Dopamine Dressing: The Neurodivergent Designer

Written by- Zette

Photography- Lynda Marrokal

Model- Ray

Hey there, fellow artists, vandals, spoonies, and visionaries!

Today, let's take a wild ride into the fascinating realm of "dopamine dressing." I'm a Gen-X jewelry designer with invisible disabilities like MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome), H-EDS (Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome), Autism, and ADHD. These experiences have fueled my passion for diving deep into the juicy connection between art, fashion, and our beautifully complex minds. Get ready to hop on board as we explore the artistic and mind-bending aspects of dopamine dressing.

Design, in all its flavors, is like a canvas where we unleash our creativity, spin stories, and even shape how the world perceives us. When it comes to jewelry, it's not just about looking good—it's a journey into our deepest desires and emotions. Every piece I whip up is a labor of love, a fusion of colors, shapes, and textures that are designed to do more than dazzle the eye. It's all about igniting emotions and sparking excitement in your heart.

Now, let's get to the juicy stuff—dopamine dressing! This is where we dive into the wild world of physiology and psychology. We're talking about how the clothes and accessories we choose can flip our mood switches. Right at the heart of this craziness is dopamine, the brain's rockstar associated with pleasure and reward.

Imagine this: When we deck ourselves out in jewelry that vibes with our inner selves, it's like a dopamine party in our brains. This cocktail of feel-good vibes cranks up our confidence, lifts our spirits, and leaves us riding high on the wave of well-being. It's like a magic trick—slip on that killer stack of bracelets or throw on that statement necklace, and suddenly, you're on top of the world.

But hold on, there's more! For folks like me, navigating life with invisible disabilities, dopamine dressing takes on an even higher status. Picking out jewelry that's not just about looking good but also caters to our sensory needs. That's some serious self-care and empowerment right there.

Now, let me spill some personal tea. Bracelet stacks are my go-to. They're like my secret weapon, my daily dopamine dose. Some days, it's all about those dainty ones, wrapping my wrists in elegance and zen vibes. On other days, I'm all about the chunky, bold bracelets that practically scream confidence. They're not just accessories; they're like armor for my soul.

One day, in the whirlwind of life, I left my bracelets behind for an event. As I stepped into the venue, and my brain realized my wrists were bare, and trust me, my whole system went haywire. It wasn't just about missing bling; it was like my sensory groove had gone MIA. I can't even begin to describe the feeling—the weird imbalance, the discomfort—it was like a symphony with a missing note. That's when it hit me like a ton of shiny bricks. Honoring our sensory needs, even through something as seemingly simple as adorning our wrists, isn't just a preference; it's an act of self-love

Creating jewelry that not only speaks to the senses but also messes with our brain chemistry is like unlocking the superpowers of art—it's a game-changer for our well-being. In my journey as a creator, I've woven bits of my own life story into these designs, cooking up pieces that vibe with a diverse crew of individuals. My mission is to dish out jewelry that goes beyond looks, doubling as a source of comfort confidence, and as a form of self-care, my way of hyping up those who rock my creations.

You see, "Dopamine dressing" isn't just a term; it's the filter to explore the intricate dance between art, accessories, and the human psyche. As we move through this trippy phenomenon, we realize that design isn't just about what meets the eye—it's a wild journey that tugs at our senses and stirs up our emotions. Each piece of jewelry becomes a masterpiece that feeds our souls, giving us a boost in the well-being department. It's like a form of self-expression that's not just fulfilling but can also become a bit of an addiction (in the coolest way).

Big thanks to you for rolling with me on this transformative ride that vibes with both heart and brain, showing us that self-care and personal expression are the keys to unlocking healing and magic in the world. And that's why the whole "Dopamine Dressing" thing is not just a journey—it's a valid quest for self-discovery, self-expression, and boundless joy.