Insect-Vogue

In order to stage an Insect Vogue event, it is first necessary to collect a diverse range of insects together, so that their garments can be made to match and fit their individual characteristics. Each insect is then carefully photographed and measured, so that the fashion designers have accurate information.

Themes are then decided for the various collections: i.e. sports wear, evening gowns, lingerie, suits and formal, club wear etc. Fashion forecasts will be consulted for colours and fabric trends. Mood boards for the ranges are prepared, and manufacturing quickly follows, with miniature sewing machines buzzing away under powerful magnifiers.

The tiny garments soon emerge, as perfect replicas of their human sized equivalents. Dressing the subjects is a task best left to experts. The insects are first harmlessly tranquillised, then slipped and zipped into their micro outfits.

For the show itself, each insect is released in turn onto a well lit, miniature catwalk, with macro lenses following their every twitch and swivel, occasionally zooming in to focus on a hidden detail. Centipedes will clunk along in a hundred pairs of high-heels, spiders will coyly pose in lacy basques, and praying mantis will stalk along menacingly in sporty hoodies.

Giant screens project the images for audience appreciation, as a commentator expertly describes each outfit in turn. Every garment is for sale in a presentation box, complete with large photographs depicting their proud owners flaunting themselves in catwalk perfection.