Orange, as a secondary colour, is created by combining the primary colours, red and yellow. It stands opposite to the primary colour blue on the colour wheel.
With some of yellow's warmth, playfulness and creativity, orange is also reminiscent of red with its hotter and more intense nature. It is a vibrant, stimulating and expressive colour, associated with citrus fruits and warmer climates. More muted shades of orange include pumpkin, saffron, amber, ginger and the setting sun.
Derived from ancient Indian Vedic texts, the concept of chakras is utilised in Vedic practices such as yoga. The colour orange represents the sacral chakra 'Svadhishthan,' which is situated at the pelvis. This chakra symbolises energy, creativity, warmth, and sexuality, and is linked to pregnancy.
Orange is not often used by the fashion industry due to its vibrant nature. It is often linked with life-saving equipment such as lifejackets (as it contrasts the blue of water) and safety vests, as well as traffic signs, warning symbols and US prison jumpsuits, as it tends to attract attention and indicate danger.
Saffron, a yellow-orange hue and the most expensive spice globally, was traditionally used to dye Buddhist robes their symbolic colour. However, jackfruit and turmeric were more prevalent choices due to their affordability. Consequently, in certain Asian regions, orange is connected with monks and religious figures, symbolising perfection and the pursuit of knowledge in Buddhism.
The Royal House of Orange, the Dutch Royal Family, descended from William I, prominently featured a distinctive burnt amber shade in their family portraits.
Amber, an organic gemstone formed from fossilised tree resin, abundantly found around the Baltic Sea, where vast coniferous forests once thrived, holds significant value in jewellery and decorative items. Amber comes in various shades ranging from light honey to deeper tones of red and black.
In the 1960s, fashion designers such as Courreges and Emilio Pucci incorporated bright orange into Mod fashion, known for its futuristic and youthful appeal. Orange can be used to convey flamboyance, youthfulness and a sense of fun.
Rust, a subdued and darker shade of orange, gained popularity in early 1970s fashion, a period characterised by warm, earthy tones and natural styles in both fashion and interior design.