Pride week kicked off this week in Vancouver and the city is buzzing about it. While curating our Show Your Colours collection, we learned a bunch about the history and meaning of the Pride flag to share with you guys!
The original pride flag was designed by Gilbert Baker in 1978 and represented 8 colours: hot pink, red, orange, yellow, green, turquoise, blue, violet.
The flag was revised by the early 80's with both turquoise and hot pink removed, but the original has seen some resurgence in recent years. Each stripe was designed by Baker to have a special purpose and intention. We've recreated each colour with an outfit and explained what each colour stands for below.
Pink stands for sexuality and was removed from the revised version of the flag. Shop this look: Kenzo Dress (XS), Balenciaga Limited Edition Motorcycle Bag, Manolo Blahnik Peep Toe Pumps (36)
Red stands for life. Shop these looks: Prada Saffiano Sport, Rachel Zoe sweater (S), Theory Skirt (8), Vince Camuto shoes (7)
Orange stands for healing. Maiyet Mixed Media wool dress (40), Kate Spade City Tudor Lacey Wallet, Prada Orange Saffiano tote (SOLD), Tory Burch Sandals(9)
"the rainbow is a beautiful part of nature...so that really fit us as a people, because we are all of the colors, our sexuality is all of the colors..." -Gilbert Baker
Yellow stands for sunshine. Shop this look: Carven Printed dress (S), Eldorado Felt Hat (SOLD), Pour La Victoire Pumps (8)
Green stands for nature. Shop this look: Acne Studios knit sweater (S), 7 For All Mankind Cutoffs (32), Louis Vuitton Diaper Bag, Pierre Hardy Shoes (41)
Teal stands for magic or art and was another colour vetoed when the flag was redesigned. Shop this look: Missoni Dress (6), Marc by Marc Jacobs oversize chain necklace, Roger Vivier Flats (38)
Blue stands for harmony or serenity. Shop this look: Isabel Marant printed wrap skirt (40), Tory Burch wedges (7), YSL Muse Two Tote
Purple stands for spirit. Shop this look: Maria Cornejo dress (2), Marc by Marc Jacobs purple iPhone5 case (instore), Cynthia Vincent wedges (7)
Although each stripe represents it's own color, the entire rainbow as a whole symbolizes something bigger. Quoted from Gilbert himself, the explanation and inspiration for this design choice was because "the rainbow is a beautiful part of nature...so that really fit us as a people, because we are all of the colors, our sexuality is all of the colors...". It's beautiful that a simple design could represent such a powerful idea and unite so many people around the world!
“A true flag cannot be designed — it has to be torn from the soul of the people.” — Unknown
So there you go, hope we were able to educate a little bit and we'll see you all at the Pride Parade!