Wingin' it

Butterflies metamorphosis into fashion statement

The world of spring style trends seems to be drawing on the insect world for inspiration this year, as butterflies continue to show up in fashion, film and music.

Last month, a model dressed in a butterfly-covered outfit from Dolce & Gabbana's spring 1998 women's ready-to-wear line graced the cover of Elle magazine.

Like other spring Dolce & Gabbana fashions, artificial butterflies cling to a sheer pastel fabric, reminiscent of a child catching butterflies with a delicate net.

Although far from the runway fashions in Milan, local stores such as Tadpole Crossing, 101 E. Beaver Ave., carry products such as butterfly umbrellas, earrings and T-shirts.

"Butterflies are really popular now," said store owner Cathy Horner, adding that she hasn't noticed a greater interest in butterflies lately, because there have always been people who like them.

Butterfly fashion accessories may also be catching on because they have been seen in popular movies and worn by celebrities.

A butterfly haircomb can be seen in the Oscar-nominated film Titanic, and the same insect adorns a necklace worn by L.A. Confidential star Kim Basinger in the March issue of In Style magazine.

Butterflies have even flown into the music world lately.

Erykah Badu donned wings for her new album Live and Mariah Carey's latest album is titled Butterfly.

The winged creatures have also been popular subjects for body art.

Actresses such as Drew Barrymore show their appreciation for butterflies in a more permanent way -- with a tattoo.

Tim Sellers, tattoo artist at Art of the Ages Inc., 103 S. Pugh St., said images of butterflies have been popular subjects for tattoos, standing the test of time since the '60s.

He said he recently saw one of Carey's music videos, in which she had two different temporary tattoos of butterflies on her back.

The influence of popular culture, such as seeing Carey's tattoos in the video, has a lot to do with why butterflies have been so popular, Sellers said.