zoo - landers

Picture the scene if you can, leopard kitty at the zoo. What could the fashionista be doing there? Trying to find identity in her own natural habitat? This is not the place to spot the latest trends, or is it?

Ha! You would be surprised how much people dress to become like an animal. If you think about fashion across the ages, can you think of any defining moment which does not feature animal print? Leopard print is a lasting style not a passing phase, think Bianca Jagger, Debbie Harry, Lauren Laverne and of course Juliette Arquette's character in True Romance. Leopard can obviously go terribly wrong e.g. barmaid in Coronation Street chic. I think Bret's character in Flight of the Concords is heavily responsible for the animal on t-shirts, so very cute. Recently, when I was visiting the zoo there were so many people who were wearing an item of clothing that reflected their surroundings: hello kitty t-shirts, jumpers with guinea pigs emblazoned across the chest, scarfs with bears on, snakeskin bags, cow print shoes, faux fur jackets and of course penguin suits (okay I made that one up).

So why this human obsession with looking like creatures? A lot can be said for the appeal of fabric. We love the feel of fur next to our skin especially in the winter months, but also the idea of it appealing to our baser instincts. In animal prints we act just like that, an animal. Playboy bunnies, anyone? No matter whether it be the svelte and supple tigress tight bodycon dress or the finch fluttering across your maxi the animal print says a lot about your personality. I am off now to sport my leopard print wedges at zoo nights. It's the place to be. Naturally.