It started with a loud roar followed by a deep growl coming over the loudspeaker. By the look of the first model’s outfit this was a panther’s roar and it turned out to be Givenchy’s main print theme for Fall 2011! The “panther-pride” printed hems, “panther-head” sweatshirts and “panther-families” entwined with purple flowers, were accessorized with “panther sunglasses”, cat-eared fur covered helmets and gold-tipped black patent cat-woman stilettos.
This was probably the most unique use of ‘big cat prints’ for the season. Most designers stuck to a more traditional approach, injecting just a couple of (tame!) leopard, tiger or cheetah print outfits into their collections. Importantly though, the animal looks on show weren’t overtly sexy or crass; even Dolce & Gabbana’s tiger and leopard print figure-hugging corset dresses were beautifully underplayed by accessorizing with tom-boy ankle socks and pretty pointy shoes.
Givenchy fall 2011
The big current trend for mixing and matching prints within an outfit can be seen in a lot of the editorials coming out for Fall 2011 and animal prints are being beautifully combined with impressionist florals, paisleys, checks and spots. The edgiest combinations are being styled with really funky animal print accessories such as hats, bags, shoes and collars, and since these are easy and very trendy additions to any wardrobe you should start picking them up now before they’re gone!
Prada fall 2011 campaign and Topshop shoes
For this season, Prada has also restricted their cat print quota to bags and shoe parts – where the heels or straps are boldly combined with black suede to contrast with the (mis-) matched colour-blocked outfits. Topshop have just launched leopard print high top trainers, loafers, platform shoes and Chelsea boots (very teddy-boy!) for the season, and Jimmy Choo’s latest leopard print bags add the wow factor to any outfit!
Even denim is getting the animal treatment too with leopard, snake and cheetah stamped skinny jeans, these have been christened “cocktail” Jeans (the latest term for fashionable!).
Small flourishes of cat print peeking beneath your clothing will add just enough to give you that important fashion edge. Try a bit of layering with Arianne’s 5255 Mitsou Leopard-print Camisole Corset top or the 5256 Top With Lace. The 5257 Piikabu Mini Camisole is an ideal cropped top to wear under low neck dresses or tops giving a just a hint of animal print and hiding any extra cleavage at the same time!
Dolce & Gabbana, Arianne, Vanity Italy, Blush Lingerie
The Muse collection by Blush Lingerie is a wonderfully feminine leopard print edged in black lace (available in trendy pin-dot print too), with some great under pieces that were designed to be seen! The 222150 Muse Printed Teddy is a great one-piece made from the softest microfibre that not only feels wonderfully luxurious but offers light support and shape too, (and cat ears are optional!). There’s also my favourite 222102 Printed Strapless Bra and 222130 High Hipster as mentioned in my last blog “Boy meets girl,” which should bring out the “feline-fatale” in you!
So have fun with the latest trend,
Teresa
teresa@nowthatslingerie.com
Givenchy images from: Givenchy Fall 2011 Ready-to-Wear Collection on Style.com: Complete Collection
Prada image:PRADA — OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Topshop shoes: Topshop USA – Womens Clothing – Womens Fashion – Topshop
Dolce & Gabbana image: Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2011 Ready-to-Wear Collection on Style.com: Complete Collection
Vanity Italy image of Lisa Cant by Sergi Pons
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