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Longevity Jacket

Created as a "Rite of Passage" garment, this piece is steeped in symbolism.

The concept of "passage" used here is emerging/merging with the aging process.  For women, it is the passing from one phase to another.  The four cycles of a woman's life are:  child, maiden, mother, crone.  The word "crone" is often used in a pejorative way, usually conjuring up images of the broken down hag of fairy tales.  In truth, the Greek word "krone" is a wise woman, a shaman, a healer. 

In the current elongated cycles of life, passing into the sixth decade does not mean the rocking chair or wheel chair.  It is merely the passage into a different mood.  Still active and vital, women in their 60's have much to contribute to the world. 

Hillesø Designs utilized all of the accumulated tools and skills to produce a jacket rich in ancient traditions.  The life cycle of child, maiden, mother crone is incorporated into the overall design. 

The Child is represented in ancient Chinese silver cap bells that traditionally decorated an infant's first cap.

The Maiden is represented in the feminine and demure ruffles at the neck and wrist.

The Mother is represented in both the fabric and the nurturing of the garment itself.  The fabric is a hand-woven cotton tapestry from Burma (it was purchased there before the country became Myanmar...). 

The Crone is represented in the overall beauty and intricately woven  fabric that was cut up and re-constructed, bent and pleated to form the jacket design. 

The life cycle is further represented in 3 antique Chinese medallions stitched on the upper back, each with calligraphy of longevity, destiny and prosperity or abundance.  The calligraphy of longevity is also reflected in the jewelry (also created by Hillesø Designs).

The garment is full of life!
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