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Although fur pelts were traditionally worn to show power and wealth, they are now passé, and outdated in our modern world of concrete jungles.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.