Leopard Leopard Leopard: Spotted At Kate Spade

This fall, it’s all about those fabulous feline prints. Kate Spade is on trend with their Leopard Leopard Leopard collection but they aren’t the first adopters of this print. Countless actresses and big designers over the years have made a fierce statement in feline fashion. More recently it’s been favoured by Kate Moss, Anna Wintour and Michelle Obama. Notice a trend? These are all strong women with strong points of view.

The collection gains inspiration from the sultry jazz singer and dancer Josephine Baker. She toured the world always accompanied by her pet cheetah named Chiquita. Her sense of adventure and need to stand out from the crowd was something women of the 1920s emulated as well. Today’s women embody Josephine’s persona with the desire to feel like superstars.

Wearing animal prints or animal faces can be frightening but when tastefully done can actually make a lazy outfit seem intentional – cue the Olsens. Head-to-toe leopard or even a leopard coat can be pretty in-your-face in a sea of black coats. However, you can be creative and incorporate the pattern as you see fit into your wardrobe. My choice would be an accessory. A plush leopard purse with an army green jacket gives me major fall vibes. Or what are simple black pumps from the front but offer serious roar in the back with your favourite red dress (also super on-trend).

Kate Spade has a range of leopard pieces depending on how brave you are. For simpletons, there’s the cheetah pouf keychain or hyde lane leopard-print card holder. Personally, I’d love to try the crawford street leopard-print shellie. It has a hint of leopard print on the flap but also a neat embroidered rose pattern (to support my recent embroidery interest). I really like the mix of modern and vintage styles. I can imagine wearing a camel coat with this bag and strolling through Yorkville Village (Hint, hint – someone hook me up with this beauty, please). FYI the crawford street leopard-print shellie is so popular – it’s no longer available at the store near me. See the drool-worthy bag below.

If daredevil is your middle name, then go ahead and give the leopard-on-leopard trend a try. Matchy, matchy and monochromatic has been the biggest trend this year (my monochromatic fall look) and all-over leopard for fall is no different. The key is to find similar colours when pairing your top to your bottoms. But certainly, have fun playing with the size of the pattern.