Spring/Summer 2011 Top Trends: Animal Prints

Rachel Bilson Roberto Cavalli Animal Print Dress

Animal prints seem to always make their way into every season’s wardrobe and Spring 2011 is no different.  We saw a huge return of leopard prints this Fall, and they are not going anywhere for 2011.

This season, Predator Prints take center stage led by a newly remodeled version of snakeskin prints.  This trend was seen in apparel as well as accessories with many different surface interests and combinations for a wide range of appeals.

We focus on the Animal Prints SNAKESKIN and LEOPARD .

SNAKESKIN was seen in many variations on apparel from a shiny treatment for a rock & roll feel to a full display of bold and fun colors. Mostly seen full throttle in it’s natural glory in jackets and pants from the likes of Burberry and Reed Krakoff, this trend focuses on Spring’s edgy appeal.  Altuzarra made a mark by using snakeskin cut into panels and shapes to off set his sexy modern collection of tailored dresses and skirts. Softer versions were seen from Roberto Cavalli screen printed on feminine soft fabric for a romantic spin and a heavy 70′s bohemian influence. ; and full throttle in its natural glory in jackets and pants.

Snakeskin as seen on the runways of Thakoon, Roberto Cavalli, Acne, Burberry, Reed Krakoff, Holly Fulton, Gianfranco Ferre, Altuzarra, Barbara Bui and Ruffian.

Bold accessory statements were dominant within this trend.  From large snakeskin totes to cinched belts and clutches, Exotic SNAKESKIN ACCESSORIES will be the way to go for Spring. Shoes presented the trend on stacked laced up wedges, over the knee gladiator sandals, traditional pumps and platforms to die for.  Expect to see this trend replicated in all areas of the marketplace from Junior to Contemporary and beyond.  Fake snakeskin surfaces will be perfected for Spring, allowing companies to replicate this trend for a much lower cost and for animal conservation.

Snakeskin accessories from the Spring 2011 runways of Lanvin, Thakoon, Rochas, Mark Fast, Pucci, Burberry and YSL

This past season, we saw traditional LEOPARD PRINTS presented on coats, knitwear and accessories.  For Spring, expect to see more artful interpretations of this Predator Print.  Designers took liberty with leopard applying the element in multiple facets. We see the print on tops, bottoms, classic outerwear, and combined with other patterns for a patchwork effect as seen at Michael Van der Ham. The otherwise intimidating print was softened by transparent fabric and feminine colors while some designers achieved an artsy vibe mixing it with other prints. Also expect to see abstract and oversized versions of the print representing Spring’s artistic mood.

Leopard clothing as seen on the Spring 2011 runways of Giambattista Valli, Blumarine, Givenchy, Michael Van der Ham, Loewe, Burberry, Francesco Scognamiglio and Dolce & Gabbana

LEOPARD ACCESSORIES are bold and bright for Spring 2011.  Shoes and handbags take center stage with styles focusing on intricate cut-out details, panels and gold accents.  Shoes are seen in wedges, platforms, and fantastic sandals combined with bright colors and other textiles such as lucite, suede, gold embellishments, and horsehair.  If you were only able to buy one key accessory for Spring, anything leopard would do the trick.  The answer for sprucing up any basic outfit, leopard accessories rule the jungle.

Leopard accessories for Spring 2011 from Francesco Scognamigli, Altuzarra, Dolce & Gabbana, Dior, Chloe, Alice + Olivia, Gaetano Navarra, DVF and Jason Wu