As the world grapples with climate change, nature is fast becoming the ultimate luxury. You could feel it on the runways this season, with designers channeling flora and fauna motifs into their designs.
Nicky Zimmermann has long been a fan of Australian natural history illustrators Harriet and Helena Scott. Their 19th-century drawings of moths and butterflies inspired her spring 2027 collection, which channeled their movement into swirling gowns and 3D tops that looked ready to take flight.
Guests including Uma Thurman, Naomi Watts, Jessica Alba and Sarah Snook gathered at Le Carreau du Temple for the light-drenched display, which opened with a cropped top that looked like it was swarming with butterflies. In fact, the realistic copies were made from laser-cut organza double-printed with the Scott sisters’ designs.
The fabric butterflies alighted on sweeping maxiskirts, chiffon slips with cascading ruffles or a bouncy pouf skirt. If that felt too literal, the motif was reworked in a plethora of techniques, from open work panels running the length of faded jeans to a delicate lace trim on a crisp white cotton poplin shirt.
“We want it to feel beautiful. Color gives emotion. It’s like a beautiful sunny day — you feel good. That’s what’s so important for us: it’s the movement and that color,” Zimmermann said.
While many designers have pared down their silhouettes in response to global warming, she stuck to her maximalist aesthetic, with billowing gowns in silk burnout motifs, layers of curtain-draped jersey and flowy flares. They looked fantastic in motion, but what happens to those acres of fabric when you sit down?
Those seeking more streamlined options could opt for a smart cream shirt and culottes, with just a smattering of embroidery at the collar and cuffs, or satiny T-shirts with graphic lace stripes, which came with matching cargo pants.
As temperatures continue to soar, you may not find yourself floating through summer — but the right outfit can always give you wings.
