Flight of Fancy Opera Duster (Full Length)

$148.00

What we can dream, we can do — against all odds! Hummingbirds are tiny beings of wonder. Weighing less than a nickel, they are the only bird that can fly backwards as well as forwards, and have the largest hearts relative to body size in the entire animal world. Symbols of hope, healing, and luck, hummingbirds are also sometimes said to represent well-wishings from loved ones — both here and departed. A flock of hummingbirds is called a glitter or a shimmer — or a bouquet! The bouquet in our exuberant print was created using a collage of breathtakingly beautiful floral paintings from the 1700’s. It includes several works by artist Rachel Ruysch, who is considered by historians to be one of the most talented still-life artists of all time, and who was the first ever female member inducted into The Hague's prestigious painter's society.

100% viscose (derived from plant fibres such as bamboo and wood). Machine wash gentle or handwash and hang to dry. Iron to finish if needed. Shown worn with our Flight of Fancy Bohéme Slip Dress sold separately.

Includes removable belt.

Kimono measurements: length 116cm, width 78 cm (across back, underarm to underarm). Our beautiful brunette model is 5’9”, and our lovely redhead is 5’6 for reference.

“Let us live like flowers, wild and beautiful and drenched in sun.”

- Ellen Everett

"May my heart always be open to little birds, who are the secrets of living."

- e.e. cummings

“The earth laughs in flowers.”

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

How To Wear

+

This duster is wearable art, designed to make any outfit feel like a masterpiece! We love it layered over a silky tank, with distressed denim and red ballet flats for a playful daytime look…or worn with a flowy maxi dress in soft pastel hues like rose, teal or cream. Add a petite crossbody bag, gold hoop earrings, and wrap sandals for a French bohemian vibe! To ramp up the drama for an evening ensemble, try pairing this piece with an all black outfit — think a sleek bodysuit and wide-leg trousers. Tie the look together with bold accessories and let the hummingbirds flutter behind you as a statement!

Our Muse

+

The joyful, the light-bringer. Women whose spirits are swift and bright as a hummingbird’s wings, who love with their whole hearts. Women who see magic in the little things.

More Inspo

+

Hummingbirds are fascinating (and fast!) little beings indeed — with their little wings flapping an incredible 50+ times per second. Their tiny nests (built from moss, lichen, and even spiderwebs) are around the size of a large thimble, with eggs as small as jellybeans. They perceive colour much better than humans do, and their ability to see in the ultraviolet spectrum makes it easy for them to find the best flowers for nectar. These remarkable birds have a special place of meaning to me — they’ve always been my daughter’s favourite, and whenever I see one during the day when she’s at school, I feel like she’s thinking of me :)

The Poem

+

Early Morning, Le Marché aux Fleurs

The hummingbird alone
can fly backwards,
loadless
though its heart
is larger than any
other’s. If I meet you,
years from now
in this same street
as the morning
flower-sellers are arranging
their bright wet stems
of blush and green —
may I remember
how your hands flitted
from the petals
to my face
for the briefest
lightest touch.