The National Arts Club celebrated Jo Weldon’s new book, Fierce: The History of Leopard Print, in March, with a leopard-spotted event that had stylish New Yorkers turning out in truck-loads of faux pelts adorning every imaginable garment from boots to hats. Touted as a “neutral,” leopard prints might have been invented as nature’s camo, but in the urban jungle, these spots are hot and make us stand out from the crowd.
The popular animal print has an impressive lineage, from Egyptian priestesses to Aztec warriors. Since attending the NAC event, I’ve noticed women and men everywhere evoking the power of the leopard print. See if you spot it too.
Style Notes
- Mother of pearl & black diamond chip earrings, with matching pendant & pearl necklace, Mademoiselle Mirabelle, 330 Bleecker St.
- Pearl necklace with apple clasp, Off Broadway Boutique, 139 W 72nd St. (closed)
- DO+BE leopard print dress, Variazioni, 323 Bleecker St. (closed)
- Metallic cuff bracelet, Street vendor on 6th Avenue.
- Plum beaded flower purse, Mademoiselle Mirabelle
- DL1961 skinny jeans, Variazioni.
- Kilame black velvet boots with hand-appliquéd beads and feathers, design by Pamela Quinzi, exclusively at Mademoiselle Mirabelle.
This article first appeared in my “Karen’s Quirky Style” column in the WestView News, the Voice of the West Village. Photo by Zoë Pappis Schultz.
Wow! Love reading about the “ impressive lineage” of the leopard print, worn by vivid figures “ from Egyptian priestesses to Aztec warriors”. These fun bits of history, combined with personal anecdotes and reflections makes the “ Karen’s Quirky Style” column a one- of- a – kind!