Dallas-based Mary Kay has partnered with The Museum at FIT (MFIT) for a special exhibition, Pink: The History of a Punk, Pretty, Powerful Color, in celebration of the company’s 55th anniversary and its beauty brand’s iconic color.
The exhibit will be open to the public September 7, 2018, through January 5, 2019 and will culminate in a scholarly panel discussion this fall.
“Mary Kay’s signature pink color is iconic, which makes our partnership a wonderfully organic fit for the debut of Pink,” said Dr. Valerie Steele, Director and Chief Curator of The Museum at FIT. “The exhibition will explore the complex nature of the color pink and its role throughout history.”
From pink makeup palettes to pink Cadillacs, Mary Kay has been associated with the color pink for more than half a decade. Now, after 55 years, the brand joins The Museum at FIT in honoring the complex, multifaceted color. Pink features clothing dating from the 18th century to the present and includes designers and brands such as Christian Dior and Gucci. The meticulous arrangement of approximately 80 ensembles provides a look at the ever-changing connotations of the color, from soft femininity to cool androgyny. As part of this fashion retrospective, the exhibit seeks to question clichés and correct popular misconceptions, such as the idea that the color pink is childish or exclusive to women.
“We’re excited to celebrate Mary Kay’s 55th anniversary by partnering with MFIT to unveil their new exhibition,” said Sheryl Adkins-Green, chief marketing officer for Mary Kay Inc. “Since our inception in 1963, our brand has inspired and empowered millions of aspiring entrepreneurs across the globe. In that time, Mary Kay has become synonymous with the color pink, and this exhibit will show the world what we’ve known for years, that pink is a symbol of power, passion and purpose.”
