Cassis is a rich, deep purple color that takes its name from the blackcurrant fruit. Blackcurrants grow in small bunches on shrubs and are prized for their high vitamin C content and unique flavor. The deep purple juice from blackcurrants has been used for centuries to create drinks, jams, and dyes.
The Origins of the Cassis Color Name
The name “cassis” comes from the French word for blackcurrant. In the 18th century, a purplish-red cloth dyed with blackcurrant juice became fashionable in France and was known as “cassis.” Over time, the name became associated with the deep reddish-purple color rather than a specific fabric.
In the early 20th century, the term cassis was adopted by color specialists like Rene Lalique and Rene Herbst to describe the rich, vibrant purple shade associated with blackcurrants. Herbst, a French artist known for his pioneering work in color theory, included Cassis as one of the original colors in his 1930 book “Le Corbusier Colours.” This helped establish Cassis as the standard name for this shade of purple in design and fashion.
Cassis Color Codes
Like any color, Cassis can be represented by specific hexadecimal, RGB, CMYK, and Pantone codes that allow it to be accurately reproduced in design programs, web sites, printing, and manufacturing.
Hexadecimal Code
The hexadecimal code used to produce the Cassis color in digital formats and on the web is #4C1130. This hex code is composed of the following values:
- Red: 76
- Green: 17
- Blue: 48
When mixing light on a computer screen or digital display, combining these levels of red, green, and blue light creates the rich purple hue of Cassis.
RGB Code
The RGB code used to produce Cassis in digital environments is rgb(76,17,48). This means using:
- 76 parts red
- 17 parts green
- 48 parts blue
In RGB color, these values combine to create the necessary shade of purple.
CMYK Code
For printing and design work, Cassis is represented by the CMYK code: CMYK(50,83,38,43). This code means using:
- 50% cyan
- 83% magenta
- 38% yellow
- 43% black
By mixing these levels of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ink or pigment, printers can accurately reproduce the Cassis color.
Pantone Code
Within the Pantone Matching System (PMS), a standardized color reproduction system used in design and printing, the closest match to Cassis is PANTONE 19-1629 TPX. This deep purple shade has been formulated by Pantone to be consistent across different materials and printing processes.
Cassis Color Palette
Because Cassis is such a rich, vibrant shade, it is often used sparingly in design and fashion. However, the color can be incorporated as an accent alongside neutrals like black, white, gray, and brown. Softer purple tones as well as reds, pinks, and blues also complement and accentuate the Cassis hue.
Here is a palette of colors that work well with Cassis:
Neutrals
- Jet – #343434
- Black – #000000
- Ash gray – #B2BEB5
- Dove gray – #666666
Purple Tones
- Wisteria – #C9A0DC
- Lavender – #B57EDC
- Plum – #8E4585
- Royal purple – #6A5ACD
Pinks and Reds
- Cerise – #DE3163
- Fuchsia – #FF00FF
- Ruby – #E0115F
- Razzmatazz – #E3256B
Blues
- Iris – #5A5B9F
- Blue violet – #8A2BE2
- Ultramarine – #4166F5
- Sapphire – #0F52BA
Combining Cassis with shades like these allows designers to create attractive, harmonious color schemes.
Using the Color Cassis in Fashion and Design
Throughout history, shades of purple have been associated with royalty, luxury, and ambition. Cassis embodies these qualities in a deep, rich tone that packs a punch. Because of its strong visual impact, Cassis is often used for accents, details, or highlights rather than large areas of color.
In fashion, Cassis can be a bold, striking color for accessories like handbags, shoes, jewelry, scarves, or hats. It also makes a dramatic accent color for trims, buttons, or detailing on clothing. In interior design, Cassis can be used to make a statement on one wall or as an eye-catching detail in pillows, rugs, or artwork.
The lush, jewel-toned shade also lends itself well to packaging, logos, and branding applications where a touch of luxury or sophistication is desired. Overall, Cassis is a versatile yet impactful color that adds a sense of bold, stylish confidence wherever it is used.
Cultural and Historical Associations
In addition to its use in fashion and design, Cassis has some interesting cultural and historical associations.
Since it is named after the blackcurrant fruit, Cassis carries connotations of richness and succulence. Blackcurrants have long been cultivated in Europe for use in wines, cordials, and liqueurs, bringing a deep berry flavor and brilliant purple hue.
The French region of Burgundy in particular is renowned for Crème de Cassis, a specialty blackcurrant liqueur. This imparts a sense of sophistication and continental flair to the color Cassis.
In Japanese culture, Cassis is associated with power and nobility because of its resemblance to the color of blackberries. The Japanese word for cassis is “kuwae” which translates literally to “power color.”
During the Art Deco period, deep jewel tones like Cassis came into vogue. Art Deco artists like Rene Lalique used these rich, saturated colors alongside sleek geometric shapes. This lends Cassis a vintage 1920s chic aesthetic.
So in summary, Cassis carries undertones of luxury, sophistication, power, and vintage European glamour.
Conclusion
With its deep purple hue and rich associations, Cassis is a special color that packs a decorative punch. Whether used in fashion, design, or branding, this striking shade makes a bold statement and adds a touch of refined vitality. Cassis memorably combines vintage vibes and continental style for a look that is lush, elegant, and utterly timeless.
From its origins in blackcurrant dyes to its modern design applications, Cassis is a jewel-toned color that evokes luxury, creativity, and a touch of the unexpected. So next time you encounter something “Cassis-colored,” you can appreciate just how much cultural cachet and artistic flair is contained in that vibrant purple shade.
