Trend Watch – Leopard Print

Leopard print was designed to blend in rather than stand out, but nowadays it is used in fashion and interiors to make a statement. Traditionally, leopard print was real fur, but there are some fabulous faux fur options on the market which are just as striking, more affordable and animal-friendly.

A popular choice amongst the wealthy, leopard furs were displayed to celebrate the owners hunting prowess, but then the fabric became a popular choice amongst fashion designers. The print was used to appeal to the daring side of the prima and proper hose wife and was the fabric of choice when it came to showing some personality. The 1960’s gave rise to the anti-fur movement and so designers had to source faux fur versions of this versatile print, and by the 1970’s leopard print was seen on the hottest stars in the rock and roll world, appealing to the wearers sexy, edgy side. As with most popular fashion trends, leopard print became, and remains to be, a staple in our homes.

Leopard print can transform a boring, bland room into something exciting and stylish. It is not the best choice for the shy, retiring type, it definitely makes a statement and should be the focal point of your room. If you’re not feeling brave enough to cover your entire room in leopard print (let’s face it, who is?) then opt for a statement piece of upholstered furniture, homemade cushions or made-to-measure curtains. If you enjoy the clean and simple look of whites, creams, blacks and greys, then leopard print can complement your design by adding a dash of colour and excitement.

Leopard print is a bold choice, and so you may think that you can’t mix it with other patterns, but as long as you use patterns that aren’t big enough to draw your focus then anything goes, polka dots, stripes or geometrics! Keep within your colour palette to ensure that you are complementing each fabric; this is a design where clashing colours will not work.