The Unexpected History of UCLA's Pink Sweater and Bruin Colors
UCLA, known for its athletic prowess and academic excellence, is instantly recognizable by its blue and gold colors. However, the story behind these iconic hues, and the emergence of less conventional colors like pink, reveals a fascinating intersection of tradition, innovation, and student expression. This article explores the evolution of UCLA's colors, the significance of its athletic apparel, and the recent trend of incorporating alternative colors like pink into UCLA-inspired merchandise.
From Powder Blue to True Blue: The Evolution of UCLA's Colors
The journey to UCLA's current color scheme wasn't always a straightforward one. According to Gordon Henderson, director of the UCLA Bruin Marching Band, the university's athletic teams once showcased a variety of blues. The football team sported powder blue, while the basketball team donned royal blue, and the band was clad in navy. This lack of uniformity prompted a push in recent years to adopt a "true blue," creating a more cohesive and recognizable brand for the university.
Henderson clarifies that the navy-blue band uniforms were technically University of California colors, permissible for any school within the UC system. This historical context highlights the shared heritage of UC schools and the gradual divergence towards unique identities.
The Marching Band's Uniforms: A Tale of Tradition and Innovation
The UCLA Bruin Marching Band's uniforms offer a compelling case study in the challenges of maintaining tradition while embracing change. The lifespan of a typical band uniform is about eight years, but UCLA had consistently replaced its uniforms within that timeframe since 1928. However, financial constraints in the mid-1990s forced the band to replace only a few uniforms at a time, preventing a complete redesign. As a result, the navy-blue design remained unchanged for over two decades.
In November 2006, Christopher Waterman, the School of the Arts and Architecture Dean, recognized that the time was ripe for a new request for uniform upgrades. This marked a turning point, leading to a renewed focus on the band's visual representation.
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Interestingly, the band's history also includes periods where blue was absent altogether, with uniforms featuring colorless black and white. There were also less-than-popular designs, such as those with big, furry hats, and a short-lived experiment with "hip and cool fancy new uniforms" featuring gold jackets, white turtleneck sweaters, and navy pants. These instances underscore the importance of carefully considering design choices and avoiding drastic changes that might alienate fans and students.
To avoid repeating past mistakes, Henderson and the campus uniform review committee opted for subtle tweaks to the existing design. This approach ensured that the new uniforms resonated with the Bruin community while still incorporating modern elements. The updated uniforms debuted at the 2007 Blue and Gold Week Parade and the subsequent game against USC, receiving an enthusiastic response from fans. The fans were happy to see the Solid Gold Sound get into true blue sync.
PomPom Varsity: Reimagining UCLA Apparel with a Touch of Pink
While UCLA's official colors remain blue and gold, a new wave of creativity is emerging, challenging traditional notions of university merchandise. PomPom Varsity, a clothing brand founded by Parsons School of Design graduates Sydney Maggin and Ellie Anhalt, is at the forefront of this movement. Their goal is to create UCLA-inspired gear that expands beyond the conventional blue and gold color scheme.
The inspiration for PomPom Varsity struck when Anhalt noticed a student wearing a brown and pink UCLA hoodie. This unexpected color combination sparked the idea of exploring alternative palettes and designs that capture the spirit of UCLA in a fresh and innovative way. The pair formally got the idea for their company when they moved Anhalt’s little sister, Amelia Anhalt, into her freshman dorm at UCLA this quarter. Maggin and Ellie Anhalt wanted to figure out what UCLA students like to wear, Maggin said.
PomPom Varsity's designs are influenced by Maggin and Ellie Anhalt's background in animation and their love for cartoon-style art. Their "Bruin Love Tee" and "Butterfly Net baby tee button-up" feature playful renditions of Joe Bruin and Josie Bruin, showcasing the university's mascots in a lighthearted and whimsical manner. They love playing around in designs where different graphics and characters can be placed on a piece.
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The brand also draws inspiration from vintage athletic wear, incorporating the versatility of these clothes into their designs. Maggin said she loves the versatility of these types of clothes as they can be worn to sporting events and day to day. Ellie Anhalt also said she and Maggin enjoy learning about different movements in art history, and that inspiration tends to naturally bleed into whatever piece they’re making.
Their creative process is described as free-form, often building upon existing elements, such as upcycling a thrifted shirt with a preexisting butterfly patch. Although their creative process comes naturally to them, Ellie Anhalt said she and Maggin face minor challenges when Maggin is in Maryland with her family and Ellie Anhalt is in LA.
Looking ahead, PomPom Varsity hopes to expand its reach and collaborate with talented artists at UCLA. In the future, Elllie Anhalt said she and Maggin hope that PomPom Varsity can expand to the UCLA Store. Maggin said she and Ellie Anhalt have met many talented artists at UCLA through PomPom Varsity and would love to work with them.
Beyond Apparel: Celebrating UCLA Legends
The significance of UCLA extends beyond its colors and apparel. The university's rich history is intertwined with the legacies of legendary figures like Coach John Wooden. The U.S. Postal Service honored Wooden with a Forever stamp, recognizing his profound impact on UCLA and the world of basketball.
"Postal Service has added to Coach Wooden’s legacy with today’s honor,” Block said. “A USPS Forever stamp can be used as postage in perpetuity, never to expire. NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who won three NCAA championships under Wooden, reminisced about Wooden's influence on UCLA players. “He made us champs,” he said, “and made us understand life. Fans and stamp collectors purchased sheets of stamps and enlarged, framed prints of the stamp as UCLA mascots Joe and Josie Bruin warmed up the crowd.
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Even in remembrance, personal connections to Wooden were evident. Wilkes, the master of ceremonies, wore a bolo tie given to him by Wooden. Kondos Field arrived in a gray cardigan that belonged to Coach.
Impelman, Wooden's granddaughter, shared anecdotes about his dedication to responding to letters and requests for autographs. “He would sign, or write, and seal the items in an envelope and put a stamp on them. postage stamps,” she said to chuckles from the crowd.
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