Some birds don’t blend in.
They appear like a spark — sudden, vivid, unforgettable.
When Amber stepped into the Michigan Birds series, she already knew she needed a red bird.
And the Scarlet Tanager called to her.
How We Met
I met Amber after my Cosmic Bodies fashion show. She was modeling for another designer, and we found ourselves in conversation about neurodiversity, soft fabrics, and color — the kinds of things that don’t usually come up unless someone feels the world deeply.
At the time, her hair was a striking red. She stood out. Not loudly — but unmistakably — and I knew she had to be part of this series.
Who She Is
Amber describes herself simply: A free spirit.
Someone who craves adventure, new experiences, and the freedom to explore life as it unfolds.
But beneath that lightness is depth. Her path hasn’t been simple — navigating the instability of foster care and relationships that didn’t always hold her well.
And still… She found her footing.
Through fashion.
Through dance.
Through choosing herself.
Amber is intuitive. Resilient. Grounded in a way that doesn’t need to prove itself.
She doesn’t need to say much. You feel it.
Why the Scarlet Tanager
The Scarlet Tanager is one of Michigan’s most striking birds — a brilliant red body with deep black wings. But despite its bold color, it often stays hidden in the treetops. You hear it before you see it. And when you do see it… It’s electric.
That duality felt like Amber. She can be elusive—moving through life independently, living on the road. But when she appears, when she lets herself be seen… There’s a presence that draws you in. Bright. Magnetic. Impossible to ignore.
The Look
We built Amber’s look from core pieces designed for movement and comfort:
- Black wide-leg stretch denim
- Black rayon jersey tee (soft as a baby blanket)
- Black rayon belt
- Scarlet kerchief
- Scarlet wrap for draping
The Raven Black grounded the look, giving structure and depth. The Scarlet lit it on fire. And the fabrics — soft, breathable, sensory-friendly — allowed her to fully inhabit her body.
You could see it instantly. She felt good. And when she feels good… She moves.
The Session
We met at Dwight Lydell Park, a place I hadn’t explored before — drawn in by the playground, the climbing structures, the possibility of movement.
Amber didn’t hesitate. She climbed. Hung from ropes. Flipped upside down on the pole.
Her background in dance showed up effortlessly — her body trusting itself, playing, exploring space without restriction.
Nearby, the river rushed. The sun dropped low, casting everything in gold. And for an hour, we wandered without an agenda — just conversation, laughter, and moments of joy captured.
Amber was easy to photograph. Because she was willing.
Color Connection
Scarlet and black is a high-contrast palette. It doesn’t whisper. It declares. These colors hold:
- confidence
- visibility
- intensity
- truth
Amber was drawn to them because she is bold. Not in a performative way. But in a lived way. She has walked through enough life to know who she is. And she’s choosing to blossom anyway.
A Flash of Red
There’s something about the Scarlet Tanager.
You don’t always see it.
But when you do…
You remember it.
That’s Amber.
A flash of red in a green world.
A presence that lingers.
A story still unfolding.
Find Your Bird
Some birds are soft.
Some are hidden.
Some are steady and grounded.
And some…
Burn bright.
If you’re ready to explore the colors that reflect your story —
Let’s find your bird.
