Silk Hummingbird Coat

Finalist for a Niche 2001 Award

 “I had the experience of holding a hummingbird in my hand. It was a time
of change and confusion in my life and I needed solace. The hummingbird was
caught in the garage and was beating itself against the window, even though the
door was wide open. I talked to it and it calmed down, enabling me to pick it up
and release it. A few minutes later, it was back, hovered in front of me at eye
level as if to say ‘thank you’”. – R. Hillesø

In many indigenous cultures, the hummingbird is held sacred. It is the Spirit
Messenger. The paper company Papyrus has it as their logo symbol:
“Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes
for love, joy and celebration. The hummingbird’s delicate grace reminds us that
life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning and
that laughter is life’s sweetest creation.”

The hummingbird has incredible capabilities. It is able to fly backwards,
teaching us that we can look back on our past, to learn from it and to move
forward. It hovers over flowers while drinking sweet nectar. We learn that we
should savor each moment and appreciate the things we love. And, the
hummingbird’s wings flutter in a figure 8 pattern, the infinity symbol,
furthering their meaning of eternity, continuity and infinity.

Anatomically correct, this coat was inspired by both the Ruby Throated
Hummingbird and the rich tropical colors of the Caribbean hummingbirds. The back
is made from a separate panel with individual “feathers” attached as the tail
feather pattern of a flying bird. The breast, back, hood and feathers are
covered with intricate stitching, forming a texture indicative of feathers
covering a bird’s body. The sleeves are cut in the layers of a bird’s wings,
carefully stitched, pleated and beaded.

Worn open or closed, the coat is light and fun to wear for formal or festive
occasions. It is made from silk dupionni and silk charmeuse, fully lined in silk
charmeuse.

WA-4 Silk Hummingbird. 
Size Small-Medium

Available for purchase - $349
Please email hillesodesigns@gmail.com for more information.  Thank you.

Designer: Randi Hillesø
Photography: Lise Metzger