How butterflies have fluttered back into the fashion spotlight

Alexander McQueen once sent out a statement look with a huge butterfly headgear for its Spring/Summer 2008 runway show. Photo: File pic

The 2000s are back! It's butterfly motifs that are the latest throwbacks.

Seen in jewellery, as well as on fashion accessories, tops and jeans, these winged insects are firmly back in the fashion spotlight.

After crop-tops, baggy pants, pleated skirts and sleeveless sweaters, butterflies have made a comeback. The trend, once driven by Mariah Carey and her famous butterfly top, is now landing in all its forms.

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On TikTok, the #butterflyclips hashtag has nearly 25 million views – an impressive performance for hair clips that will take many fashion fans straight back to their youth.

The Italian brand Blumarine's latest collection featured a butterfly denim top inspired by that of the pop icon. And it didn't take much more to get them firmly back on the fashion agenda.

Stars have been quick to jump on the butterfly trend.

Dua Lipa, Vanessa Hudgens and Bella Hadid have all been seen sporting this motif. And it comes in all forms, whether as a top, a silver tattoo or on nails.

Plus, butterflies have already made inroads into the world of beauty with the "butterfly liner" effect made popular by Hailey Bieber, or this summer's hottest hair trend, the "butterfly haircut."

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The butterfly is landing in denim, rhinestones, embroidered motifs or coloured prints, whether for women or men, who can shop sweatshirts and T-shirts with butterfly patterns.

Two ways to wear the trend seem to be emerging. The first approach focuses on using small touches, such as accessories like a belt. The second is to go all out, embracing the look by wearing a top or jeans embellished with colorful or glittery butterflies.

Either way, there'll be something for everyone, because butterflies are everywhere.

On second hand websites, clothes and accessories from the 2000s are increasingly sought after, and fast-fashion brands have all released their own collections. – AFP Relaxnews