August Phoenix Mercantile(Heather Daveno)(@thedaveno)
PremierI used to make hats, now I make other things from mostly second-hand textiles. My current focuses is clothing inspired by 14th and 19th century fashions, and more recently, custom made soft cases for mostly medieval musical instruments.
Artistic Categories
Artist Statement
My name is Heather Daveno. I’m a self-taught textile artist recently relocated from Seattle, WA to Portland, OR. I work predominately with second use textiles textiles. Previously a hatmaker, I am now transitioning to limited edition, one-of-a-kind pieces of historically inspired musical instrument cases, and clothing based on 14th and 19th century models. Travel and historical research have become an intrinsic motivation behind many of my designs. I started my one-woman hat business in September 2000 under the name of Lao Hats. I rebranded a few years ago to August Phoenix Hats, which is a registered DBA of my original company. The new name - August (noble, resplendent) Phoenix (the legendary bird reborn from its own fire and ash) - reflects the fusion of cultural and historical influences that dominate my work, while highlighting my philosophy of giving new life to previously used materials. The rebrand is, in itself, a rebirth of my original company… I have once again rebranded, and clicking on my URL will bring you to August Phoenix Mercantile. Same philosophy, brand new portfolio. See more about me at https://augustphoenixhats.com/about/
Galleries
Art Coats
One of a kind appliqued wearable art pieces, currently for sale.
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14th Century Clothing
A few recent custom works. Contact me for a quote if anything here entices you : )
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Custom Made Musical Instrument Cases
My newest ambition - turning my collection of rescued textiles into soft cases for mostly medieval instruments. Every case is unique to the instrument it was made for, finished by hand from reclaimed textiles and found objects. If you are looking for soft cases that blend in with the rest of your medieval or renaissance luggage, I will be happy to assist! Since this is a new product for me, prices will be negotiable through the remainder of 2026. Contact me for details or see my shop at Leap Handmade! (https://leaphandmade.com/shop/August-Phoenix-Mercantile) Here are examples of my recent works:
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Featured Artwork
Red Art Jacket
2024 · Size 14-16 · Second use wool, egyptian cotton, commercially embroidered appliques
A box jacket in wool with Egyptian cotton lining and interior pockets. I cut a skirt apart to retrieve the commercially embroidered appliques, which I subsequently added additional embroidery and beadwork to. There is an additional applique at center back. Additional views are at https://augustphoenixhats.com/the-second-art-jacket/
Peacock Vest (front detail)
2024 · Wool, lace, suedecloth
When I visited Chicago in 2018, one of the architectural elements that inspired me the most was the Peacock Doors at an elegant hotel called The Palmer House. My homage to this remarkable Tiffany work is a sleeveless tunic-vest with peacocks on both front and back. Read about the inspiration and the making of this piece (which took about 300 hours) at https://augustphoenixhats.com/the-making-of-the-peacock-vest/
Peacock Vest (back view)
2024 · Wool, suede cloth, lace
I was pleasantly surprised to learn that this garment works equally well on a variety of body types and is not gender specific. Read about the inspiration and the making of this piece (which took about 300 hours) at https://augustphoenixhats.com/the-making-of-the-peacock-vest/
Kate's Coat
2022 · Wool.
Full length wool vest with hand embroidered spirals in metallic cord, and other applique details. It is worn here over a separate purple linen tunic and homespun cotton chemise. The purple 'collar' is a separate hood.
The Gardecorps
2025 · Wool
JB had been gifted with a length of wool found at a thrift store. He also provided the buttons, and the inspiration for this 14th century gardecorps. You can read the complete stories behind the making of this garment at https://augustphoenixhats.com/interpreting-a-14th-century-gardecorps/ and https://augustphoenixhats.com/the-rest-of-the-gardecorps-story/
Gardecorps Detail
2025
Three of the closures for this gardecorps. His Mongolian buttons teamed well with the lucet cord I made on the lucet fork JB made for me. This garment was a true collaborative effort.
JB's Rebec Case (interior)
2026 · Second use upholstery textiles supplied by JB
JB supplied the textiles for his rebec case. A bow pocket runs along one side, a rosin pocket is sewin into the inside of the lid. This case is selectively quilted along the vinework in the textile to prevent the lining from sagging onto the rebec strings.
JB's Rebec Case
2026 · Second use textiles provided by JB
JB supplied the textiles for this case, as shown in the previous photo. This case ties shut around the handle with a hand crafted lucet cord, with button closures at the sides of the fabric-hinged lid.
Civil War Drum Case
2026 · Suede, denim, lined with flannel
Made for the director of the Orchestra of the Moon, the crescent moons are actually patches, obscuring the slits in the elsewise perfect blue suede that was a thrift store find. The striped fabric is denim left over from a bustle. The closures are military buttons from a thrift store, and elastics from N95 masks. Short carrying handles on each side complete this piece.
Civil War Drum Case (interior)
2026
Made for the director of the Orchestra of the Moon, the crescent moons are actually patches, obscuring the slits in the elsewise perfect blue suede that was a thrift store find. The striped fabric is denim left over from a bustle, the lining is flannel. The closures are military buttons from a thrift store, and elastics from N95 masks.
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