Did you know that Dorothy Gale's slippers were originally silver, in Frank L Baum's The Wizard of Oz? It's true. But when MGM created the movie, the brilliant designer Gilbert Adrian understood the power of red. He knew that ruby red slippers would make a much more memorable impact when contrasted with the now famous, yellow brick road. Those very same ruby slippers are now considered the most valuable items of memorabilia from the film.
Gilbert Adrian wasn't the first to recognize the power of red. Since red is the color of blood, it is associated the heart, so it has been used to represent emotion, passion, seduction, desire, romance and love. It makes sense that Valentine's Day claimed red as its signature color.
Sonia Rykiel Vintage Red Crushed Velvet Ruffled Dress
1980's Neiman Marcus Cherry Red Vintage Pouf Party Dress
But, red is a contradiction! It is also the color of fire and has long been associated with domination, energy, war, danger, strength, and power. From cars to political affiliations and power suits, red refuses to be ignored!
Vintage Roedean Landeaux 1980's Vintage Red Avant Garde Quilted Coat
1980's Escada Avant Garde Sweater Shown With Versace Vintage Jeans Couture
1980s Norma Kamali Vintage Red Two Piece Early Athleisure Sweatshirt Outfit
At Modig, we have found that red is one of our most popular colors, regardless of the era or style. If it's a shade of red or pink it is more likely to sell over every other color! Our vintage collection includes just about every shade of red.
1980's Vintage 1920's Style Beaded Red Silk Dress
The proof of the power of red is easy to quantify - Red artworks bring in the highest prices at auction, red is the color used in 77% of national flags, and red is one of the top two favorite colors of all people.
Franco Moschino designed Moschino Couture Blazer Italian Landmarks
It has been speculated that red was the first color, other than black and white, mentioned in history. In terms of fashion history, many famous fashion icons and designers have chosen red as their signature color. For some, red has become synonymous with their names!
Diana Vreeland in a room decorated by Billy Baldwin in her favorite shade of red.
Elsa Schiaparelli's Shocking Pink from the museum at FIT
Elsa Schiaparelli described her signature color "Shocking Pink" as "..all the light and the birds and the fish in the world put together, a colour of China and Peru.. a shocking colour, pure and undiluted." We would have to agree!
Child's Vintage Schiaparelli Shocking Pink Coat and Hat Ensemble
1980's Hot Pink Lorcan Mullany for Bellville Sassoon Evening Gown
1980's Strapless Shocking pink Vintage Evening Dress (Sold)
Rare 1950's Claire Potter Satin Faille Hot Pink Dinner Duet
1980's Vintage Victor Costa Black Velvet and Pink Satin Evening Gown
Garavani Valentino made his signature 'Valentino Red" famous when he used it in the multiple styles of gorgeous evening gowns he designed throughout his career.
Valentino Garavani's Signature Red
Randolph Duke Vintage 1990's Red Evening Dress
Sheer Chiffon Vintage Victor Costa One Shoulder Tomato Red Evening Dress
And of course, the famous French fashion designer, Christian Louboutin, understood very well how important red can be. It was no accident that he chose to use red as the signature color in the shiny lacquer on the soles of his highly coveted, very recognizable shoes. The rest is history!
Fashion is just one small way to express the passion, strength and fierce energy inside of you. We hope you will use what you wear to show the world the unique, one of a kind human being you are, not just on Valentine's Day, but every day of the year!
You can Shop Modig Valentine's Day collection here.
XOXO