Women's Wear -including sales

Festive Wear

Wearable Art Gallery

Accessories -

• Jewelry
• Silk Pajamas & Kimono

Available to order in black/black or your choice of colors & embellishments

Sizes: X-small to X-large

special order only

VJ-8A

Short vest: $550
Long Vest: $650 to $750

To Order: E-mail or call 920-364-0556

Designer
Randi Hillesø

Made in USA of imported fabrics. Dry clean only.

Photography: Lise Metzger

The Jinbaori Vest

The Jinbaori originates from the Rennaissance. During that time, there was a silk trade route from Venice to Japan. The European traders wore a loose fitting jacket over their doublet, trimmed with various elaborate details. The Japanese warlords were impresses with this piece of "exotic" clothing and took the idea for themselves. The jacket or vest was elaborately decorated, often with an applique on the back, to make them stand out in battle as a symbol of prestige and courage. A number of variations on this theme came about. Shown here is an example inspired by an 18th century Jinbaori that I saw in an exhibit of Edo era artworks at the National Gallery in Washington, DC.

The Hillesø & Company version is loose fitting, but slightly tailored with side seam pockets. The vest is made from fine black wool appliqued with vintage Japanese obi (brocaded sash) silks, cashmere and various trimmings and baubles. All are lined and trimmed in silk. Each vest is unique. Every one is approched as an empty canvas and the fabrics are chosen and pieced according to what the material have to say. All combine a variety of textures of black on black. All have a tasseled tie that loosely closes the vest.

The vest is available in both a fingertip length and a mid-calf length. The longer one has a lustrous purple or red silk jacquard lining. This and other colors are available by special order. I have made a number of these vests in silks as well. This pattern is very versatile and can be used as a vest over an evening dress, or with casual slacks.