ON COLOR THEORY AND OPTIMISM

Jun 23, 2025

In the heart of the Arts District in LA at Alchemy Works, Merlette hosted a captivating live conversation on Color Theory & Optimism with Dr. Deepika Chopra and Daniele King.

Dr. Deepika Chopra , known as The Optimism Doctor®, is a visual imagery expert and founder of Things Are Looking Up. She specializes in the neuroscience and psychology of optimism and emotional regulation. During the discussion, she shared insights into how color activates the brain and body, highlighting the influence of color psychology in fashion.

Daniele King is a creative director, stylist, and doula based in LA—and also a dear friend of our founder, Marina, and one of Merlette’s very first customers and collaborators. She’s known for wearing white as a kind of signature, a perfect example of how color palette can shape personal identity.

Together, they delved into the emotional and psychological impact of color, unveiling the profound connection between hues and our inner world. As Dr. Chopra shared, "Color isn’t just visual—it’s physiological. Different hues activate the brain’s visual cortex and the amygdala (which processes emotion), directly influencing how safe, alert, calm, or open we feel." This relationship underscores the importance of fashion color theory in how we wear and experience clothing.

Bathed in a warm, inviting ambiance with natural light and artfully curated florals echoing our Pre-Fall essence, guests were treated to an intimate experience. Our founder, Marina Cortbawi, shared the art of designing with emotion, underscoring color's role in encapsulating memories and individuality.

As we embrace the transformative power of color, our latest collection for Pre-Fall emerges as a vessel for mood elevation and self-expression.

Blue is a hue synonymous with serenity and a gentle slowing of the heart rate, as it "reduces cortisol and creates a calming effect."

From left to right: LANAI Dress, BEJART Top, and HANNA Skirt in Admiral Navy.

Intuitive and gentle, purple speaks volumes through its quiet strength and delicate elegance.

From left to right: VEDA Dress and BEJART Top in Wisteria.

Explore the nurturing and grounding essence of green, a color that brings a sense of stability and growth.

From left to right: KAEDE Dress, VERDURE Top and MIYU Skirt, and WALLIS Dress inVerdant.

A beloved choice of Daniele King, white invites "focus and clarity, eliminating distractions with its effortless simplicity and timeless elegance."

From left to right: YUNA Pant and MAI Top.

In the realm of optimism and creativity, we were joined by the extraordinary Lindsay Luv at our event. She curated a bespoke Merlette playlist designed to elevate your spirits and set the perfect mood. Dive into the musical journey here.

Allow the hues of Merlette's Collection 21 to be your guiding light on a transformative journey of self-discovery and emotional exploration.

EXPLORE HUES TO MATCH YOUR MOOD.