When it comes to iconic fashion moments, few can rival the "The Dress" phenomenon of 2015. The yellow colour dress, also known as "The Dress That Broke the Internet," sparked a global debate about perception and color. But who was the princess behind this viral sensation? Let's delve into the story of the yellow dress and its creator, Cecilia Harvey.
Cecilia Harvey, a British-based designer, is the princess behind the yellow dress. Her brand, Roman Originals, created the now-famous frock. Little did she know that a simple yellow and white dress would become a social media sensation, dividing the internet into #BlueBlack and #WhiteGold camps.
The Dress That Divided the Internet
The yellow colour dress, a knee-length, sleeveless frock with a round neck and a simple A-line cut, was uploaded to Facebook by Cecilia's friend, a Scottish woman named Cecilia Bleasdale. The image was accompanied by the caption, "Spot the dress - is it blue and black, or white and gold?"
The dress, which was actually blue and black, went viral within hours. Celebrities, scientists, and even brands weighed in on the debate. The hashtags #TheDress and #Dressgate trended worldwide, with people arguing over the dress's color. The controversy even inspired a song, "The Dress Song" by Maroon 5's Adam Levine and a TED Talk, "Why some of us see #TheDress as blue and black, and others see white and gold."
The Science Behind the Dress
The dress's color ambiguity is due to a combination of factors, including lighting, the dress's fabric, and individual perception. Scientists explained that the dress's color is a result of the way light is reflected off its surface. The dress itself is blue and black, but the lighting in the photo makes it appear white and gold to some people.
This phenomenon is not new. In 2006, a similar debate occurred over a pair of jeans, known as the "blue/black or white/gold jeans" debate. However, the yellow colour dress took the internet by storm, thanks to social media's reach and the dress's simple design.
The Dress's Impact on Pop Culture
The yellow colour dress's viral fame led to numerous parodies, memes, and even a fashion show dedicated to it. Designers like Marc Jacobs, Givenchy, and Burberry created their versions of the dress, proving that even a simple, affordable dress can inspire high fashion.
Moreover, the dress sparked conversations about perception, color theory, and the power of the internet. It demonstrated how a simple image can divide people and bring them together simultaneously, making it a significant moment in internet history.
The Designer Behind the Dress
Cecilia Harvey, the designer of the yellow colour dress, was initially surprised and overwhelmed by the dress's sudden fame. She told the BBC, "I never expected it to be such a big deal. It's just a dress."
Harvey, who started her career as a seamstress, launched Roman Originals in 1987. The brand is known for its affordable, stylish clothing. The dress, which was part of Roman Originals' winter collection, was priced at around £24.99.
Cecilia Harvey's Design Philosophy
Harvey's design philosophy revolves around creating stylish, affordable clothing for women of all ages. She believes in using high-quality fabrics and keeping her designs simple yet elegant. The yellow colour dress is a testament to her philosophy, proving that a simple, well-designed dress can have a significant impact.
In an interview with The Guardian, Harvey said, "I design clothes that I would like to wear myself. I like to think that our clothes are stylish but not too trendy, so they'll last for a few seasons."
The Dress's Legacy
The yellow colour dress's legacy continues to this day. In 2020, a Twitter user shared a photo of a dress that looked similar to the viral dress, sparking another round of #Dressgate. The dress, which was blue and black, was from a different brand, but it was reminiscent of the original dress that divided the internet.
The dress's enduring popularity is a testament to its simple, timeless design. It also serves as a reminder of the power of the internet and the unexpected ways in which it can bring people together and divide them.
As for Cecilia Harvey, she continues to design stylish, affordable clothing for Roman Originals. Her story serves as an inspiration for designers and entrepreneurs alike, proving that sometimes, all it takes is a simple, well-designed dress to make a lasting impact. So, the next time you see a yellow dress, remember the princess behind it and the dress that broke the internet.