| French | Pastel |
|---|---|
| Katakana | pastel |
| HEX | #779ecb |
| RGB | 119, 158, 203 |
What are pastels? Origin and etymology
The name "pastel" does not refer to a specific color, but originally derives from the name of the art material itself. Pastels are stick-shaped art materials made by powdering pigments and lightly binding them with an adhesive, and the etymology of the word is said to trace back to the Latin word "pasta," meaning "paste" or "kneaded material."
Works created with this art material possess a unique soft, delicate texture characteristic of powdered pigments, and gradually, the term "pastel color" came to be used to refer to the soft, gentle tones themselves. The #779ecb we are introducing here is a particularly iconic shade, a gentle, slightly cloudy blue, affectionately known as "pastel blue."
The historical background of pastels
Pastels shone brightest in French history during the Rococo period of the 18th century. In this era of elegant and sweet culture, pastel painting, with its light and delicate expressiveness, was greatly favored by the aristocracy, and it reached its peak in the field of portraiture.
Queen Marie Antoinette, in particular, is known to have had a great love for pastel painting. Many of her portraits were painted in pastels, and soft, elegant pastel tones were abundantly incorporated into her fashion and the interior decoration of the Palace of Versailles. These colors symbolized the sophistication of the court culture of the time, as well as a dreamy, ephemeral beauty.
Pastels in the world of art and fashion
In the art world, Rococo painters made the most of the expressive power of pastels. Artists such as Maurice Quentin de La Tour and Jean-Étienne Lyotard used pastels to beautifully depict the soft texture of ladies' skin and the sheen of silk dresses.
Later, in the 19th century, the Impressionist painter Edgar Degas discovered the new possibilities of pastels. He captured the dynamic movements of ballet dancers and the stage lighting with the vibrant colors and swift lines of pastels. For Degas, pastels were a primary means of expression, no less important than oil painting.
In the world of fashion, pastel colors have always been loved for their romantic and feminine appeal. Especially in spring and summer collections, their lightness evokes a sense of the arrival of a new season.
Color scheme preview
This is to check the readability of the text when this color is used as the background.
Pastel color scheme suggestions
Claim (#FFFDD0)
This combination features a gentle, warm cream color. It enhances the calmness of pastels, creating an overall elegant, classic, and comfortable space.
Rose Pompadour (#ED7A9B)
This sweet and glamorous combination is reminiscent of the Rococo era. It gives a romantic and lovely impression, creating a heart-fluttering atmosphere.
Gris de Lignant (#DCDCDC)
Pairing it with a light, linen-like gray tones down the sweetness of the pastels, creating a sophisticated, calm, modern, and intellectual impression.
Practical Scenes
In interior design, it's perfect for private spaces where you want to relax, such as bedrooms and children's rooms. Incorporating it into wallpaper or curtains will envelop the entire room in a calm and gentle atmosphere. Pairing it with white furniture and light wood flooring will create a French chic style.
In fashion, using this color in spring and summer blouses and dresses gives a light and innocent impression. Furthermore, pairing it with muted colors like navy or gray creates a sophisticated, not-too-sweet look that's easy to incorporate into office settings.
In web design, its soft color palette conveys a sense of reassurance and trustworthiness, making it suitable for websites related to baby products, weddings, or beauty and health services. Using it as an accent can create a friendly and approachable feel.