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Tanel’s Colour Academy: Saffron

Saffron is a yellow or orange shade that comes from the colour of the stamens of the saffron crocus, from which the spice saffron also comes. This variegated shade is created from the pigment crocin. The name saffron comes from the Hebrew word sahafaran, which translates as thread.

The history of saffron

Saffron’s journey through history has been as vibrant as the colour itself. Originating more than 3,500 years ago, saffron has been cultivated and valued from the Mediterranean to South Asia, and thanks to the complex harvesting process, it has become one of the most expensive spices in the world.

Ancient civilizations revered saffron not only for its culinary uses but also for its medicinal properties and for the pigment contained in the plant. The ancient Egyptians and Greeks used saffron heavily in perfumery, while Hindu and Buddhist monks have worn saffron-hued robes since ancient times. Whereas, the colour of the robe signifies renunciation of material life in religion and is an integral part of Hindu and Buddhist philosophy.

Saffron in art

A yellowish-orange tone similar to saffron can be seen in the works of some well-known artists. such as Vincent van Gogh and Gustav Klimt, who used vibrant colours to convey emotions and atmosphere in their masterpieces.

During his so-called yellow period (around 1886-1890), Van Gogh used a lot of yellow tones. For example, the bright yellow of saffron dominates in his paintings “Sunflowers”. Among Klimt’s art, the saffron tone can be found in the work “Kiss”, where the robes of the lovers are covered with this tone.

Vincent Van Gogh
"Vase with Twelve Sunflowers"
1888

Photo: vangoghgallery.tripod.com

Gustav Klimt
"The Kiss"
1907 - 1908

Photo: oceansbridge.com

Saffron in fashion

The fashion world has also embraced the magic of saffron. Saffron is a bold shade, but at the same time radiates warmth and sophistication. Safran has graced fashion stages from elegant evening dresses to casual wear.

Hermes
spring 2023

Photo: vogue.com

Kenso
spring 2019 menswear

Photo: vogue.com

Pyer Moss
spring-summer 2020 collection

Photo: washingtonpost.com

Tanel Veenre & Aldo Järvsoo
Titan 2021

What to match saffron with?

Saffron is a colour that evokes positive emotions due to its warmth and vivacity. The perception of the colour can vary depending on the context in which it is used, but for the most part, saffron consistently radiates beauty and richness. The vibrant nature of saffron evokes feelings of energy and joy and is often associated with positivity and enthusiasm.

The warm and vibrant nature of saffron allows it to work well with a variety of colours. Here are some colour combinations and tips for matching saffron:

  • Saffron and white evoke purity, simplicity and elegance. White can be used as a background or as an accents to let the saffron shine. This combination is classic and timeless.
  • Saffron and pink – Saffron can be combined with different shades of pink or coral for a bright and cheerful look. This combination works well in spring-summer fashion.
  • Saffron and gold – combining saffron with gold-tone results in an expensive and glamorous look.
  • Deep purples and plum tones combine with saffron to create a luxurious and dramatic effect.
  • Together, saffron and deep blue create a striking and regal contrast.
  • Saffron and Gray – Gray provides a neutral and sophisticated contrast to saffron. This combination works well for formal wear.
  • Saffron and turquoise create a lively and energetic, even bohemian or beach-themed palette.

Tanel about saffron

“Saffron is powerful. First of all, for me as a fragrance freak, saffron is associated with one of the important components of perfumery. The saffron note opens the fingers and is leathery-spicy in nature. But as a colour, it is fiery, saffron yellow is not easy to wear. But if you have confidence, it makes you shine like nothing else!”

You can find our saffron jewellery and fashion products here:

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