Ahmad Alfazairy.

SCHOOL OF MOONFISH.

Lebanon designer, Ahmad Alfazairy showcased a collection for Vanity Fashion Week 24/25. This detailed piece, focusing on the metallic texture, resembles the reflections made in a school of Moonfish, also known as Mondoactylus. These fish are known for their metallic silver bodies that catch and reflect light in a way that mimics this design.

The piece is embellished with metallic pieces, arranged in an almost wave-like formation. They’re likely small sequins, beads or metal plates, creating a surface similar to fish scales. The texture appears to be rigid yet fluid due to the arrangement of the pieces, with each one reflecting light at different angles, creating this dynamic shimmer. The directionality of the placement emphasizes the flow and movement across the fabric, creating a sense of motion and liveliness.

In the wild, moonfish school as a defense mechanism. Their synchronized swimming techniques and reflective bodies create the illusion of a larger entity, confusing predators. Ahmad Alfazairy’s 2024/25 design mimics this phenomenon by using the appliqué that was used to create such effect; a moving surface that can change appearance with light and movement.

In the adorned Disney classic, Finding Nemo, the school of moonfish play a memorable role as the fish formed various shapes, such as arrows or faces and playfully interacted with the characters throughout the film. These moments showcase the fish’s ability to use their collective bodies to create illusions, much like the detail on Alfazairy’s 2024/25 Design. The placement of each metallic piece on the garment seems deliberate, with a sense of direction that guides the eye across the piece.

The appliqué seems to cascade, following the contours of the fabric to highlight the figure of the model, creating a sculptural effect similar to how moonfish school in water. Light is also played with when it comes to how moonfish reflect sunlight underwater, giving the garment an almost liquid-like quality.

The design of Ahmad Alfazairy’s Vanity 2024/5 Piece draws a strong parallel to the visual, behavioral and textural characteristics of Moonfish. The metallic quality within the sections of the garment mirror the bodies of moonfish in a school, while the intentional placement of appliqué emulate the organic movement. After seeing this, I was left with more questions than answered about the process of this piece.