Edward Lorenz, a meteorologist, coined in the '60s the term "Butterfly Effect" to describe a possible chain of events: a butterfly stirring the air today in Peking can indeed transform storm systems next month in New York.
Laura Theiss moved from this term and from the endangered Monarch butterfly for her "Butterfly Effect" mask for The Elephant Family's Animal Ball. This event, set to raise money to save endangered species, will be taking place in London on 22nd November.
The mask-cum-headdress represents a cluster of intricately crocheted butterflies made with sparkling metallic bronze, amber and black yarns, a reference to the colours of the Monarch butterfly wings. The shape of the mask could be directly linked to the Lorenz attractor, a set of chaotic solutions of the Lorenz system which, when plotted, resemble a butterfly or figure eight.
In Theiss' vision the butterfly effect – the cornerstone of the chaos theory – hints at global warming, and at the natural beauty of endangered animal species.
This term is also a metaphor to remind us all that small actions can quickly make overwhelming differences.
Theiss' design prompts therefore people to act, be responsible and protect nature.
Laura Theiss is one of the most exciting knitwear designers on the fashion scene.
She comes from a family of skilled knitters and crocheters and started knitting when she was a child.
Theiss currently produces her own collections showcasing them in London and Paris and dividing her time between the UK and Germany, where she also creates costumes for dance companies.
This is the second time Laura Theiss takes part in The Animal Ball.
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