Behind the Design: A Moth To A Flame

Named for the Roman Goddess of the moon, the nocturnal Luna Moth lives only a week or so,spending that time in the comfort of darkness and flying by moonlight. Midnight is usually their “calling time” when they mate, and adult moths do not eat. Their lives are only consumed with mating and procreation. They are transient flashes of light and color in the dark.

Luna Moths symbolize a connection to the moon as a spiritual journey. They are icons of rebirth and dreams. They are also considered lucky, because they are so rare. Unfortunately pesticides, pollution, and the loss of habitat have led the Luna Moth to be on the endangered species list.

From a design perspective, I was focused on the Luna Moth as a symbol of transformation and “The Divine Spark” of inspiration. Much like lightning they only appear for brief moments and are gone. There are lightning bolts drawn into the wings, trippy representations of the sudden bursts of light that are the lives of Luna Moths. These embroidered patches keep their hallmark chartreuse color, and the mix of fuchsia thread make them really jump off the fabric. They have an almost phosphorescent quality.

For more information on endangered species please visit the World Wildlife Fund at worldwildlife.org.

Bret Grafton / Art Director

Suzanne Claussen / Editor