This explains how the blue black white gold dress illusion was possible. But it doesn't explain why some people saw it one way and some saw it the other, and no one seemed to see The actual dress was black and blue. The confusion came from how lighting and color perception tricked people's brains, making some see it as white and gold. It became a viral example 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 Nicoblu Amaris Black Midi Cocktail Sheath Dress and Gold Embellishment 00 The gold blue dress controversy: Challenging Assumptions