Do you believe in the persuasive power of colour psychology?
TAYLOR SWIFT
Conspiracy enthusiasts on YouTube an TikTok, like Shane Dawson and Dan of Hello Magic Creative, have been debating a theory that suggests the most successful celebrities in the world, who has reached superstar status, blew up based on having a signature colour.
The argument is that their brand personality has strategically been positioned to make a cert colour become synonymous with anything they do, whether it’s releasing a new product or setting a new fashion or beauty trend. Is it just a theory, or is there some truth to this? Colour psychology is the study of how colour influences human behaviour and emotions. Research has demonstrated that various shades, tints and tones evoke unique connections that influence people’s emotions and cognitive processes. The results can differ based on cultural and personal preferences.
According to Oberlo (a company that offers entrepreneurs free online business tools), colour psychology is very important in marketing: “The right choice of brand colours can deeply affect customer perception and brand recognition. Did you know that colour alone can influence up to 90% of snap judgements about certain products?”
So, it makes perfect sense why a celebrity (a walking, breathing business) would build their brand identity by using one powerful shade to stand out and be associated with it throughout the years – and even long after they’re gone.
The Head of The Tortured Poets Department has undeniably established herself as a multi-winning force to be reckoned with in the music industry, and her connection to be the colour red has been an integral part of her brand identity (and make-up routine) since 2012.
Symbolising passion, love and affection, the primary colour perfectly complements Taylor’s deeply emotive lyrics about love as well as her fiery stage presence. From her 2012 album titled Red to her signature red lip look and stunning red-carpet appearances, the ‘Bad Blood’ singer effortlessly embodies the ‘lady in red’ aesthetic. I mean, who could forget her ruby-encrusted red coat from her on-stage circus ringleader ensemble? Iconic! Taylor’s ability to evoke strong emotions through her music and persona has solidified her status as the Red Queen.
FRANK OCEAN
Known for hits like ‘Thinkin Bout You’ and ‘In My Room’, Frank Ocean’s enigmatic persona and genre-defying music have cemented his status as one of the most influential artists of his generation, and his association with the colour orange adds another layer of depth to his mystique. Symbolising optimism and liberation, orange reflects Frank’s experimental approach to music and his willingness to push boundaries. In 2012 he released an album titled Channel Orange, which he named after his own experience of synaesthesia (a phenomenon where one’s senses cross over, like tasting colours or feeling sounds). The artist told the media that during that summer “everything was orange” to him. From the iconic orange staircase featured on his Blonde (2016) album cover to his subtle incorporating of orange into his fashion choices, Frank’s brand is as elusive and captivating as the colour itself. As he continues to defy expectations and inspire legions of fans, his connection to the zesty shade serves as a signature of his artistic freedom and authenticity.
OLIVIA RODRIGO
She first burst onto the music scene with her breakout hit ‘Driver’s License’ back in 2021, and the internet went wild. During an interview with People, she revealed: “So when I listen to songs I’ll, like, see colours... Many songs on Sour [her debut album] are purple, like ‘Driver’s License’ is purple.” Ever since then the singer has become synonymous with the shade, which has only amplified her meteoric rise to fame.
Purple evokes individuality, creativity and spirituality, perfectly encapsulating Olivia’s introspective lyrics and soulful vocals. From her album art and dreamy, purple-tinted music videos (like ‘Traitor’) to her ethereal 2022 Met Gala look and even, Olivia’s O’s breakfast cereal her brand exudes an aura of mystique. As she continues to dominate the charts and capture hearts with her music, her connection to the colour purple remains a defining aspect of her burgeoning career.
BEYONCE
Queen B’s reign as the queen of pop is unparalleled, and her association with silver adds another layer of majesty to her icon brand. Symbolising glamour, sophistication and success, the shimmery shade reflects Beyoncé’s legendary status and unmatched stage presence. From her eye-catching, sparkly silver outfits to her dazzling stage sets (‘Renaissance’ will go down as the best tour stage and ensemble in history, without a doubt!), Beyoncé’s brand screams ‘regal AF!’.
The ‘16 Carriages’ singer has a long-standing relationship with silver, dating back to her time with the R&B group Destiny’s Child. She’s worn countless metallic and mirrored dresses and accessories, which have sparked trends in the fashion industry. And remember the outfit from her ‘Crazy In Love’ music video with Jay-Z? Of course, her new fragrance, Cé Noir, comes in a beautiful silver bottle.
As she continues to inspire generations of fans who enter the Beehive with her music and activism, Beyoncé’s connection to silver is set to be a shining example of her enduring legacy.
NICKI MINAJ
If you’re a Barb, then you know the drill; it’s Barbie Tings! Nicki Minaj is the pinkprint. Her affinity for the girly shade is as bold and unapologetic as her personality. Representing femininity, playfulness and individuality, pink serves as the perfect canvas for Nicki’s larger-than-life persona and fearless approach to self-expression
From her flamboyant pink wigs and pink p bottles to her Barbie-inspired lifestyle and aethetic, Nicki has embraced the colour in all aspects of her brand. Most of her album cover art is washed in a shade of pink (except 2018’s Queen), she’s had a pink lipstick collection with MAC Cosmetics, there are the albums Pink Friday (2010) and Pink Friday 2 (2023), ‘Barbie-Qu Rap Snacks, and her new pink shoe collection in collaboration with urban luxury vegan sneaker and apparel brand LØCI.
Pink is in her blood. Whether she’s dominating the global music industry with her record-breaking hits or performing on stage in Gag City, you know she’s making a statement in every shade of pink, without a doubt!
KIM KARDASHIAN
Send nudes! (Just joking!) Kim K took a risqué situation from her youth and turned it into a goldmine (or should we say ‘nude-mine’?). The superstar’s reach now extends far beyond the realm of reality TV, and her association with freshly nude shades has become synonymous with her brand of beauty and fashion.
This colour signals simplicity, elegance and sensuality, and reflects Kim’s signature aesthetic and timeless appeal. From her iconic face beats and make-up collections to her m Los Angeles home and sleek, nude-toned e the Kardashian brand exudes effortless glam Kim’s shapewear line, SKIMS, features ski underwear and loungewear, and she releases nude Beats Fit Pro earbuds with the Beats Dre brand.
Kim’s connection to this shade – which in other hands could be seen as bland and boring – is testament to her charismatic influence and iconic status.
JUSTIN BIEBER
The Biebs’ journey from teen heartthrob to global superstar has been marked by his evolution as an artist and his connection to the colour yellow. Symbolising positivity, youthfulness and energy, yellow reflects his charisma and magnetic appeal.
From his early days as a YouTube sensation to his chart-topping albums, Justin’s brand has been closely intertwined with the colour – pieces from his apparel brand Drew House sport a yellow smiley face as well as other yellow icons, and even his requisite sportscar, a Lamborghini Gallardo, is yellow.
Whether he’s sporting a yellow hoodie or incorporating pops of the colour into his stage design, he effortlessly channels the sunny disposition of this vibrant hue, winning the hearts of stans around the world.
Conspiracy enthusiasts on YouTube an TikTok, like Shane Dawson and Dan of Hello Magic Creative, have been debating a theory that suggests the most successful celebrities in the world, who has reached superstar status, blew up based on having a signature colour.
The argument is that their brand personality has strategically been positioned to make a cert colour become synonymous with anything they do, whether it’s releasing a new product or setting a new fashion or beauty trend. Is it just a theory, or is there some truth to this? Colour psychology is the study of how colour influences human behaviour and emotions. Research has demonstrated that various shades, tints and tones evoke unique connections that influence people’s emotions and cognitive processes. The results can differ based on cultural and personal preferences.
According to Oberlo (a company that offers entrepreneurs free online business tools), colour psychology is very important in marketing: “The right choice of brand colours can deeply affect customer perception and brand recognition. Did you know that colour alone can influence up to 90% of snap judgements about certain products?”
So, it makes perfect sense why a celebrity (a walking, breathing business) would build their brand identity by using one powerful shade to stand out and be associated with it throughout the years – and even long after they’re gone.
The Head of The Tortured Poets Department has undeniably established herself as a multi-winning force to be reckoned with in the music industry, and her connection to be the colour red has been an integral part of her brand identity (and make-up routine) since 2012.
Symbolising passion, love and affection, the primary colour perfectly complements Taylor’s deeply emotive lyrics about love as well as her fiery stage presence. From her 2012 album titled Red to her signature red lip look and stunning red-carpet appearances, the ‘Bad Blood’ singer effortlessly embodies the ‘lady in red’ aesthetic. I mean, who could forget her ruby-encrusted red coat from her on-stage circus ringleader ensemble? Iconic! Taylor’s ability to evoke strong emotions through her music and persona has solidified her status as the Red Queen.
FRANK OCEAN
Known for hits like ‘Thinkin Bout You’ and ‘In My Room’, Frank Ocean’s enigmatic persona and genre-defying music have cemented his status as one of the most influential artists of his generation, and his association with the colour orange adds another layer of depth to his mystique. Symbolising optimism and liberation, orange reflects Frank’s experimental approach to music and his willingness to push boundaries. In 2012 he released an album titled Channel Orange, which he named after his own experience of synaesthesia (a phenomenon where one’s senses cross over, like tasting colours or feeling sounds). The artist told the media that during that summer “everything was orange” to him. From the iconic orange staircase featured on his Blonde (2016) album cover to his subtle incorporating of orange into his fashion choices, Frank’s brand is as elusive and captivating as the colour itself. As he continues to defy expectations and inspire legions of fans, his connection to the zesty shade serves as a signature of his artistic freedom and authenticity.
OLIVIA RODRIGO
She first burst onto the music scene with her breakout hit ‘Driver’s License’ back in 2021, and the internet went wild. During an interview with People, she revealed: “So when I listen to songs I’ll, like, see colours... Many songs on Sour [her debut album] are purple, like ‘Driver’s License’ is purple.” Ever since then the singer has become synonymous with the shade, which has only amplified her meteoric rise to fame.
Purple evokes individuality, creativity and spirituality, perfectly encapsulating Olivia’s introspective lyrics and soulful vocals. From her album art and dreamy, purple-tinted music videos (like ‘Traitor’) to her ethereal 2022 Met Gala look and even, Olivia’s O’s breakfast cereal her brand exudes an aura of mystique. As she continues to dominate the charts and capture hearts with her music, her connection to the colour purple remains a defining aspect of her burgeoning career.
BEYONCE
Queen B’s reign as the queen of pop is unparalleled, and her association with silver adds another layer of majesty to her icon brand. Symbolising glamour, sophistication and success, the shimmery shade reflects Beyoncé’s legendary status and unmatched stage presence. From her eye-catching, sparkly silver outfits to her dazzling stage sets (‘Renaissance’ will go down as the best tour stage and ensemble in history, without a doubt!), Beyoncé’s brand screams ‘regal AF!’.
The ‘16 Carriages’ singer has a long-standing relationship with silver, dating back to her time with the R&B group Destiny’s Child. She’s worn countless metallic and mirrored dresses and accessories, which have sparked trends in the fashion industry. And remember the outfit from her ‘Crazy In Love’ music video with Jay-Z? Of course, her new fragrance, Cé Noir, comes in a beautiful silver bottle.
As she continues to inspire generations of fans who enter the Beehive with her music and activism, Beyoncé’s connection to silver is set to be a shining example of her enduring legacy.
NICKI MINAJ
If you’re a Barb, then you know the drill; it’s Barbie Tings! Nicki Minaj is the pinkprint. Her affinity for the girly shade is as bold and unapologetic as her personality. Representing femininity, playfulness and individuality, pink serves as the perfect canvas for Nicki’s larger-than-life persona and fearless approach to self-expression
From her flamboyant pink wigs and pink p bottles to her Barbie-inspired lifestyle and aethetic, Nicki has embraced the colour in all aspects of her brand. Most of her album cover art is washed in a shade of pink (except 2018’s Queen), she’s had a pink lipstick collection with MAC Cosmetics, there are the albums Pink Friday (2010) and Pink Friday 2 (2023), ‘Barbie-Qu Rap Snacks, and her new pink shoe collection in collaboration with urban luxury vegan sneaker and apparel brand LØCI.
Pink is in her blood. Whether she’s dominating the global music industry with her record-breaking hits or performing on stage in Gag City, you know she’s making a statement in every shade of pink, without a doubt!
KIM KARDASHIAN
Send nudes! (Just joking!) Kim K took a risqué situation from her youth and turned it into a goldmine (or should we say ‘nude-mine’?). The superstar’s reach now extends far beyond the realm of reality TV, and her association with freshly nude shades has become synonymous with her brand of beauty and fashion.
This colour signals simplicity, elegance and sensuality, and reflects Kim’s signature aesthetic and timeless appeal. From her iconic face beats and make-up collections to her m Los Angeles home and sleek, nude-toned e the Kardashian brand exudes effortless glam Kim’s shapewear line, SKIMS, features ski underwear and loungewear, and she releases nude Beats Fit Pro earbuds with the Beats Dre brand.
Kim’s connection to this shade – which in other hands could be seen as bland and boring – is testament to her charismatic influence and iconic status.
JUSTIN BIEBER
The Biebs’ journey from teen heartthrob to global superstar has been marked by his evolution as an artist and his connection to the colour yellow. Symbolising positivity, youthfulness and energy, yellow reflects his charisma and magnetic appeal.
From his early days as a YouTube sensation to his chart-topping albums, Justin’s brand has been closely intertwined with the colour – pieces from his apparel brand Drew House sport a yellow smiley face as well as other yellow icons, and even his requisite sportscar, a Lamborghini Gallardo, is yellow.
Whether he’s sporting a yellow hoodie or incorporating pops of the colour into his stage design, he effortlessly channels the sunny disposition of this vibrant hue, winning the hearts of stans around the world.
Words by: Charndré Emma Kippie
Photos: Gallo/Getty Images, Supplied
Photos: Gallo/Getty Images, Supplied
COLOUR POP
Reviewed by Amaarah
on
September 08, 2024
Rating:
Reviewed by Amaarah
on
September 08, 2024
Rating:
