Dress and waist belt made of silk foulards by Hermès, with print in feather pattern 1970-1980, MoMu Collection T04/97AB, donation by Mrs. Herbosch-Ceurremans. Photo: Stephen Mattues

Feathers and feather patterns are very suitable to create a trompe-l’-oeil effect. They can also be treated in such a way that they do not even resemble a feather anymore.

In addition, one can work with feather prints or use other materials that are made to look like feathers. Thanks to the wide variety and different kind of feathers, the opportunities are endless. Because feathers are often used to imitate fur, they are sometimes extended by or replaced by other animal materials that create a feather coat effect.