perceptual and cultural depth of the king of colours began in Pompeii, where red was already a symbol of prestige and strength.
This pigments used were expensive and difficult to obtain, making the colour accessible only to the noble classes. This symbolic value has been maintained over time, across eras and cultures. “In Japan, for example, red is now chosen for the interiors of sports cars, both new and vintage. It is not a random choice: those who opt for red do so consciously, investing in an aesthetic that communicates boldness and personality,” Pellizzari points out.
The infinite variations
The presentation of the project in Milan, in collaboration with NCS Colour Centre Italia – a colour research centre – analysed the evolution of red in contemporary design, from the early 20th century to the present day. “It emerged that red is used in interiors to express character, to energise spaces and to break up monotony. It is a colour that does not relax or hide. In interior design, accessories and fashion, red is bold, powerful and, above all, timeless,” continues Pellizzari. Its chromatic versatility makes it even more interesting: if it leans towards burgundy, it can be perceived as a shade of brown.
If it leans towards orange as yellow, if it is mixed with purple, it becomes experimental, while the combination with blue makes it symbolic.” In this context, NCS offered a scientific and perceptive interpretation of red, contributing to ‘designing red in the aesthetics of transversality by adding the emblematic character of the colour red’. An approach that goes beyond simple colour application to embrace a broader, multidisciplinary vision, where red becomes a language and a conscious choice.
Variations
Each variation carries a different message, a nuance of meaning that consumers interpret according to their own sensibilities. To such an extent that in the world of fashion, red is often associated with moments of crisis and rebirth. Red lipstick, for example, is considered a bold, almost violent gesture that communicates strength in uncertain times. Valentino Garavani has made red an icon, transforming it into a symbol of elegance and power, a symbol that is in some ways accessible and democratic, but always loaded with meaning. Culturally, however, red still reveals profound differences. “In Japan, those who choose red for their sports car do so with pride, regardless of the cost.
In the United States, on the other hand, red is less common, perhaps due to a greater tendency towards conformity. Red is not for everyone: it is for those with character, for those who want to stand out, for those who are not afraid to be seen,” concludes Pellizzari. This project on red, incidentally, is not an isolated episode, but the beginning of a series that will explore the meaning of colours together with Lineapelle. Because colour is not just about aesthetics: it is identity, emotion, culture. And red, with its millennial history and visual power, is the perfect starting point for telling the story of who we are and how we want to be seen.
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