Beacon

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Hello dear friends of Emici Livet. For some time now I have felt prompted to create another conceptual art bouquet. These bouquets are different than some of the others I create because they are conveying a certain defined emotion. This is an inspirational piece for overcoming times of hardship that sometimes appear in our lives. They can make us feel as though we are alone in a storm with no warming point of light to offer direction. Yet there is light if we look for it. There is love, laughter and joy. It takes different forms but if you see it and work to move toward it, it gets brighter. Becoming a comfort, strength and support that can guide you to where you want to be.

Beacon: A source of light or inspiration

Beacon is created with hand dyed silk satin fabrics that create an ombre effect in the petals. Large crystal clusters in various Swarovski shades glitter generously among smaller silk velvet blooms.

Cut crystal quartz gemstone points radiate upward and solid bronze cast leaves that are exclusive to the Emici Livet studio provide a rare addition.

Little genuine opal gemstone cabochons are hidden in every cluster adding a warm glow all their own.

What is your beacon? What is your hope, goal, love or inspiration?

GINETTE STATEMENT MILLINERY

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This… This piece right here. Makes my heart beat in love song rhythm. I had set out to make something heavily laden in petals. The promise of spring is almost too much to wait for so I created one in the studio. When you begin a new project like this you have a sense of how long it may take you but more times than not, I fall so much deeper into the rabbit hole than I thought I would. Hand dyeing fabrics to achieve a compliment in variant tone, deciding which antique tools and shapes to use while forming the silks, cutting the right length of wire to give each one its own stem. Apparently Emici Livet flowers don’t like to share stems. If you were to hold this swag, Ginette, in your hands you could see all the individually silk wrapped wires coming together in sway. Every flower has a velvet finished back. The reason for this was because I wanted maximum possibility for this piece. Every angle would be beautiful and cared for. Down the rabbit hole we go. Take my hand.

Detail photos so you can see the micro vs macro. You really get a sense of personality in each cut of fabric you manipulate. This curve fits here best or this spot needs a certain color or texture to set it off. Carry on this way until thirst or hunger drive you to stop and you will know Ginette has cast her spell. How many petals is the right amount for this component? Too much and you have created another space somewhere else. Too little? Not a great option either. Every person is different though and art is art. How do you standardize it? You can’t and that is what makes it wonderful. The immense universe of materials chosen from, condensed and displayed into a physical representation of the time and love that went into it. It’s not just me either. The antique tools used in the Emici Livet studio have decades of use. Each is unique with a patina of rich history. I consider each one a privilege to care for.

The silk velvet used in Ginette was a small piece that I had purchased years ago. I have personally challenged myself to revisit these gorgeous materials. I know I am not alone in this collecting tendency so I thank all my fellow seekers for your company dear friends.

The “back” of Ginette. Could be the front too based on what works for the wearer. Don’t ever feel boxed in by the manner a piece is displayed. Amazing things live both in the spaces of tradition and the unexpected.

Sending lots of love! I must go for now. My cup of tea is empty and that simply won’t do. XO -Marie

DESIGN CRASHES IN SOFTLY

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EMICILIVET Pysche fan

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.