Fall fashion goes wild for animal prints

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Fall fashion goes wild for animal prints

By Elisa Cecchi (ANSA.IT) 15:41, November 12, 2013

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Rome, November 8 - The animal print frenzy shows no sign of abating. After a roaring summer, leopard, zebra and tiger prints have inspired top Italian designers for day- and eveningwear staples this fall - from coats to gowns and accessories.

Ever since its high fashion debut in Christian Dior's spring-summer 1947 collection, all variations of feline allure have repeatedly defeated more demure, minimalist inspirations to put women's ironically sexy or boldly aggressive vibes to the forefront of collections over and over again.

This season, a number of designers are rediscovering this classic motif while others have made a sophisticated blend of animal patterns a house staple.

Animal print aristocrats Dolce & Gabbana have designed a new line of bags with leopard-print leather, pony skin and plastic.

The same motif highlights the sensual side of a bon-ton chiffon evening dress with an A-line skirt and high-necked bodice or an A-line duster coat whose 1950s glamour plays for contrast with the animal theme.

Casadei looks at the dark side of glamour this fall-winter with black-and-white animal patterns on pony skin in over-the-knee cuissard boots, moccasins, smoking slippers and classic stilettos.

And if leading 20th-century fashion editor Diana Vreeland famously said she had never met a leopard print she didn't like, leading Italian maisons have dressed up house staples in the motif.

Gucci has launched its New Bamboo bag in leopard-print ponyskin as well as its classic 1953 loafers.

Gianvito Rossi and Fendi have revamped sleek versions of the stiletto in leopard-print.

Max Mara is matching its monochromatic blend of practical elegance and functional simplicity with a wild touch in accessories - bags and boots in leopard-print pony skin.

Miu Miu has also given a sexy touch to masculine booties in leopard print.

Overall, the motif works well with classic accessories, such as Tod's Sella tote, as well as sexier versions like Barbara Bui's cross-body bag Touch Me.

Sandro Ferrone's feminine vibe is offset by zebra and leopard prints in coats and leggings.

The animal frenzy was also high on the list of Ermanno Scervino, known for his delicate, refined craftsmanship, with leopard-print coats and pony skin bags.

And another Florentine designer, Roberto Cavalli, famed for his sophisticated blend of flower motifs with animal skins and prints, takes a rambunctious stance with his junior Just Cavalli collection inspired by the swinging London of the 1960s and the 1970s. A touch of vinyl mixed with his iconic animal motifs in versatile short dresses, pleated tennis-style skirts and coats makes for a wild combination of vibes.