A Favorite Winter Escape: Leopard Prints

When the winter chill begins to hit Gotham, our natural tendency is to begin not only bundling up, but also hibernating.  And with thoughts of hibernating, some of us also begin, if we’re lucky, planning our winter escapes (on which our minds rest until we’re off on the runway or it’s safe to pack away the woolens).  For this reason, leopard prints have always been a favorite for the wintry months.

Leopard prints on fur (and faux-fur) and accessories, when done right, is a classic way to add animal magnetism while maintaining fashion-forward sophistication, during the season when showing “skin” in the great outdoors could mean risking a visit to the hospital with pneumonia.  When we would rather throw on a robe and comforter than a parka, leopard-prints can somehow rouse up a bit of excitement and audacity to venture on that first date or holiday party.  Perhaps through association, as soon as we put on that leopard print, there is a rush of adrenaline, danger—an allusion to or illusion of something wild and hot.

As with prints in general, the key with leopard prints is not overkill.  Leopard can be most alluring, as part of an outfit, when it sneaks upon us subtly, then takes us prey.  Here are some exquisite examples:

In fashion, animal prints have become almost synonymous with Roberto Cavalli.  In his JustCavalli Collection, Cavalli pairs a leopard-printed fur bolero with fox trim with red garments of different textures.  The leopard print pops against the red, making the red ever more daring.

In the winter 2012 JustCavalli Collection, Robert Cavalli goes for bold, large leopard prints on a long, slim knit top with contrasting black inner sleeves, and pairs it with a full, rich, black, flowing skirt to create a youthful, yet sophisticated look.

Ruched and clasped at the waist, this hybrid leopard-zebra form-fitting dress by Roberto Cavalli is a killer.

This charmeuse, ruffled, asymmetric dress by Italian designer Giambattista Valli is a softer, yet still exotic take.  Flowing and abundant ruffles become cinched at the waist, which drops into an elegant pencil skirt.

While we may be daydreaming of that exotic vacation, leopard prints can also work in the office or that first dinner with the future in-laws.  This snow- leopard print on Yves Saint Laurent silk tie-neck blouse creates subtle texture and refined intrigue.

With exquisite pleating, this shimmery J. Mendel gown can turn a maiden into a golden goddess on the red carpet or at a  holiday ball.  The subtly contrasting shades on the leopard print blends into the pleats, never distracting from the intricate construction.

This woven silk velvet coat by Chado Ralph Rucci is sure to make a grand entrance anywhere.  The only problem is … taking it off.

—Jeanine Jeo Hi-Kim