Tuesday, 30 April 2013

Animal printing makes an everlasting impact on fashion



I have always had an interest in animal print, especially leopard print. Isn’t it beautiful! It seems everywhere you look today, the biggest fashion statement is animal printing, but mostly, the 2013 fashion trend is leopard print. The use of animal printing in designs and fashion could bring into question the use of intellectual property. A fashion designer cannot claim this print, without acknowledging the source that is already available in the wild. So we cannot really say it’s “someone’s” design. 


Leopard printing has been incorporated in a variety of outfits and styles, and has been consistent over the years as a statement fit for any outfit or decoration. This print has made a huge impact on fashion and has stirred mixed reviews. In the fashion society, it is definitely stated as chic and feisty – however, in wider society, most views are mixed as to whether or not it is an appropriate fabric to address as a fashion statement, or whether it contributes towards animal cruelty. However, fashion is a state of creativity and expression, and this is one way that people choose to express oneself. 

In addition to animal cruelty, we can argue that whether animal printing is real or faux, you are still wearing ‘wildlife’. Organisations such as PETA promote to the public about cruelty to animals and promote an understanding of the right of all animals to be treated with respect. Animals do not have the power to speak, but they are capable of suffering and have major interests in leading their own lives. Animal fur usage stirs a lot of contradiction in the fashion industry; designers such as Victoria Beckham ensure that any fur used in her clothing line, as well as her individual collection is nothing but faux fur. On the other hand, Kim Kardashian wears nothing less than real fur. Fur already shouts a loud statement in the fashion industry, however, whether it is real or fur depends on personal beliefs and knowing the facts. This could question ethics in animal fur. Leopards are extremely endangered animals – populations in Asia are critically endangers and scarce.

However, in line of the Panthera species, such as Tigers and Lions, Leopards are greater, and face less conservation concerns. Does this mean they are less likely to be used in designs? Federal laws all set different rules regarding such transactions, so it usually comes down to this on whether this can even be sold! Another interesting legislation in place is the 1973 Endangered Species Act which permits the usage of fur goods such as tiger; cheetah; jaguar; and smaller spotted cat species. Does this mean that this act is contributing to why these animals are less then leopards as an endangered species?
  
An important consideration of leopard printing is its impact on the growing African fashion market. Many designers’ group African designs as something that represents the wildlife, for instance, leopard prints. This brings to question whether or not they feel African fashion is beyond just the animal design. African designs have so much to offer including vibrant colours and sophisticated patterns. Designers such as Michael Kors, Roberto Cavalli and many more have presented animal prints on the catwalk and labelled it as having an ‘African fashion moment’.  Western designers could be naive into discovering the real source of designs, rather than lazily labelling designs as ‘African’. The fashion industry does well to present the African printing, but forgets to highlight the source. Lack of exposure and recognition is what limits African fashion designers to be awarded of their talents. Yes, there may be a language barrier, but fashion should be a language as a whole that all continents can relate to, and have an equal share in. 

Although leopard print has been around over the years, fashion goes through a recycling model in which statements are created and reappear in another season. For instance - the neon trend which was made famous in the 1980s, and was suddenly revived in 2011/12. Marian Nixon introduced leopard print as a fashion statement during the 1920s, when she attended Hollywood Boulevard wearing a full-length leopard coat. Now it is constantly seen on the runway through designers like Betsey Johnson, Christian Dior and Roberto Cavalli. It’s even got in the hands of high-street brands such as Nike, Adidas and Zara. More along my budget! 
Another person who incorporated leopard print into her style was Bet Lynch, also known as Elizabeth Theresa Lynch. Her most recorded feature of fame was in the soap, Coronation Street. Unlike Marian who made high profile appearances on the Boulevard, Bet only wanted to appear in outfits that she can afford. She integrated a leopard print style as a way to show her character as naughty, racy and sexy in her character’s early days – the feedback was that she stayed true to her character, as the outfit definitely highlighted her persona. 

Since the likes of Bet Lynch and Marian Nixon, leopard print has definitely grown steadily since late last year 2012, and has the potential to stick as a fashion trend this year. In order to accomplish the leopard print look, you may need to be bold and confident, as it relates the volume of pattern to your personality. When you are an understated dresser, you may feel comfortable to rock a small leopard print item. For instance, a leopard prints broach, or headband, or even a pair of shoes with a hint of leopard print. If just experimenting with leopard prints as a fashion phase, leopard print leggings/trousers, skirt, or cardigan may be best suited. For those who are more bold and fashion-orientated, they will opt for a leopard jacket, dress, or full leopard print boots. My personal leopard print favourite, is my Zara pencil skirt and Nike sneakers. This is definitely a style you do not want to miss on! 

For a more affordable fashion animal print statement, plump for fake fur and stencilled skin to provide a more sustainable alternative to killing off these beautiful animals. 

No comments:

Post a Comment