Selah as the Cedar Waxwing
At the edge of the Grand River, Selah Swaney stepped into the colors of the Cedar Waxwing — Marigold, Amber Waves, Golden Brown, and Hot Black. As she climbed trees and balanced on river logs, her quiet elegance took flight, revealing a bird that gathers sweetness and shares it with others.
Nickole as the Eagle
At the edge of the frozen water, Nickole didn’t need to move to take flight. She stood — quiet, watchful — and the whole landscape seemed to rise to meet her. There is a strength that shouts…
and then there is the kind that steadies the air around it. Nickole carries the second kind. Her rising looks peaceful and calm.
Jonathan as the Eastern Bluebird
Watching Jonathan shift from precision-minded engineer to free bird in motion was pure delight. The moment the Midnight Blue and Pagoda Orange came together, something lifted — his posture softened, his movement opened, and suddenly the Eastern Bluebird energy was unmistakable. Not posed. Not forced. Just a quiet, joyful taking of flight.
Rena as the Indigo Bunting
Rena as an Indigo Bunting felt instantly right — birdlike, light, and completely free. Wrapped in layered blues with soft dark accents, she moved with that quick, lifted energy the bunting carries from branch to sky. Rena embodying the bright, migratory spirit that makes the Indigo Bunting such a quiet jewel of Michigan summers.
Dressing as Michigan’s Native Birds
Michigan Birds is an evolving portrait and fashion series inspired by the colors and personalities of Michigan’s native birds.
Participants choose a bird that resonates with them — visually, emotionally, or symbolically — and are styled in dash-dyed garments that echo its palette and spirit.
From the electric contrast of the Ruddy Duck
to the softness of doves
to the bold clarity of Indigo Buntings —
each look becomes wearable plumage.
This project blends:
- Color theory
- Dash-dye garment styling
- Movement portraiture
- Social storytelling
Participants are photographed and featured on social media as part of the collection development, and selected looks will appear in the Michigan Birds runway show at Michigan Fashion Week in June.
This series asks:
If you dressed like the bird that matches your spirit, what colors would you wear?
Participate in Michigan Birds
You can join by:
- Choosing your Michigan bird
- Applying to be styled
👉 Let’s connect and style you as your favorite Michigan Bird!
