Viral 'black and blue' dress debate returns with mind-bending optical illusion

An infamous online debate was reignited recently, following the sharing of an optical illusion on social media.

Back in February 2015, internet users became fixated with a bodycon dress that paradoxically appeared either blue and black or white and gold to different people due to the peculiar lighting in the photo causing something of an illusion.

This optical puzzle led to a fierce split among people, who pledged allegiance to either #blackandblue or #whiteandgold, inspiring a multitude of discussions on social media that even prompted scientific scrutiny.

The entire saga originated when Alana MacInnes from Uist and Caitlin McNeill of Colonsay took to Tumblr seeking opinions on the true hue of the dress. After MacInnes snapped a picture of the notorious garment, McNeill escalated the image to viral status by posting it online along with a plea for help: "Guys please help me - is this dress white and gold, or blue and black? Me and my friends can't agree and we are freaking... out."

Contrary to what they hoped for, a simple solution eluded them; instead, their query set the internet ablaze, sparking global controversy. Fashion bloggers and journalists at prestigious institutions like the BBC, Buzzfeed, The Washington Post, US magazine Wired, and others, all weighed in on the enigma.

On X, formerly known as Twitter, the hashtags surrounding #TheDress proliferated rapidly, engaging not only academics offering scientific interpretations but also drawing the attention of celebrities eager to share their viewpoints.

The divisive debate over the actual colours of 'The Dress' has been reignited by a TikTok video. Back when the controversy first erupted, American actress and writer Mindy Kaling weighed in on X with "IT'S A BLUE