March 3, 2008

Birds of a Feather

Haji Couture

The last art project you completed involved lanyard and hama beads.

So you depend on others for creative inspiration.

Like Aya-Nikole Cook’s feather earrings. Designed on a whim one night before heading out (yeah, that’s normal), Cook’s colorful earrings immediately attracted attention, even on the dance floor. By the time she left, she had enough orders to start a company.

She called it Haji, which means “seeker of enlightenment.” Today, Cook designs full-time, importing exotic bird feathers from around the world. The Couture Mystic collection includes earrings made from golden pheasant, peacock, guinea, and coque feathers, layered to enhance delicate detailing and vibrant color. Careful construction (Cook handpicks and weaves the feathers herself) give the pieces their couture appeal.

Custom designs are also available.

We’re all ears.

Available at The Silver Room, 1442 North Milwaukee Avenue, between Honore Street and Evergreen Avenue (773-278-7130 or thesilverroom.com). To see styles, go to hajicouture.com.