In this lush
compendium illustrated with full-color images, the author of The
Burlesque Handbook chronicles the history of one of the world’s
most beloved fashion patterns—leopard print—celebrating its
beauty and place in couture, and the women who have dared to wear it.
In nature, the
distinctive markings on big cats served as camouflage, helping them
to blend into their surroundings when hunting prey. Unlike these
magnificent predators, humans have donned this distinctive animal
pattern to be noticed; leopard print demands an audience. Jo Weldon,
an expert in the world of burlesque, reveals how this sexy, playful,
decadent, and vibrant pattern once reserved for royalty came into
vogue and became a staple of fashion.
With the revolution
in technology and the rise of mass production in the early 1900s,
textiles could be produced quickly and inexpensively, transforming
every industry. Couture experienced a creative awakening: colors,
prints, and patterns never seen before became ubiquitous. A greater
freedom of choice in ready-to-wear clothing gave women the
opportunity to express themselves in new styles. From its inception
in textile, leopard print—long used as a symbol of a warrior’s
power or a ruler’s wealth—became a sensation, adopted by daring
trendsetters and members of the avant-garde, including film stars and
celebrities such as Carole Lombard and Josephine Baker, who walked
her pet Cheetah, Chiquita, on a diamond-encrusted leash. The desire
for leopard print continues today as Nicki Minaj, Rihanna and other
stars flaunt their feline-inspired spots on film and stage, the
catwalk and the red carpet.
With a lively
narrative, informative sidebars, and stunning images, Fierce is a
must have collection for designers and fashionistas of all kinds.