Raja Evening Vest
An elegant mixture of Asian cultures mixed with contemporary classic styling,
the Raja Vest is made as a Japanese Jinbaori Vest.
The Jinbaori originates from the Renaissance. 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 Samurai
warlords were impressed with this piece of "exotic" clothing. They took the idea
and made it their own to wear over their armor. The jacket or vest (it can be
made with or without sleeves) was elaborately decorated, often with an applique
on the back, to make them stand out in battle and as a symbol of prestige and
courage.
The Hillesø Designs version was influenced by an 18th century Jinbaori
displayed at an exhibit of Edo era artworks a the National Gallery in
Washington, DC.
The Raja Vest is an inspired jinbaori made from parts of an elaborate Indian
silk sari, silk dupionni and lined in gold silk charmeuse. The upper part of the
vest is appliqued with pieces of the sari banding, trimmed with gold braid,
hand-made tasseled ties and tiny bells. For Western women, side seam pockets are
a wonderful convenience feature.
Shown with the vest is a shibori hand pleated dress by Justine Limpus Parish.
Designer: Randi Hillesø
Photography: Lise Metzger
the Raja Vest is made as a Japanese Jinbaori Vest.
The Jinbaori originates from the Renaissance. 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 Samurai
warlords were impressed with this piece of "exotic" clothing. They took the idea
and made it their own to wear over their armor. The jacket or vest (it can be
made with or without sleeves) was elaborately decorated, often with an applique
on the back, to make them stand out in battle and as a symbol of prestige and
courage.
The Hillesø Designs version was influenced by an 18th century Jinbaori
displayed at an exhibit of Edo era artworks a the National Gallery in
Washington, DC.
The Raja Vest is an inspired jinbaori made from parts of an elaborate Indian
silk sari, silk dupionni and lined in gold silk charmeuse. The upper part of the
vest is appliqued with pieces of the sari banding, trimmed with gold braid,
hand-made tasseled ties and tiny bells. For Western women, side seam pockets are
a wonderful convenience feature.
Shown with the vest is a shibori hand pleated dress by Justine Limpus Parish.
Designer: Randi Hillesø
Photography: Lise Metzger