c. 1867

Woman's Parasol

Mauve, the first synthetic dye, was discovered by the English chemist William Perkin in 1856 with mass production beginning the following year. Its invention transformed both the dye industry, with its reliance on natural dyes, and chemical research. A range of colors heretofore unimaginable was now possible. The flattering mauve color immediately became the height of fashion during the third quarter of the nineteenth century and was said to "bring on foolish bachelors to sudden proposals."