I knew exactly what I was going to make as soon as I saw the Victorian sterling silver piece that is the base for the Emici Livet Psyche feather fan. It begged to be paired with blush feathers. When a design crashes into your mind you can’t help but listen. After all, if you don’t comply it may just haunt you. Remember me old friend? You had that idea and you left me alone, to whither away. Although, I must confess, it usually never stops at the initial impulse. I settled on creating a small series of feather fans to roll out at the same time just to explore this new ground. Waterfalls of gemstones and pearls edged their way into the fans. Giving a playful swing to things.
Finishing the back of the Psyche fan was a challenge because I wanted it to be as dramatic as the front but not really compete with it. It also needed to feel natural while being held. The heavily beaded back is an ombre fade of pearls, glass beads, crystal quartz gemstones and silver rhinestones. You wouldn’t know it but the base started out as French Alencon lace and later on I decided it needed a little more kick. I love the way the pleated tulle carries the lines off to the edges and is met with tufts of blush ostrich feathers.
I get lost in this, in a good way. Psyche is named for the love story between Cupid and Psyche. A rare happy ending in mythology. If you live in the Seattle Washington area you can see the Psyche blush feather fan at Luly Yang Couture on the corner of 4th and Union downtown.
The ever stunning Siren Song feather fan. Stormy gray ostrich feathers sway back and forth like waves crashing on sand. I promise that this Siren is less menacing than those in stories of old. It’s actually quite lovely. Labradorite is one of my favorite things so to incorporate it into this fan felt natural. The flashes of blue and green from within a deep watery abyss paired perfectly with peacock freshwater pearls and gold glass beads. The vintage gold tone floral center is from a seller in France who tucked perfume samples into the package for me. I have often said that when supplies arrive they feel like I am getting presents but that really took it to a new level of validity.
Siren Song has a beaded back of bezel set labradorite gemstones, vintage gold trim, peacock freshwater pearls and gold beads. This is all over a bed of teal silk velvet. A heavy layer of labradorite gemstone fringes the bottom edge.
The ivory ostrich Florentina fan. Gold and ivory is a classic combination. You would not expect me to resist right?
The back of Florentina is a heavily beaded gold lace base that is covered in freshwater pearls and gemstones. Pleated tulle borders the bottom.
Sterling silver plays another role here in the Liana fan. This piece is reminiscent of antique powder puffs.
Well dear friends, do you have a favorite?
Product photo credits: Megan Robinson Photography
Model Photo of Siren Song Fan at photo shoot styled by Alisa Lewis, photo by Anna Peters Photography.