Animal instincts are primal, raw, and untamed. They evoke a sense of power, strength, and fierceness. The fashion industry has always been fascinated by these animalistic qualities and has incorporated them into their designs. From leopard spots to snake skins, animal prints and textures have become a staple in fashion.
In this article, we will explore the trend of animal instincts in fashion, particularly focusing on fierce prints and textures. We will dive into the history of this trend, how it has evolved over the years, and how to incorporate it into your wardrobe. So, let’s unleash our wild side and explore the world of animal instincts in fashion.
A Brief History of Animal Instincts in Fashion
The use of animal prints and textures in fashion can be traced back to ancient civilizations. In Egypt, Cleopatra was often depicted wearing animal skin garments, while in China, the ruling class would wear coats made from tiger skins. In Europe, leopard and cheetah prints were popular among royalty, symbolizing wealth and luxury.
However, it wasn’t until the 1920s that animal prints became mainstream in the Western world. Designers such as Elsa Schiaparelli and Paul Poiret started incorporating animal prints into their designs, breaking away from the traditional floral and geometric patterns. The trend gained popularity in the 1950s with the rise of pin-up culture, where leopard print became synonymous with sex appeal.
In the 1960s and 1970s, the animal instinct trend experienced a resurgence with the rise of disco, where bold and vibrant animal prints were seen on everything from clothing to accessories. Fast forward to the 1980s and 1990s, when celebrities like Madonna and Naomi Campbell made animal prints a must-have in every fashionista’s wardrobe.
Today, animal instincts continue to be a popular trend in fashion, with designers constantly reinventing and modernizing the prints and textures. Let’s take a closer look at how to incorporate this trend into your style.
How to Use Animal Instincts: Fierce Prints and Textures
Animal instincts are all about making a statement. Whether you want to add a touch of fierceness to your outfit or go all out wild, there are endless ways to use animal prints and textures in your wardrobe.
Clothing
The easiest way to incorporate animal prints into your outfit is through clothing. A leopard print dress or a snake skin skirt can instantly elevate your look. To make a bold statement, opt for larger and bolder prints. For a more subtle approach, go for smaller and more delicate prints.
If you’re feeling daring, you can also mix and match different animal prints in one outfit. Just remember to keep the rest of your outfit minimal to let the prints stand out.
Accessories
Accessories are another great way to add some animal instinct to your ensemble. A leopard print scarf, a zebra print bag, or even a pair of snakeskin boots can instantly transform a plain outfit into a fierce and stylish one.
But don’t limit yourself to just traditional animal prints. Experiment with textures such as faux fur, feathers, or even crocodile embossed leather to add depth and dimension to your accessories.
Shoes
Shoes are often overlooked when it comes to incorporating animal instincts into fashion. But they can be the perfect finishing touch to an outfit. A pair of leopard print pumps can add a pop of personality to a little black dress, while a pair of snakeskin boots can give an edgy vibe to a simple jeans and t-shirt combo.
Makeup
Yes, even makeup can have animal instincts! Animal-inspired makeup looks have been a hit on social media, with many beauty gurus using animal prints and textures as inspiration for their eye makeup. From leopard print eyeliner to zebra stripes on the lips, there are endless possibilities to unleash your creativity.
Examples of Animal Instincts: Fierce Prints and Textures in Fashion
To give you a better idea of how to incorporate animal prints and textures into your wardrobe, here are some examples of how celebrities and fashion icons have rocked this trend:
- Rihanna has been seen sporting a snakeskin trench coat, paired with a black dress and thigh-high boots, for a fierce and sultry look.
- The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, has made leopard print coats a staple in her winter wardrobe, often layering them over elegant dresses for a touch of sophistication.
- In true 90s fashion, supermodel Naomi Campbell has been spotted numerous times wearing head-to-toe leopard print outfits, proving that there’s no such thing as too much animal instinct.
- Actress and singer Zendaya is known for her bold and daring fashion choices, and she has been seen rocking animal prints in unique ways, such as pairing a leopard print skirt with a faux fur jacket.
Comparisons: Animal Prints vs. Animal Textures
When talking about animal instincts in fashion, it’s important to distinguish between animal prints and textures. While they may seem similar, they have distinct differences.
Animal prints refer to patterns or designs that imitate the appearance of animal fur, skin, or feathers. These can either be printed onto fabrics or mimicked through embroidery or applique. Some popular animal prints include leopard, cheetah, zebra, and snake.
On the other hand, animal textures refer to fabrics or materials that imitate the feel or texture of animal skin. These can include faux fur, feathers, suede, or even crocodile embossed leather. Animal textures add a tactile element to an outfit and can make a statement without using actual animal products.
Both animal prints and textures can be used in fashion to achieve the same effect – a fierce and wild look. The choice between the two depends on personal preference and style.
Tips and Advice for Incorporating Animal Instincts into Your Wardrobe
- Start small: If you’re new to the animal instinct trend, start with small and subtle pieces such as accessories or shoes before diving into bold prints and textures.
- Mix and match: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different animal prints and textures in one outfit. Just make sure to keep the rest of your outfit simple to avoid clashing.
- Stick to neutrals: When in doubt, stick to neutral colors when incorporating animal instincts into your outfit. Shades such as black, white, and brown can help balance out the boldness of the prints.
- Use animal prints as a statement piece: Instead of using animal prints all over, use them as a statement piece in your outfit. For example, pair a leopard print skirt with a plain top and let the skirt do all the talking.
- Quality over quantity: Invest in high-quality animal print and texture pieces to ensure they last longer and don’t lose their appeal after a few wears.
FAQs about Animal Instincts: Fierce Prints and Textures
Q: Are animal prints and textures only for women’s fashion?
A: No, animal prints and textures can be incorporated into men’s fashion as well. From a snakeskin belt to a leopard print shirt, there are plenty of options for men to embrace this trend.
Q: Is it ethical to wear animal prints and textures?
A: With advancements in technology, many designers now offer faux animal prints and textures, eliminating the need to use real animal products. It’s always best to opt for cruelty-free options when possible.
Q: Can I mix and match different animal prints and textures?
A: Yes, as long as you keep the rest of your outfit minimal, mixing and matching different animal prints and textures can create a unique and bold look.
Q: Is there a particular season for wearing animal prints and textures?
A: Animal instincts can be worn year-round, but they are particularly popular in the fall and winter seasons.
Q: Are there any specific patterns or textures that are considered more stylish than others?
A: It ultimately depends on personal preference. However, classic prints such as leopard and zebra have stood the test of time and are seen as timeless choices.
Conclusion
Animal instincts: fierce prints and textures have been a staple in fashion for centuries and continue to be reinvented and modernized by designers. From clothing to accessories to makeup, there are endless ways to incorporate this trend into your wardrobe.
When experimenting with animal prints and textures, remember to let your wild side shine and make a statement. Whether you prefer classic and timeless prints or bold and daring textures, embrace your animal instincts and unleash your inner fierceness.
