On a gloomy morning in Tokyo, Natsuka experienced a metamorphosis:
Swallowtail embraces transformation, rather than the usual rebirth associated with butterflies. This series turns a soft lens on daydreaming and melancholy, getting in touch with inner emotions and learning to express them honestly. It highlights the work of both Montreal and Tokyo-based designers and artists, including Montreal-based textile artist Jade Simard (@textilehustler) and her brand Jade Simard Design (@jadesimard.dsgn), as well as the featured model, Natsuka (@natsucaos2), a multidisciplinary artist and model based in Tokyo. This concept was created by Madeleine Ray (@spotles.minds), a photographer who is based between Montreal and Tokyo.
Dim neon lighting and a clear overcast sky—we see Natsuka embracing beauty in Shibuya, the city that never sleeps, a place where so many have abandoned their souls. Embedded in glistening love hotel walls lies countless beauty and empathy.
Swallowtail butterflies have rich imagery and history in Japanese culture, as well as symbolism in Canada for metamorphosis. Hiding away to undergo a metamorphosis, Swallowtail aims to create an atmosphere that contrasts typical depictions of dramatic transformations and emphasizes that becoming something new can be delicate.
Deeply inspired by the scenery of Tokyo and homesickness for Canada, this tender series displays fashion in an empathetic, airy manner that evokes expression and embraces one’s true colours—becoming butterflies by looking at the world through a lens of softness.
Credits:
Model: Natsuka (@natsucaos2)
Styling: Masami Okita (@ka___ya___)
Makeup: Sean Kosugi (@_shokuma)
Hair Styling: Pink Tanaka (@369pink___tanaka)
Nail Art: Mayu Itoga (@nails___mayu)
Photography: Madeleine Ray (@spotles.minds)
Featuring designers: Liliang (@blue_moon0422), Conundoven (@conundoven), Yetlou (@yetlou_official), Jade Simard Design (@jadesimard.dsgn), Feifei Xu (@feifeixu_jewelry), Keizo (@keizo_vtg)
Styling credit:
Look One (photos 1, 2, 3): Knit top & skirt: Liliang (@blue_moon0422), Ring: Conundoven (@conundoven)
Look Two (photos 4, 5, 6, 7, 8): Top & bracelet: Conundoven (@conundoven), Skirt: Liliang (@blue_moon0422), Earrings and ring: Feifei Xu (@feifeixu_jewelry), Wings: Seventwothree (@seventwothree_723)
Look Three (photos 9, 10): Outer knit: Yetlou (@yetlou_official), Inner knit: Jade Simard Design (@jadesimard.dsgn), Corset: Keizo (@keizo_vtg), Bracelet: Conundoven (@conundoven)
Look Four (photos 11, 12, 13): Top: Conundoven (@conundoven) Knit skirt: Yetlou (@yetlou)
Cody Rooney is the Editor in Chief and senior contributor at liminul.
He is a PhD candidate, digital content specialist, writer, editor, multi-media artist, and photographer.