For autumn and winter 2011, these prints have been seen in a range of colours, which has been quite uncommon in the past. This year, designers are stepping outside the traditional animal print colour schemes, and trying something completely different, and totally exciting. For A/W 2011, animal prints can be considered a fashion staple, and add style and a unique touch to any look.
For those that are not quite sure about a complete leopard look; animal print accessories work great with black, white and red. For example, you could amp up a cute black dress by adding a bold leopard handbag or belt.
Those who wish to try the full-on trend, however, should look for pieces such as blouses, coats, dresses and high-heeled shoes. The Gucci 2011 collection presented leopard print overcoats which would be a glamorous choice for a daytime look, while the dresses seen at Dolce&Gabbana are more suited to an evening event. Balmain showed ultra versatile leopard printed blazers, which take you from day to evening.
From left to right: Gucci, Dolce&Gabbana, Balmain – the 2011 A/W Collections
Oscar de la Renta presented leopard print underneath a red coat with a tiger-esque trim for A/W 2011. This look shows that leopard really does go with anything. Meanwhile, the classic designs of Hermès saw leopard pieces complemented with boots, overcoats, and hats of a similar shade. The elegant touch of a leopard umbrella adds to an excellently polished look.
Left to right: Oscar de la Renta, and Hermès A/W 2011
Several NZ designers have embraced the leopard print for the A/W seasons this year, too. We’ll start with Huffer.
The ‘Dust’ dress below comes in ‘pink leopard’, and is a cute take on the classic leopard print and colour scheme. The scooped neck and long sleeves make it perfect for winter, and the cooler spring months ahead.
