My Larval Roommates

My moth roommates became a familiar sight after my divorce. I had started dressing beautifully after separating from my husband, buying fashionable clothes to celebrate my newfound freedom. The process of paying off debts and supporting others financially led me to splurge on high-end fashion. My Williamsburg apartment, a stylish one-bedroom with wide plank floors and a built-in closet, became my fashion haven.

The closet featured an array of beloved garments, from Balenciaga pants to Rick Owens sweaters and Hermes knit tops. However, as I began to stockpile these designer pieces, an unexpected problem emerged. Moths, attracted to the delicate fabrics, began to damage my beloved clothing. I tried various natural remedies to deter the pests, but the moths persisted.

One autumn day, I stepped out wearing an Alaïa bodysuit and Yves Saint Laurent trousers, both from the 1980s, only to discover holes in my wardrobe. As more garments suffered from moth damage, I realized I had a full-blown infestation. Despite the initial disappointment, I felt a sense of satisfaction as I considered myself successfully divorced, liberated from the confines of my previous life.