How My Butterfly Print Came to Life

Nature sets the bar high for any designer—especially high when it comes to butterflies. How can you capture something so delicate, colorful, and perfectly balanced? It’s intimidating, but as a designer, it’s also exactly the kind of challenge I love.

My fascination with butterflies started early, thanks to a woman named Madie McMullen. Madie was my governess, which sounds incredibly fancy (I promise we weren’t as grand as that makes us sound), but she was more than that—Madie was family. She had helped raise my mother, and later my sisters and me. Everyone adored Madie, and butterflies were one of her quiet obsessions. Every summer afternoon, when there was no school and no homework, Madie and I would sit in the garden, watching butterflies flit gently from flower to flower. It’s one of those small childhood memories that has stayed vivid and happy in my mind.

A bit later, at age twelve, I took a school trip to the Museum of Natural History in New York City. Wandering through the exhibits, I suddenly found myself standing before a glass case full of beautifully arranged butterflies. I was stunned—every possible color and pattern, perfectly preserved. Honestly, I desperately wanted to bring that entire butterfly case home with me. (I never did get it, of course!)

Over the years, the sight of butterflies has come to symbolize more than just childhood memories for me. They’re incredible reminders of transformation, resilience, and growth. Some species, like monarchs, travel thousands of miles—imagine being so delicate yet so strong. It’s a powerful thought, and lately, it feels very personal.

When I started this business at age 53, I felt a bit like a caterpillar entering a cocoon—excited but unsure. I didn’t quite know what my wings would look like, or if they’d ever appear at all. Eight years later, I finally feel like maybe I’ve emerged (still a little bit unsteadily!) into something new and beautiful. Sure, I’m still figuring out how to fly in a straight line—but aren’t we all?

In terms of style, my inspiration goes back to my early fashion loves in 1970’s New York. Pucci and Gucci prints seemed to be everywhere—bold colors, playful elegance, flowing scarves. Hermes scarves are my gold standard now, but Pucci’s vivid, free-flowing designs made an indelible impression on the young girl I was. As I sat down to create my butterfly print, Pucci’s style was in my mind: balanced colors, clear lines, playful yet sophisticated.

The design process was joyful but painstaking. I spent hours looking carefully at real butterflies (no surprise there!), making sure each wing was authentic, detailed, and elegant. Choosing colors was crucial—I wanted vibrant but tasteful. Blues and greens had to harmonize gently as did softer pinks and all with whites and a bit of black. Abstract didn’t feel right for butterflies. They needed clarity and elegance, capturing their beauty in flight, yet still approachable enough to wear every day.

Over the years, the sight of butterflies has come to symbolize more than just childhood memories for me. They're incredible reminders of transformation, resilience, and growth. "

When I look at the finished Butterfly Print, it feels like my childhood memories, style inspirations, and personal growth have come full circle. Madie, I’m sure, would approve. And maybe, just maybe, I finally got that butterfly collection after all.

My hope is that when you wear this print, it gently reminds you of your own strength, beauty, and the amazing transformations that lie ahead—at any age.

P.S. Think of slipping into your butterfly robe or pajamas as wrapping yourself in a chic, cozy cocoon—just waiting to emerge even more fabulous. (Flying in a straight line completely optional!)

Shop My Butterfly Print Collection

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• About me •

I founded Heidi Carey in 2016 with a simple goal: To create beautiful, timeless accessories for my friends and their friends. I understood who they were at their core, and what types of things we all were looking for as we all moved along in our lives. It’s why my pieces are conceived for the woman who values both elegance and understatement; versatility and superb value.