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Folklore Opera Duster (Full Length)

$148.00

Airy and ethereal, Folklore is our nod to the romance of the Arts and Crafts movement, and the beauty of “non-finito” — art that is a work-in-progress. The printed Bird-of-Peace comes from original embroidery exquisitely hand stitched by Vancouver Island fiber artist Kim Donohoe, who used single-ply thread to capture every detail of the intricate plumage. Inspired by a 19th century embroidery panel found in the British Museum, it is a marvel of craftsmanship. The background panels — including the sleeves and trim — come from 3 separate works created in 1885 by famed British textile designer and artist William Morris. All 3 are unfinished, and Morris’s original pencil and ink sketch marks can be seen where the designs remain incomplete. We left these in intentionally, to celebrate the profound beauty of the artistic process! The result feels like a fairytale you can wear.

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.

Kimono measurements: length 116cm, width 78 cm (across back, underarm to underarm). Model is 5’5” for reference.

“Work with love. Weave the cloth with threads drawn from your heart.”

- Khalil Gibran

“Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.”

- Marcus Aurelius

“This sky. This sky where we live is no place to lose your wings so love, love, love.”

- Hafiz

How To Wear

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This romantic, artsy duster is a dream! Layer it over a simple slip dress and add some statement accessories (we love a bold earring and a vintage belt) for a bohemian-inspired outfit, or pair it with the matching Bohéme dress for an elegant and airy event look. This piece also works beautifully with distressed jeans and a tank for a more downtown vibe! And don’t forget to pack it along on your travels for a versatile option that will take you from the beach to the most elegant wedding with ease.

Our Muse

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The creative, the maker. Women who weave their vision and love to create a life of beauty for themselves and everyone around them. Women who make something new.

More Inspo

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Kim Donohoe is a self-taught painter, potter, and embroidery artist from Vancouver Island. Of her work she says, “The theme that carries through all my mediums is joy. The joy of coming up with an idea and seeing it come to reality; of creation, colour, and making things with my hands through slow and mindful practice. The joy of sharing my creations and hoping my art makes a positive impact in the world.”

The embroidered Bird-of-Peace that adorns our Folklore collection was a labour of love. Kim recalls the process of creating this intricate work:

“When Danielle asked me if I could recreate an antique embroidery of a dove from a photograph, I was intimidated — it looked like a painting! I began with the bird’s eye, which brings the animal life visually, and moved outwards from there. After stitching the branch, I stitched the left wing out to the tail, then the body, and finished with the right wing. With the size of the piece and the single-ply thread I used, it took me about three months to complete this project. I didn’t stitch every single day, but other days I’d stitch for hours. Danielle was very patient with me and I really appreciated that. This piece was my bright companion to turn to during the darkening months of fall and winter when I was working on her, so she holds a special place in my heart.”

Discover more of Kim’s delightful work on her website at www.kimdonohoe.ca.

The Poem

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Life’s Work

All day, the weaving 
work of nests goes on
in trees and eaves
the artful, tireless circle 
of eggs and endings. 
Starling, thrush, wren—
busy at the loom 
by breakfast. 

If this morning 
you pick at the threads
of your worry and pace 
the house, footfalls
heavy as knots, 
never mind. In eaves and trees
the red-breasted robin
keeps weaving, 
her tireless heart
insisting and insisting: 
your love
will outlive even you.