An animal print is a go-to that can forever live in a woman’s wardrobe. Not only will the print always be relevant to women across the globe, but with designers constantly updating the concept with new and refreshing takes, it’s a sartorial must-have. This season, the prints are a little more subdued and a lot more wearable and absolutely not limited to leopard spots — making them a top trend for Fall. Back in the day, these spots and scales had a dubious reputation, but they’re now small, quiet and set against a backdrop of creamy white or misty grey.
“Animal prints will never be tamed completely, but there are many ways by which you can bend their power to your will,” says designer Nachiket Barve, adding that animal prints are an essential part of the fashion lexicon and will always be reinterpreted in different ways. He says, “Animal prints now also have a rich enough history and can mean different things. A few sartorial gurus show animal print as a ’60s phenomenon with shift dresses and knee-high boots while another bunch take inspiration from its opulent and classy ’30s incarnation. A mix of leather and leopard can take the print to a whole new Amazonian level as well. That’s not to say that the leopard ever really changes its spots. It’s still a feisty print. It’s just that, as with leather, skin-tight trousers and stilettos, what’s acceptable and when it’s acceptable changes.”
Quite recently, designer duo Gauri and Nainika Karan used floral textures and dazzling renditions of animal prints, making way for zebras, giraffes and even birds to pay tribute to nature. They presented playful interpretations of animal prints by reinventing an elegant look that’s equally appropriate for work, weekends and evening dos. “We’re used to seeing them on frocks — now flocks of birds are beginning to nest on clothing too,” avers designer Amy Billimoria on the emergence of bird prints. She adds, “You can pick up sassy bird print shorts and scarves, or nail two hot trends in one by donning them with a pair of bird print loafers. The sky’s the limit. If energised with bright colours like acid yellow, pink, green, purple and orange, they can be a refreshing wardrobe option. When choosing your printed pieces for the season, steer clear of too-short minis, tight dresses and crop tops. Instead, look for classic pieces with an elevated edge — a long coat, a midi skirt, or a loose-cut trouser.
If you wish to add just a small dose of animal prints to your look, opt for classic shapes with animal print accents, like a structured handbag or open-toe shoes.”
Talking about the do’s and don’ts, designer Vandy Mehra, director of SBJ, points out, “If you want to put focus on the pattern, you should keep the rest of your outfit subdued. The animal pattern will stand out without being overpowered and fading into the background. Also, animal prints are easy to find but if you’re looking to freshen things up, look for animal patterns in hazy neutral shades. Never mix prints. They will end up competing with each other, resulting in a mess. And finally, don’t overdo it. Strike a balance and note that when it comes to animal prints, sometimes less is more.”
