The Accidental Invention That Turned Fashion Purple Forever
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The Accidental Invention That Turned Fashion Purple Forever
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About this listen
Did you know that your favorite colorful outfits owe everything to a teenager’s failed experiment? In 1856, William Henry Perkin was just 18 years old when he accidentally created mauveine—the world’s first synthetic dye—while trying to cure malaria. This vibrant purple shade, once reserved for royalty, took over the fashion world in a craze known as the “mauve measles.”
But Perkin’s discovery didn’t just change fashion. It revolutionized the textile industry, sparked the birth of synthetic dyes, and even led to advancements in medicine!
And here’s the crazy part, Perkin was able to retired at 36! All thanks to a happy accident.
In this episode, we dive deep into:
- How Perkin’s failed experiment led to a fashion revolution
- The “mauve craze” that took over Europe
- How this discovery accidentally impacted medicine and industry
- Fun facts and surprising twists that shaped history
Watch the full episode now and find out the whole story.
And come visit my website at www.dennisgeelen.me to see what else I'm up to!