RESEARCH FILE
COLOUR
Deep research into the history, symbolism, and cultural impact of colour in clothing and culture.
ANCIENT BLUE
Due to blue's rarity in nature, it has a shorter history than other colours. Blue is not present in cave paintings from 20,000 years ago, and the Ancient Greeks did not have a term for blue. Ancient Egyptians valued the blue semi-precious stone Lapis lazuli, so blue became common in their language and clothing.
MAYA BLUE
Around 800 AD, the Maya developed Maya Blue, a remarkably durable pigment made by fusing indigo with clay. This vibrant colour was used in sacred murals and pottery to honour Chaac, the god of rain. Because of its unique chemical stability, the colour has survived centuries of tropical weathering, remaining vivid on ruins today.
BLUE BY DESIGN
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A DEEP BREATH
Blue is naturally soothing because it reminds us of the ocean and the wide-open sky. It helps slow down our heart rate and clear our thoughts, which is why it's often used to create peaceful, stress-free spaces. To our brains, blue feels like a "deep breath", signalling that we are in a safe and steady environment.
THE BLUE DOME
The sky looks blue because our atmosphere scatters sunlight, filling the air with cool, bright light. This clear blue dome is a universal sign of peace, often marking the end of a storm. It provides a sense of endless space and stability that helps us feel more grounded and connected to the world.
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BLUE IN CULTURE
ARSENAL AWAY 1995–1996
As Arsenal fans, blue is a bit of a contradiction. We bleed red, and usually, the colour just reminds us of Drogba ruining our childhoods. But the 1995 away kit is an undisputed grail for both of us. It was before our time, but those photos of Wrighty and Bergkamp in the lightning bolt are iconic. It represents the moment we became the culture club, proving we could lead the game on the pitch and look better than anyone else off it.
SUB-ZERO
Sub-Zero is the grandmaster of the Lin Kuei and a cultural icon from the Mortal Kombat series. He is known for his brutal ice-based fatalities and his long-standing rivalry with Scorpion. Blue is the foundation of his visual identity. It serves as a direct representation of his freezing abilities and his disciplined combat style. This colour choice provides a sharp contrast to the fire of his rival, Scorpion, resulting in one of the most recognisable and enduring designs in gaming history.
A cultural archive represented through clothing, capturing history and identity in fabric, shape and detail.