On November 1, 2025, in the Pool Pavilion at The Virginia Robinson Gardens, Ann Petersen introduced Gillian Rose, founder of Hue Are You, to a rapt audience. Ann explained, “It is a groundbreaking color practice that pairs everyone’s unique energy with colors that make them feel radiant, confident, and seen.”
Gillian said that after getting a degree in environmental design from Parsons School of Design in New York City, she worked for top interior designers and architects in New York before starting her own firm in the late 90s. In 2006, she discovered an organization based in Salzburg, Austria that teaches color science or neuroscience. In essence, we have primal responses to color at all times, and every color has an energy.
Hue Are You helps you to discover and feel the colors that align with your energy. Gillian stated, “Color isn’t simply about a trend or fashion. It’s energy. When your personal energy aligns with the colors you are wearing, you become alive. That’s your superpower, your magnetism. It’s your presence. Your light.” Every color has the ability to enhance your energy or deplete it.
Our own beautiful Patti Reinstein volunteered in a live demonstration — a mini re-creation of a session Gillian had with Patti in Patti’s home. Gillian showed us the spectacular results. She created a set of 12 palettes with satin ribbons named after either precious gems or precious pearls. From sophisticated neutrals to coral, amethyst, burgundy and navy colors, Gillian put different colors of ribbon on Patti’s shoulder. Subtle, cooler colors looked stunning on her whereas more vivid, warmer colors didn’t suit her. It was amazing to see the difference. Everyone remarked how the muted shades not only made her look even more beautiful, but they also reflected Patti’s elegant and gentle presence.
Gillian also does not recommend black. It absorbs light and energy. Deep navy and a smoky charcoal gray are Patti’s blacks. Six colors were shown, but in the session that Patti had with Gillian at her home, 24 colors looked great on her. People were oohing and aahing and saying how gorgeous Patti looked with the right colors. There was much laughter, camaraderie and lively conversation as everyone shared their experiences with color, including hair color!
In conclusion, Gillian said. “Color is vibration. Color affects your brain, your memory, your mood and your pulse and helps people relate to you. When you’re wearing the colors that resonate with you, you light up every room you enter.”
After this delightful and enlightening lecture, the guests enjoyed a luncheon outside. With her superb color sense, Gillian coordinated the beautiful outdoor scene near the Display Rose Garden. A gorgeous centerpiece of lavender flowers with green and blue accents by the very talented George Martinez of George’s Garden rested on contrasting tablecloths of light green with fuchsia napkins and fuchsia tablecloths with green napkins. The colors were ravishing!
John Robinson of JR Party Planning catered an excellent and delicious menu of grilled salmon with a lemon caper sauce; a bow tie pasta salad with sugar snap peas, sun-dried tomatoes, asparagus, red and yellow bell peppers with a lemon asiago vinaigrette; and a mango and blackberry sorbet with berries for dessert.
A big thank you to Co-President Lynn Whitaker, with the help of Ann Petersen, Master of Ceremonies, Patti Reinstein, our lovely model, and Joan Selwyn who donated the flower centerpieces created by George’s Garden, for organizing this joyful and magical lecture by Gillian which enhanced the magical allure of our beloved Robinson Gardens.
Contact information:
Gillian C. Rose, ICA-B, AIA
Phone: (917) 288-0945
Instagram: @hue_are_you_
Email: [email protected]
Post and photos by Linda Meadows
Friends of Robinson Gardens Board Member
Editor of the Happenings
Sari Ehrenreich
Enjoyed her fresh insights into how color affects our being. I have alwayws believed that
Gillian Rose
Dear Sari, always so lovely hearing when I’ve had an impact, especially with the lively group, we had. Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to drop me a note.
Clare Wagner
So sorry I missed this wonderful program. Thanks Linda for your excellent article.
Linda Meadows
Thank you so much, Clare! I wish you were there!
Gillian Rose
Hi Clare, we would have loved to have you with us. Yes, Linda your article was truly wonderful.
Linda Meadows, Editor of the Happenings
Thank you so much, Gillian!