A distinctive brownish-purple hue, the name of this color has an unusual origin story. In the late 18th century Queen Marie Antoinette observed that a new fabric matched the color of crushed fleas. The French word for flea ("la puce") became its new name, and it quickly gained popularity in French fashion circles. Modern designers embrace puce for its sophisticated yet slightly unsettling quality, acknowledging its unique position between luxury and the macabre. This duality creates an intriguing narrative—making it particularly effective in projects requiring subtle complexity.
The technical specifications of puce vary slightly across different color systems, with the standard hex code #A65D71 serving as a primary digital reference point. RGB values for classic puce are Red: 166, Green: 93, and Blue: 113, creating its characteristic brownish-purple tone through light emission. When working with print materials, CMYK values of C: 0%, M: 44%, Y: 32%, K: 35% ensure accurate color reproduction on physical media. Professional designers often pair puce with both warm and cool tones, taking advantage of its balanced undertones. The color maintains excellent readability against both light and dark backgrounds, making it suitable for various design applications.
Other related colors to puce:
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