The Wild Factory

As the classic trend gets an update with abstract interpretations and colours unseen in nature, get re acquainted with the ABC of unleashing your inner animal

Animal prints hardly ever go out of style, fauna inspired prints have just got an update with abstract interpretations and colors unseen in nature.
Basics include leopard, zebra and snakeskin. Renewed rules allow the inclusion of bug, butterfly, bird and leaf prints widening the scope for experimentation.
Call attention to your best features with fauna inspired prints as they are totally attention demanding
Don’t overdo them. Sometimes less can be more
Ethnic wear is not excluded. Printed tunics, saris and kurtas can look chic too. Accesorise with one single statement piece of jewellery
Fierce is the way to wear this look. Think gladiator sandals, boots, oversized cuffs etc.
Go crazy and mix and match with tribal or abstract prints if you’re very confident of your style sensibilities
Hair bands with tiger print are available at Prisha Beauty store, Egmore. Details: 28546981
In unnatural colours (acid pink, electric blue etc) they make great for fun club wear. Think Sonam Kapoors blue giraffe print dress on Vogue India’s Jan 2010 cover
Jeggings, wrap dresses and tunics are available at Esprit, Nungambakkam. Details: 43084827
Katie Holmes, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Lopez and Shilpa Shetty swear by them
Leopard prints to date are the most popular among others and are a great option for cocktail hour
Metallic and leather accents add interest to the look.
Never, never, never wear them to work
One species at a time is a rule that very few people break successfully
Play it safe, when in doubt, by pairing with neutrals like black, khaki, cream or white
Quite contrary to how it was viewed in the 80’s when the trend first made its entry it has now morphed into a timeless constant that’s always reinventing itself
Red nails or lips can look incredibly sexy with leopard if worn right
Stay away from matching prints. Cute is certainly not the way to wear this trend
They are in no hurry to exit the fashion scene. Invest wisely in a classic piece
Use animal accents to highlight or add edge to an otherwise monochrome outfit
Very few men can actually carry of leopard or zebra. Reptile prints (snakeskin or python) work better in your favour.
Wooden and plastic cuffs with animal inspired prints are available at Dreams Come True, Egmore. Details: 28553594
Xperts say a mix of bohemian and wild safari is super hot right now
You’ve seen at least one badly worn animal print dress at every party. Enough said. They can be tricky so play by the rules or limit yourself to accessories
Zebra prints have lots of white space and add width to your appearance. Stay away from them if you are on the heavier side