How not to do prints

It is feeding time. Singapore might be a long distance away from the Serengeti, but seen the hordes in prints out there on any given day? Leopards, tigers, cheetahs, zebras and the odd giraffe. There is something primal and wild in us hence the prints reflecting.  Peel away the misconceptions and find out how to get prints right and not to commit a major fur paux!

Call Of The Wild

Prints came and go, pretty much a hit and miss up until 2003. Renowned designers like John Galliano, Roberto Cavalli and Prada love their prints and gradually introduced prints into many of their collection. It is now not uncommon to see animal prints on accessories, beddings, luggage and just about everything else other than clothing.

Simultaneously, fake leopard prints improved, they were cheap to make and did not come from endangered, protected animals. Which meant these two obstacles to them were dissolved. After Kate Moss’s endorsement of prints, it only took a short while till leopard prints became all the rage. Animal prints are also a great way to induce patterns and textures to drab weather clothing.

 Katie Holmes in prints, preppy and not boring.

When it comes to prints avoid tight fits, go for a shade that complements your skine tone and no leopard-print platforms please. Prints are amazing when married to cream, stone or even red.

Don’t Overdo It

Prints create attention where ever you go. Less can be more especially with sexy animal prints.

Elegant zebra neck knit dress

Leopard & Cheetah prints are ever-popular and classics. Don’t overlook zebra prints, which are prevalent on clothing, furniture and even rugs. When deciding on an animal print, regardless of what you choose, always remember to relate the look true to yourself.

 (L to R) Leopard Jane Frock (Big Brown) – $27.00 || Leopard Jersey Dress (Grey) – $27.00

 (L to R) Leopard Jane Frock (Big Grey) – $27.00 || Leopard Jane Frock (Small Brown) – $ 27.00

Don’t over accessorise so as not to overpower your entire outlook, let the prints do the talking! Pair your animal prints with bright colours such as hot pink or lime green for a punk effect.

It is essential to pair a animal printed top or pants with a top or bottom in solids, ideally black or beige, balancing out the vibrancy.

For the less bold, start with subtle animal prints such as the lining of a handbag or a jacket. Or opt for prints on shoes, however when wearing an animal print shoe, make sure to keep your outfit simple, allowing you to bring out your inner feline in you while not overdoing it.

Real Or Faux?

Fake is the new real and designers are noticing and taking note, making fake prints more accessible to the masses and also look as real as it can get. The real thing no doubt looks great and it makes for excellent statement pieces.

That said, genuine animal hide doesn’t come cheap as well, therefore it is not a viable option for everyone. Ethically, the issue of killing animals for their hide comes into the equation, PETA being in the forefront of anti-fur advocacy.

 1. Snake Skin Heels (Beige) – $35.90

Also available in brown

2. Leopard Platform Heels – $39.90

3. Leopard Bow Pumps (Black) – $25.90

Also available in red & blue 

4. Ostrich Pumps (Cream) – $25.90

Also available in green, black & brown

Fine Print

Depending on how you wear them, animal prints can either be a fashion disaster or splendidly pleasing. While it might seem like prints come in and out of style every few years, it is now very much a fashion staple that is here to stay. In 2011, a wardrobe without any animal prints in it should not be called a wardrobe.

With the right cut and fabric, you can look fabulously sophisticated in an entire leopard dress or coat. Animal prints can look great on anyone, the way you wear it is determined by how unique you want it to be, sexy and glamorous to how far you want to take it and sassy and as minimal as it is to your comfort level. Seek and release the primal being in you!