Thursday 21 June 2012

Call of the Wild: Animal Prints

The cheetahs called, they want their clothes back.

http://www.upscalehype.com/



http://www.bettysdivine.com


In no way, and I mean NO way, shape, or form should animal print be worn under ANY circumstances. There are certain people who will argue that it is something that is of an era, and should therefore be idolized, as a classic. I am sorry to say that, bad styles are just bad styles, and there is nothing to admire about them. I have found some truly awful pieces, and I recognize not all animal print is this bad, but wanted to underline my point. I might be considered a snob, but animal print used in any context is just plain tacky.

Dior 
Over the course of history animal furs were a sign of status and wealth. This was a trend that lasted well into the 20th century, until the 60's when pop culture came in and changed all of that. History, however, has shaped our idea of animal prints for generations. Because of the once exclusivity of the product, today even fake furs and animal prints are considered stylish and fancy. Zebra stripes and giraffe spots were meant for zebras and giraffes, not humans. The fact that wearing animal furs is generally socially unacceptable in most societies makes me happy, the substitution, though, does not. 




Manish Arora

While this dress might be a somewhat extreme example, it's still a more subtle ode to the animal than literally stealing it's strips. It's inspired, rather than overtly turning it's wearer into a tiger, it embraces it's ferocity.




This dress is the most subtle nod to wild animal possible, but it does so in a way that still references the animal without pushing it in one's face. This is a very modern interpretation of the zebra, which works in conveying it's message without "clawing" one. A lot of the wild animal vibe has more to do with the amazonian warrior princess, than the animals she hunted. This dress gives that sense of power through the tribal sense rather than the animal. 


Although fur pelts were traditionally worn to show power and wealth, they are now passé, and outdated in our modern world of concrete jungles. There's nothing wrong with wanting to embrace one's inner animal, as long as it's done in a way not offensive to those who must look at it. 


I realize there will be many people who disagree with me, and I would be happy to hear your argument in favour of animal print.

19 comments:

  1. nice post !
    xx
    http://maybe-not2day.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  2. animal prints! i love it.
    xo. Coonsly

    www.coonsly.blogspot.com

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  3. the tiger print is the favorite for me.

    www.moldiva.com

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  4. Love those shoes!! They would look so cute with dark skinny jeans :)

    www.stylingmylife.com

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  5. Beautiful leopard prints outfit!

    Much love from the SABO SKIRT girls!
    SHOP: www.saboskirt.com
    BLOG: www.saboskirt.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. I am leaning toward your interpretation of animal prints as being non-fashionable or tacky! I never really thought about it and now that you've inspired me to think about it, my gut tells me you are correct! It also could be considered as contributing to the condoning of the fur industry.

    Thanks for bringing up this significant point of view!

    -Lauren
    http://adornlafemme.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad I got you thinking about it. Your thought about it condoning to the fur industry is a valid one. If people see it as acceptable to wear the synthetic garments, they might only be a step away from wearing the real furs.
      Thanks for the comment.

      Delete
  7. Nice print collection.
    I wonder if you would like to follow each other : ).

    http://www.glossylala.blogspot.co.uk/

    Happy blogging!

    ReplyDelete
  8. i like so much what you always post!

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  9. Love the photos!

    xo Jennifer

    http://seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com

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  10. haha you seem dead set against animal prints
    I use to feel that way, but I started experimenting with it
    it grew on me, & now I wear quiet often
    anyway cool blog :)

    www.bobbieaustinscloset.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Today, for the first time, I actually saw an animal print top that I didn't mind. The reason I liked it, was that it wasn't in your face "I'm mimicking cheetah fur", it was more subtle and the leopard spots turned into hearts at the top.
      Thanks for your input.

      Delete
  11. I think that being against "animal pelts" (i.e. fur) is a different debate than "animal print." Frankly, what's NOT to love about a little leopard print or even a zebra stripe! I think a head to toe look can be a little much, but I'm a fan. I vote YAY to animal print!

    Happy weekend, Emily
    http://partymixtape.blogspot.ca/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for giving your opinion. Today, as I mentioned above I saw a top on another blog that incorporated animal print in a way I liked. So maybe I'm not COMPLETELY against it, but it's still not something I gravitate towards.
      Again, thanks for sharing your thoughts, that's why I did this post, to get other people's opinions.

      Delete
  12. loving the prints!

    hope you get a chance to check out my blog!

    Figure Of Chic. 

    ReplyDelete
  13. gorgeous post and prints!

    <3

    ps. you can now win a $50 giftcard of The Dark Horse Jewellery on our blog!

    ReplyDelete

I'd love to know what your thoughts are! I will do my best to visit your blog.
I speak english, french, and a little spanish.

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