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Have we reached peak leopard print?

— by Alyson Walsh

Photo: Annie Johnston

Lately, I have pondering The Print. Because. It’s everywhere. A rampant outbreak of leopard print has peppered the high street, as ubiquitous as nail bars and mobile phone shops. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still loving the leopard. Animal print is the perfect accompaniment to my wardrobe stalwarts, denim and khaki. And as author Maggie Alderson mentioned recently on Instagram, ‘For many people leopard print is a current ‘fun’ trend but for some of us it’s a lifelong commitment. We are the Sisters of the ‘Pard. Reveal yourselves my sisters and hashtag it up #sistersofthepard.’

 

Hilary Alexander’s Leopard: Fashion’s Most Powerful Print

 

Over in the inaugural That’s Not My Age Christmas gift guide, leopard print lovers will find a copy of esteemed fashion journalist Hilary Alexander’s first book Leopard Fashion’s Most Powerful Print. Packed full of wonderful images, the book would be a superb addition to the Christmas stocking of any #sisterofthepard.

M&S cashmere

 

For me, it’s not about spending loads of money – the two leopard print coats I own are vintage finds. And funnily enough, I purchased them both in Beautiful Bath. The Beast is a 1960s faux fur number, and the one I’m wearing in the first photo is By Malene Birger, from a designer resale shop. On the high street, M&S’ cashmere round neck animal print jumper (available HERE) and matching cardigan (available HERE) are the height of leopard loveliness. Hobbs has a serious animal print selection. And even though Diana Vreeland once said, ‘I’ve never met a leopard print I didn’t like;’ I have. So, choose carefully. The colour of the print has to be the colour of an actual leopard, and I would say the spots have to be generously spaced for the most striking design.

With leopard print, I always believe a little goes a long way, but author Maggie Alderson has a different view, ‘The first rule of the Pard Club is: if you think one hit is enough you’re still a civilian.’

It’s personal, isn’t it? The enduring appeal of The Print…

 

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Christmas at Columbia Road and a book signing

Lately, I have pondering The Print. Because.