Designing the Divaurae Color Palette: An Interview with Linda Miller
Have you ever wondered why we don’t offer our signature sets in multiple colors? Divaurae founder and creative director Linda Miller sat down with lingerie blogger Estelle Puleston to discuss color, cohesion, and creating lingerie that conjures up a specific mood.
Estelle: What are your thoughts on color theory as it relates to emotion and perception? Do the colors we wear really affect our mood and how we’re seen by others?
Linda: I absolutely think so! There’s a lot of evidence that color can affect your mood, and there’s also the fact that in lingerie, we tend to associate certain colors with particular occasions: sexy black with ‘date night’, red and pink with Valentine’s romance, white with everyday simplicity or for a bride, and so on. There’s a lot of symbolism tied up in color, so as a lingerie designer, I have to bear all of this in mind when choosing my fabrics and trims.
On the customer side, different colors can affect how you see yourself, which in turns affects how you present yourself to others. If you’re feeling confident for example, that shows!
Estelle: Let’s talk more about how you choose those colors. What does your design process look like?
Linda: At Divaurae, color selection really is at the heart of each collection. Each range is inspired by a particular muse – a diva – and I try to capture her unique essence. Color is a big part of that. The exact same garment can give off two completely different vibes in two different colors.
For example, the Mara collection was based on and modelled by Parisian burlesque star Mara de Nudée. Like Mara’s own style, the lingerie is inspired by the bold sensuality of the 1930s and is sensual but also very playful, with lots of ruffles. I chose a beautiful rose gold-peach which feels very vintage and gives a stunning multi-tonal effect when seen in movement, on stage or otherwise.
Once I have the idea for a collection, I visit fabric stores in person to find the perfect silk, lace or nylon. We don’t order anything from China or other faraway locations – behind all Divaurae materials is a traditional family business based here in Europe, such as in Milan or in Rome, from where you can be sure of superior quality.
Estelle: Can you tell me about the color choices for some of the other Divaurae collections too?
Linda: Roxanne is meant to represent fiery femininity. It’s pink and pretty, but there’s a little sauciness to the designs too. Haley is all about sweet charm, starting from a soft cream or ecru color with accents of the lightest pink. Adrienne offers an ultra-feminine Mediterranean style, with light colors and lots of shine to make you think of summer.
Then at the other end of the spectrum, there’s the all-black Roxanne collection and the Céline Amour collection which mixes black with light chocolate brown. They’re still just as elegant, but spicier! The whole mood is very different.
When creating, I also think about the color harmony between the collections. Each range has its own vibe, but I want there to also be an overarching color palette that defines the Divaurae brand. It’s all about classic elegance!
Estelle: So many lingerie brands land on a bestselling style and then start releasing it in a new color every season. I’m guessing that’s not the Divaurae way?
Linda: Exactly. The divas and their collections embody a specific frame of mind or a specific atmosphere, and I don’t want to deviate from this. It was designed in that color for a reason. This is why you won’t see a palette of color choices next to the buy button on the Divaurae website.
If I can’t get hold of a specific color silk for example, and from Italy, I’d rather create a whole new collection based around another diva while I’m waiting to be able to source it again.
Estelle: What about the men’s collections? How do you design those, and choose the colors?
Linda: Many companies are starting to deliver more stylish, less basic options for men, but we pride ourselves on being one of the first to have offered exquisitely-luxurious underwear for everyone. Because elegance is not gender dependent! We are very open and accepting. Some of our customers cross dress, others are straight men who simply love the tasteful look and comfortable, silky feel of these refined fabrics.
My Mensoul designs are crafted from the very same fine silks, nylons and laces as the women’s lingerie, for gentlemen who want to wear something equally exclusive under their tailored shirts and pants. The male anatomy it taken into account of course; the front panel is specially designed to be supportive even if it’s sheer. (Speaking of which, I’ve created a fully sheer men’s swim panty too to impress at those open-minded resorts and pool parties!)
From there, my focus is on harmonizing the fabrics and colors between the men’s and women’s collections, so that partners can shop with each other. It’s a wonderful experience when they fill up their boudoir dressers together! The new Oui Madame series is soft gold and high on shine, like some of the women’s Adrienne range, for men who are in touch with their inner femininity. Chemistry Sheer and D’Esprit Noire are sexy, light, airy summer wear – sultry and practical for hot weather. Coordinate them with the women’s Roxanne or Lorena ranges. And the colorful Seherezade men’s panty uses a silky Italian lurex that perfectly reflects the fresh-feeling hue of the women’s pieces. In the future, there will also be red silk and special Italian lace mixed with black and pink silk.
Women already know and understand how a great pair of panties can make or break your day. When you find the perfect panty that makes you feel sophisticated and sensual, it’s the spark to success. We want men to know there is a place for them to find that too. Sexy men’s panties should exist and men should wear them with pride!
Estelle: Last question – you also offer bespoke lingerie and underwear. How does this affect the color options available?
Linda: Coming back to the color theory we discussed at the start, it’s also true that we all have our own favorite colors, the ones which make us feel our best. You might feel your sexiest in a bold red rather than black, for example, and I want all of my customers to be able to wear the lingerie of their dreams. So, for bespoke orders, I am always happy to work with the individual customer to discuss color changes as well as other modifications.
Custom creations like this are given a unique serial number and a new fantasy name; if you change the Roxanne bullet bra from black, it’s no longer a ‘Roxanne’! But it will be something even more exciting – it will be an exclusive, one-off piece made just for you. Though I do want to point out that all Divaurae is handmade especially for the customer, there are no pre-made sets here.
If you’d like to discuss a bespoke colorway in one of the Divaurae collection’s, you can contact Linda directly by filling out the contact form here.