Though it's had a mottled history, there's no denying that worn the right way animal print can look classy. And, from the cute stickers on Jean-Charles de Castelbajac's shop window to the iconic Mulberry Bayswater - leopard spots are everywhere this autumn, everywhere that is except my closet.
So, time for That's Not My Age to hunt down (sorry, couldn't resist) a little leopard. But the search for classy not trashy wasn't that easy; a Sonia Rykiel shirt (pricey and in a weird man-made fabric), a cardigan from M&S (it'll do if I can't find anything else) and this Yves Saint Laurent scarf from Liberty. Gorgeous obviously, but at two hundred and ninety English pounds, way too expensive. Where oh where are the wild prints?
Finally, I tracked down this lovely Agnes b t-shirt. Still a little intimidated by animal (even in a subtle-ish grey), so far the only way I've worn it is under the boyfriend jacket. Less Wenda Parkinson in American Vogue, more Rod Stewart in his prime - but the outfit has a certain late 70s charm don't you think? And anyway, I like Rod in leopard print, he wears it well.
And now for some animal print rules:
1. A little goes a long way. Head-to-toe is not a good look, not even in French Vogue. Easy tiger!
2. Animal print tights have amazing leg-slimming properties but choose your shoes carefully - black patent stilettos are a bit too Belle de Jour.
3. You'll not find any decent leopard print in a charity shop. I know I've tried.
Are there any other rules for wearing leopard spots?
Photos:
Wenda Parkinson, American Vogue, 1949: A Very British Glamour, Norman Parkinson
Balmain clad model outside a Paris bistro, 1954: 20th Century Fashion, Valerie Mendes and Amy de la Haye
Mr Rod Stewart CBE: allposters
Head-to-toe: French Vogue, Novembre 2009
7 comments:
Your rules are THE rules. And you rule in that top.
Liking the grey leopardskin and your rules. I would only add to that any animal print that looks to shiny and flammable has to be a no-no.
As you know I have my very much loved vintage leopardskin coat which returns to favour at least every 3 winters. And to think that when I bought it (over 16 years ago) I wondered if I would wear it enough to justify the £30 price tag.
enc - thank you, I may even take the jacket off now!
fabhat - yes good point. The only second-hand leopard I found was a nasty synthetic disco top. Not good even in an ironic post-modern way!
I had a second hand leopardskin 50’s coat I adored, (back in the day) after years of honorable service she went bald in patches and I have been cheating behind her back ever since. I’ve had a chiffon kaftan, a bikini - twice, a jumper - which I never wore (what does one put on the bottom) all mere flirtations. This time round I got a mac, which I loved on the hanger, hated on me, adjusted slightly and now gets lots of compliments, but it’s still missing something, these modern day prints just are not reaching my Yootha of today if you get my drift.
WEM xx
WEM - Ha ha that is very good, we love Yootha!
"fashion/arts/lifestyle" but it's all fashion. When does the arts/lifestyle bit start?
I just bought a silk shirt in the same print and color as your top in a thrift store for a dollar.
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