Laura Peta EllisFashion weeks of the past have often featured a week of womenswear and a day of menswear. However, in recent years we have seen a burgeoning increase in the interest for men’s fashion. Now that menswear is starting to dominate the Fashion Calendar (with bi annual fashion weeks of their own) it would appear that this year they took a little inspiration from the women. Animal print is an ever present pattern throughout women’s collections past and present yet scarcely seen in the men’s, but following on from the rise of the trend last year, this year it seems as though menswear designers are going wild for the craze.
On The Catwalk
Burberry’s A/W 2013 collection consists of classic tailoring with a wild twist. Subtle infusions infiltrated the catwalk, with the classic trench coat featuring a tiger print lapels, leopard print brogues and leather messenger bags with a hint of print. Although Christopher Bailey stuck to a rather classic feel to his collection there were a few items that are only for the fashion brave, namely a full, knee length, tiger print coat.
Sibling, known for their outlandish knitwear, were also part of the animal print revival. Pairing their signature oversized knitted accessories with brightly colour leopard print trousers, and polo shirts gave their collection a more youthful perspective.
When compared to Sibling’s eccentric designs, the animal print suits at Versace take an elegant twist on the trend.
For most men the giraffe print suit would be more wearable were it worn as separates…we’ll have to wait and see how people choose to style this in the next few months. As with Burberry, Versace mixed a few statement pieces with more subtle ones making the trend much more wearable. Adding a hint of animal print to the outfit via a tie is the ideal way of balancing the trend.
Wearing It
Retailers have a wide range of animal print items from accessories to suits. You can either take this trend head on, and look to implement it into your personal style to create a statement or you can take inspiration from Versace and Burberry and keep it subtle by adding animal print accessories to your outfit. Here are some of our favourite product picks available.
Animal print is set to be big in AW13, and although a rather daunting trend to first start experimenting with, when done well it can be an excellent sartorial choice. Take inspiration from the catwalks and keep it simple. Don’t combine more than one print and pair it with muted colours. Follow these simple style rules and you’ll be the leader of the fashion pack.