whiteandgold

Whiteandgold is a term that describes the simultaneous perception of two distinct colors, white and gold, when viewing a single object. This phenomenon gained significant internet attention in early 2015 when a photograph of a dress went viral, with different individuals perceiving its colors as either blue and black or white and gold. This discrepancy sparked widespread discussion and scientific inquiry into the nature of color perception.

The differing perceptions are attributed to how individual brains interpret the lighting conditions under which the photograph was taken. Some individuals' brains may discount the perceived blue tint of the light, leading them to see white and gold. Others may discount the yellow tint of the light, resulting in the perception of blue and black. This is a classic example of color constancy, the ability of the human visual system to perceive the color of an object as relatively constant despite changes in illumination.

The dress itself is a garment manufactured by the British company Roman Originals. The viral phenomenon led to a significant surge in interest in the dress, with the company reporting a substantial increase in sales. Beyond the dress, the term whiteandgold has become a cultural touchstone, representing the subjective nature of perception and the fascinating ways our brains process visual information. It serves as a readily understood example of how context and individual differences can influence what we see.