Top Trend: Animal Print

No one can deny the fact that contemporary fashion often resembles an urban jungle, with its hectic pace. Trends come and go, we mix, we match, hunt to find THE statement piece to complement our wardrobe, always on the outlook for the next big thing. 

But one thing we can tell you for sure, you can let down your guard, give your fashion instinct a little rest and count on this: for summer animal prints are a safe bet.

The fashion kingdom has decided to let the animal kingdom run wild. Letting primal primary instincts take the alpha role to create gutsy, surprising and yet stunning outfits. We promise that if you listen closely and you can already hear the fashion scene roar its approval of this magnetic trend.

Givenchy, Prada, Collina Strada

Some brands chose to bring back to life the star of all animal prints, you named it: leopard.

However, don’t get me wrong, this utterly familiar animal print doesn’t translate into a line up of  classic or boring outfits. At Givenchy, leopard comes in black and white and sits side-by-side with a polka dot print, as part of a light, ruffled, asymmetrical dress, and boldly paired with black cowboy boots.

Another brilliant reinterpretation of the leopard print was showcased at Prada. A stunning futuristic look was crafted out of a combination of some matrix style sunglasses, an oversized short-sleeved skirt with huge embroidered spiders on a mint background on the upper part, and the classic spotted print on the lower part.

Python is another go-to in terms of animal prints. It too has wrapped itself around the center of a number of fashion looks. We love the monochrome blue python at Collina Strada, especially considering the fact that the very simple and minimalistic cut of the coat and jumpsuit leave the spotlight to the magnificent colorful snakeskin. Elie Saab as well went all-in: light, slightly sheer python printed blouse, maxi skirt, and matching shoes. The result is a wild and sexy urban safari look, yet effortless and incredibly confidence boosting.

Elie Saab, Krizia, Celine

On the other hand, at Céline python comes in a subtle yet essential touch, adding a real edge to this paired down looks that Phoebe Philo championed during her tenure as the artistic director of the house. Her refined white poncho worn on top of a turtleneck is a case in point. What makes a statement is the python pants, cut in a magnificent mustard yellow snakeskin of a thick, perfectly glossy fabric.

Saint Laurent’s take on animal prints resulted in a voluminous, bare shoulders zebra-printed blouse, complemented with basic black shorts and stunning over-the-knee boots. The effect is bold and sexy, rock and roll, all of Saint Laurent’s traits in a single ensemble. Yet the zebra print and the boots add a nice groovy touch to the outfit.

Zebra starred as well on the Krizia catwalk, yet this time inviting itself on an immaculate white maxi dress, in a somewhat playful way. The dress has a very simple shape, floor-length, long sleeves, off-the-shoulder, and what makes it stand out are the two embroidered zebras: one on the single sleeve, the other on the lower part on the dress. 

No wonder why fashion designers seek inspiration in the animal kingdom:  the variety of colors, shapes, prints and textures it provides is an endless well of possibilities. The results are always bold, confident looks that we want to try out ASAP.

Unleash the predator in you this season, because fashion is always about survival of the most stylish! 

Marta Indeka

After studying Marketing at ESSEC Business School, Marta has recently joined Launchmetrics driven by the desire to engage in what thrills her most : fashion. When not scrolling through runway pictures or debating about prospective trends, she enjoys exploring new places in search of hidden gems.