Givenchy brought us feminine feline motifs, Balenciaga came with neon leopard, Ganni opted for conventional prints cut to modern silhouettes and Prada paraded tiger stripes and jaguar spots across their SS18 runways. Animal is almost always en vogue, however this season we’re seeing the traditional print formats showcased in a thoroughly contemporary way. Don’t be afraid to go bold – head-to-toe pattern is roaringly chic right now, while clashing prints will keep you walking on the wild side.
Here’s our pick of this season’s best animal prints – and how to wear them.
Mix’n’match prints and dare to layer
Clashing prints has been a major trend for the past couple of seasons. Don’t be afraid to cross species à la Tom Ford, or mix your animal attire with another bold pattern – see Prada’s zebra stripes paired alongside comic book prints.
Prada printed shirt, NOW £413, www.net-a-porter.com
Double Rainbow animal shirt, £123, www.farfetch.com
Asos mixed print co-ord, £32, www.asos.com
Make a statement in head-to-toe homage
Throw a show-stopping coat over an all black ensemble, or invest in a printed maxi dress for instant animal magnetism. It’s easier than clashing your prints as you can simply tailor the rest of your outfit to your pattern-du-jour. Give a nod to the Noughties in flowing leopard, or opt for more modern shapes as seen at Preen by Thronton Bregazzi.
Nili Lotan satin maxi, £775, www.net-a-porter.com
Preen by Thornton Bregazzi, £1105, www.matchesfashion.com
Red Valentino tiger-print coat, £3090, www.farfetch.com
Complete an outfit with animal accessories
Headbands, turbans and wraps are everywhere and they’re one of the easiest ways to add on-trend animal to an ensemble, while a pair of sandals or an animal-printed handbag can remain a wardrobe staple for decades.
Gucci turban, £315, www.matchesfashion.com
Alexander Wang calf-hair ankle boots, £930, www.net-a-porter.com
Marni animal print bag strap, NOW £229, www.farfetch.com
Adopt an unexpected animal
This season designers are well and truly thinking outside the cage. See Raey’s oversized shirt dresses that splice leopard print with crisp cotton, or Ultrachic’s SS18 animal print collection that features classic giraffe-print backgrounds with additional fauna on top. Lions and tigers and bears? Oh my!
Raey shirt dress, £295, www.matchesfashion.com
Ultrachic animal print dress, NOW £183, www.farfetch.com
Issey Miyake pleated skirt, £417, www.farfetch.com
Written by Thea Carley
