How "The Dress" Became an Illusion Unlike Any Other Scientific American Ten years ago, a photo of a dress posted on Tumblr sparked a massive debate: was it blue and black or white and gold? Millions argued online, and even celebrities joined in. I've been thinking about "the dress" for 10 years. Here's what I've learned. Ten years ago, a photo of a dress posted on Tumblr sparked a massive debate: was it blue and black or white and gold? Millions argued online, and even celebrities joined in. Scientists later explained Octavia Grant Do yall remember that blue & black white & gold dress? The story for the uploader did not end well. For those that don't remember, here's Instagram Ten years ago, a photo of a dress posted on Tumblr sparked a massive debate: was it blue and black or white and gold? Millions argued online, and even celebrities joined in.