Orange in Paris

While I happen to love the color orange, I have always wondered why people (in the United States, as I’ve learned) shied away from this wonderful color. Orange is used in America on caution cones and signs that are meant to attract attention. It can be garish and hard to match, certainly, but small touches can liven things up. Walking around Paris, I noticed how the French use orange in many ways and always to their advantage. I began noticing shades of cadmium and warm ocher while walking through some of the shopping districts. It was featured in vibrant displays and usually paired with a rich blue or white for a crisp effect. Parisian ladies in crisp white shirts wore flaming cropped pants, while others had touches of tangerine on fingertips or scarves. Next I noticed its use in advertising and architecture. Shop title signs are backlit and highlighted by touches of orange, and one of the major cell phone providers features a bright square and is actually called “Orange.” Classic French apartment buildings sport surprising awnings of pumpkin or coral. What is the French fascination with this color?

Orange is traditionally associated with liveliness and visually conveys energy. The pigments used to make orange paint are especially toxic, however if they are mixed properly, they also last the longest. Impressionists were fond of the citrus hue and often juxtaposed it against its complementary color Azure. Vincent Van Gogh reportedly claimed that, “there is no blue without yellow and without orange.” This technique was learned from Japanese prints that were transported west in the 1800s.

More recently, the brand Hermes created their signature perfume with base notes of bitter orange and citrus. Another iconic French brand, Yves Saint Laurent featured orange shirts, skirts, and flowy dresses paired with slate gray in their Spring/Summer 2011 collection. Whether it is a conscious decision or not, Parisians surround themselves with touches of coral, tangerine, burnt orange, ochre, etc.

Les Invalides (Napoleon's tomb) with its amber light.

Spot the orange pants. I have numerous other photos of similar outfits.

My new obsession. Hope I can get it in the States.

Trying my best to be French at the Luxembourg Gardens, right down to the scowl.