Mauveine is a synthetic dye that was discovered in 1856 by the chemist William Henry Perkin. It was the first aniline dye, created accidentally while Perkin was attempting to synthesize quinine. Mauveine has a distinctive purple color and quickly became popular in the textile industry for dyeing fabrics. The discovery of mauveine marked the beginning of the synthetic dye industry, leading to the development of many other dyes. Its introduction revolutionized the way colors were produced and used in fashion, making vibrant colors more accessible to the public.