Racing Red: The Story of Rosso Corsa and Unstoppable Determination
More than just a racing color, Rosso Corsa represents the spirit of determination and the thrill of the unknown.
Rosso Corsa is the color of Italian victory, symbolizing strength, determination, and grit. Discover how this legendary hue can be used to shape your brand’s unique personality and make a powerful statement.
The History of Rossa Corsa (Racing Red):
In 1904, Le Matin, a French newspaper, posted a challenge for anyone to travel from Peking (now Beijing) to Paris in a motorcar. An Italian Prince named Borghese answered the call, driving a 40-HP Itala model from Turin that was painted in a Poppy Red
Prince Borghese beat out four other teams; three of them were French, and the other was Dutch
It took them 12,000 miles in total to travel, including past the Great Wall of China and through the Gobi Desert
The Italian team, with Borghese at the wheel, was victorious and powered through the streets of Paris. This hue became Italy's national racing color and was later adopted by Enzo Ferrari
The prize was Mumm champagne
Images of Borghese Driving, and the Advertisement in Le Matin.
How to Use Rossa Corsa:
Here Are Three Creative Techniques to Try When Working with Rosso Corsa
Use Gradients in Your Branding: Blend Rosso Corsa with lighter or darker tones of red to add depth and dimension to your design.
This video shows how to do this in XD. Play around with this to get your desired effect. The gradient can be used as full color or as an overlay in photographs to brand the photos.
Balance Design with Neutrals: Pair Rosso Corsa with neutral colors like white, black, beige, gray, taupe, brown, and cream to create a balanced and sophisticated look.
Limiting the Color Rossa Corsa:
Use Rosso Corsa as an accent color instead of the primary brand color. Its story can still be part of your brand’s personality but it really is so bright that it doesn’t have to outshine all the other colors.
Print Example:
Pencil Post by Chloe Galea. I love the simplicity of using red in a sparing way throughout this example. It is hard to practice such restraint but the designer did and the result is a thing of beauty.
Branding Example:
Layla, Brookyln uses Rosso Corsa paired with a monochromatic color scheme to beautiful effect. The strong red is balanced with a neutral beige, and highlighted with black. The art deco header font and illustration gives the branding a unique POV and attitude. This designer has great taste.