I love to get in touch with my wild side every now and then and wear leopard print. It never seems to go out of fashion and has always been a ‘meow’ worthy wardrobe staple of mine. Ever since my teens, I have always owned an item of clothing and accessories with bold animal print, be it a sweater, t-shirt, scarf or shades. Like wearing a red lip, the print instantly pumps up an outfit and looks good with almost anything.
How to Style Leopard Print
I usually wear brown knee high leather boots with a leopard print dress and always favour animal print cuffs and collar to jazz up an elegant black winter coat. You can always rely on a animal print clutch bag to add some zest to a plain, basic outfit!
History of Leopard Print in Fashion
Animal print became fashionable for women in the late sixties during the Bohemian movement. Both Liz Taylor and Zsa Zsa Gabor were fans of doubling up on the print and wore matching coat and hat ensembles during the sixties. By the seventies, top models were seen wearing the leopard print palazzo pantsuits designed by Diane Von Furstenberg. Rocker Blondie was a big fan of wearing animal print jumpsuits all throughout the seventies.
Status Symbol
Today animal prints are as popular as ever and are still present on the catwalks. Roberto Cavalli, a designer who began during the seventies and whose main characteristic is the use of animal print as a status symbol and a synonym of wealth and power. Celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez have embraced the trend and wore a long, figure hugging Michael Kors dress to the Met Gala in 2013.
Trending Items
Animal prints are timeless and a must have in any fashionista’s wardrobe! My favourite trending items right now are the cosy, leopard print sweater from http://www.oasis-stores.com for only €50; Pascalle leopard print ankle boots from http://www.asos.com for €74.32 and the Jasper Conron natural leather leopard print clutch bag available at http://www.debenhams.ie for €82.80.
Go on, embrace the animal print trend and get in touch with your wild, exotic side! But remember, less is more!
