mauve

Mauve is a pale purple color that lies between pink and violet on the color spectrum. The name derives from the French mauve, referring to the mallow flower; the term came to be associated with the purple color after the discovery of the synthetic dye mauveine, which produced that hue.

In 1856, William Henry Perkin accidentally synthesized mauveine while attempting to produce quinine. The vivid purple dye proved commercially successful, and mauve became fashionable in late 19th-century textiles. The development is often cited as the beginning of the modern synthetic dye industry, influencing fashion and art.

Color-wise, mauve is a pale, desaturated purple with a pinkish tone. It ranges in lightness and saturation and is commonly used in clothing, cosmetics, and interior design as a neutral or accent color. It is often paired with grays, whites, and muted greens.

Today mauve appears in fashion, graphic design, cosmetics, and interiors, valued for its soft, understated quality. The term can refer to a range of pale purples with gray or pink undertones; it is distinct from lilac or lavender, which are typically more saturated or cooler.