The Butterfly Effect

Fashion for a higher cause is the design philosophy of the three Los Angeles–based artists who came together six weeks ago to form The Butterfly Effect. Their collaborative union premiered on Oct. 28 at the Spider Club in Hollywood.

Based on the theory that a butterfly flapping its wings in Japan could cause a tornado in Texas, the team of designers—organic jewelry designer Katherine Azarmi of Kaviar, leather guru Darren Romanelli of Dr. Romanelli and whimsical fashion artiste Hayley Starr—together attempted to generate “fashion-formed whirlwinds” of their own.

A series of 18 silk-lined, lambskin leather bombers were used as canvases for the designers to create a one-of-a-kind collection of wearable art. Romanelli provided the jackets, which were accessorized with Azarmi’s nature- and wildlife-inspired jewelry and hand-painted by Starr with storytelling portraits that expressed her vision of the future.

The designers are donating proceeds from the sale of the jackets to charities including Eco, Cri-Help and The Make-A-Wish Foundation. —Mark Pagaduan