Soft photonic fibers that reflect light in the visible spectrum via microscopic multilayer arrangements. The technology is inspired by photonic structures encountered in nature that reflect light to produce vivid and brilliant colors. Key aspects of the invention are the ability to observe the reflected light over a wide range of angles, and the ability to apply strain to the material to change the reflected frequency of light (ranging from red to blue). The fibers have large mechanical flexibility and elasticity and the method can be used with a wide variety of materials. These elastic fibers thus provide a soft and tunable color-dynamic material.