ELI5:Why does this dress appear white gold to some people and black blue to others? : r explainlikeimfive 10 years ago today, this dress was posted online, turning into a viral phenomenon. Viewers couldn't decide if the dress was blue and black, or white and gold. It was later confirmed The white gold blue black Internet #dressgate: Stages of certainty,confusion, horror, and acceptance Rage Against The Minivan Elisabeth of Austria and her "mystery dress". The gown ( exhibited in the Wagenburg at Schnbrunn) is a replica, re created after a portrait. The mystery : it might be her wedding 10 years since THE DRESS blew up Internet. Two thirds of people saw white and gold. Its an optical illusion caused by weird lighting and an overexposed background. It Is actuallylly blue and black.