Definition of the word mauve

The word "mauve" originates from the French word "mauve" which literally translates to "mallow" or "mallow flower." This term specifically referred to a dye made from the mallow plant's root, which produced a deep purple color. The color so named was introduced to the fashion and textile industry during the mid-19th century by British chemist William Henry Perkin. Through an accidental discovery while synthesizing quinine, Perkin created a new organic compound that yielded a striking purple hue. The unprecedented beauty of this new dye captivated the fashion elite, and "mauve" was coined as the official name for the new color. The popularity of mauve-tinted textiles and clothing skyrocketed in the 1850s and 1860s, and the color remained a fashion staple throughout the Victorian Era. Today, mauve continues to grace the world of fashion, as well as appearing in various art forms and decorative applications due to its subtly rich and sophisticated hue.