Leopard print is arguably the most misunderstood pattern on the market. By nature it’s a loud print, but in the sartorial realm, it’s considered a neutral. On a good day, it’s worshiped as a classic worn by style icons, from Jane Russell to Kate Moss. On a bad day, it’s a cheap thrill paraded around by Real Housewives and Girls Gone Wild. Confusing, right?
Burberry Prorsum, Roberto Cavalli, Erdem Fall 2015; Images: Imaxtree
For Fall 2015, designers are revisiting leopard to prove once and for all that it’s a timeless animal print anyone can wear. Burberry Prorsum’s Christopher Bailey worked the pattern onto a demure mid-calf coat complete with a built-in harness, while Erdem offered up a ladylike skirt suit that paid homage to Hitchcockian ladies of yore. On the flip side, Haider Ackermann, Saint Laurent and Roberto Cavalli toughened up the print, offering edgy separates for the concert-hopping crowd that hasn’t traveled above 14th Street since 2003. No doubt, Kate would approve.
Want to get in on the action? Click on the gallery above for 10 affordable leopard print pieces to work into your wardrobe.
