“Think Pink,” 1957

My post on Mamie Eisenhower in pink reminded several of you the wonderful 1957 tune “Think Pink” from Funny Face.  In the song, a women’s magazine editor named Maggie Prescott attempts to introduce a new color craze to the American female public.  “Pink for shoes! Pink for hose! Pink for gloves and chapeaus! Pink for cheeks and pink at your lips!
Pink for shirts and all of your slips,” go the chirpy lyrics.  According to many sources, the character was modeled on Diana Vreeland, who was then fashion editor of Harper’s Bazaar. (She took over Vogue in 1962)

The author, actress, and singer Kay Thompson played Prescott in the film.  Bordering on fifty at the time, she was tall and rail thin. While she dressed her underlings in pink, she herself was having none of it.  Instead she stuck to an austere gray suit.  Here’s the message I took away from the song: if you want to look like you’re in charge in business, pink is not your color.

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2 Responses to “Think Pink,” 1957

  1. JS says:

    Here’s a video. I also noticed that in the dance scene Kay Thompson is in heels while the pink chorus is in flats.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KX6TaA6IRkk

    I’ve never watched Funny Face from start to finish. I could not get past the pairing of Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn. He was far too old.

  2. Carla says:

    Interesting observation and Great Point, Lynn! Wearing pink — feels weak to me.

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