Leopard Print

On any given occasion, leopard print can be spotted on someone or something, regardless of its current style status. Although always in style when it comes to underwear, leopard print has also demanded attention on varying levels in outerwear for what seems like forever, and now that the 80s are back, so are the more in your face leopard print fashions. From Guess handbags to full leopard print dresses, the urban jungle of fashion is taking its cues from the big cats!

Melanie Greensmith recently returned home, and returned to leopard print, at the September premiere showing of the new Wheels and Dollbaby’s line as part of the Perth Fashion Festival. The range, called Fatal Feline, definitely demonstrates killer fashion instinct, and is not for the faint fashion hearted! (visit the www.wheelsanddollbaby.com online store to purchase) Other designers are also showing animal instincts during their autumn showings, including Moschino and Prada, and Fendi has produced the new must have leopard print bag, the likes of which has already popped up on ebay.

Celebrities throughout the decades have supported leopard print to varying degrees and the look is mostly associated with rock chicks. Despite not being considered a fashion icon for most, Tori Spelling definitely carries the torch for leopard print. Not afraid to be seen in head to toe print, Tori’s recent success with her own real-life based sitcom “Notorious” is starting to move her up in the celebrity stakes, and she is making bold moves with her fashion choices. Also not afraid to sport the spots is Christina Aguilera, and pop icon Blondie was a fan in her heyday.

It’s easy to go over the top in animal prints, which is why many of us hesitate in embracing the look, and we have all no doubt seen someone who took the leopard print a little too far. The key to wearing leopard print is to know what you are doing, and to know how far you can go before being labeled tacky. It’s also best to pair leopard print with something plain, usually black, so even if you are going all out with a leopard print dress, tone down the accessories and don’t insist on wearing spotty boots too. And never mix and match animal prints! Choose one animal and stick to it.

To help with the conundrum that can be wearing leopard print successfully, AskBronny has put together this helpful little guide to show you how to wear leopard print now that its back on the world’s style menu:

1. Leopard print for the very brave: Okay, so you have decided that you love the leopard print and want to pay homage to it in all its spotty glory. This is fabulous, and ultimately if you choose a flattering style you will also look fabulous, but remember that leopard print screams out for attention. Make sure that wherever on your body you are putting the print, you are happy for people to be looking. And that means if you are going for the head to toe covering, be feeling very comfortable with yourself that day! Even a leopard print skirt toned down with a classic black button down shirt will grab a lot of attention in the backside area, so big bottom days will not be made better by donning a fabulous fashion.

2. Leopard print for the semi-brave: You have embraced the leopard print trend, but don’t want to go all out. There are a couple of options that will make your feline statement with a hint more subtlety than the Very Brave amongst us. A leopard print jacket or coat is a great way to show your style. It can make you the centre of attention if you decide that spots are definitely you after all, and you have the option of removing it if the attention gets a little too much. Another great alternative is the leopard print top or singlet worn beneath a plain jacket, or even layered with other singlets and tops to give a hint of leopard print, but not an in your face assault. If you decide halfway through your day that the spots are definitely for you, you can shed the other layers and move straight into the Very Brave category! 

3. Leopard print for the unconvinced: As the fashionista that you are, you don’t want to dismiss what is such an obviously hot trend, but you’re just not convinced that leopard print belongs in your wardrobe. The best way around this is to accessorize with your furry friend rather than make it your second skin. Pair a fabulous leopard print handbag or shoes with your outfit to give your day-to-day look a splash of spots. Leopard print gives a rock and roll edge to what can otherwise be considered a relatively “safe” outfit. By using the print for your accessories, you can achieve a rock chick look without feeling like should be roaming the streets on all fours. 
  
Regardless of how you introduce (or reintroduce) leopard print into your wardrobe, AskBronny’s animal instincts all indicate that the leopard print definitely belongs in today’s urban jungle of fashion. And for those of us who didn’t succumb to the lure of the print in the 80s, take heart in knowing that this time around us fashion felines can definitely change our spots!