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N the Red
February 2021
Spotlight on fashion A fashion review on the trend of animal print Rebekah Shultz shultreb000@hsestudents.org
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nimal print has been a staple in the fashion industry since the 1930s. Throughout the 1900s, this fashion statement represented sophistication and chic to edgy and wild, according to Ohio State University. Now, faux animal prints are worn some way or another with no label. “I love prints, I’m so glad they are coming back in style,” sophomore Ella Newman said. “I think they can make any look pop and give a 2000s vibe since that’s super hot right now.” The style of animal print is trending on Pinterest, showing girls posing with styled outfits full of animal print pieces. Some prints include cheetah, cow, zebra and snakeskin. The print is put onto bucket hats, slip dresses, midi skirts, silk tops, puffed shirts and the list goes on. An Instagram poll was given to FHS students on Saturday Jan 30 about whether enjoyed or disliked animal print. With a poll with over 104 votes, 67 people loved the trend but 37 people said they were not a fan “I do not like animal print in fashion,” senior Rai Singh said. “I see many designer brands reuse the same print over and over again. Using the same print for different products can be a bit repetitive and it overlooks other elements in the product.” Popular stores and big chains like Macy’s, Old Navy, Forever 21 and Nordstrom all sell animal print items. For example, Nordstrom Rack currently has over 4,649 items of inventory that portray animal
Information from Ohio State University
print. For example, Nordstrom Rack currently has over 4,649 items of inventory that portray animal print. Clothing store chains find designer runway trends and make them more accessible to the general public. When a pattern or design by high fashion designers catches the eye of the public, chances are that that pattern or design will be seen soon enough. According to the Lovetoknow blog, fashion trends begin with either runway shows, street style, celebrities wearing the item, fashion bloggers or from popular fashion locations (Milan, Paris, New York City, London). For the past two years, as well as fashion week in Milan 2019, many designers, such as Dolce & Gabbana, Alberta Ferretti and Blumarine, incorporated animal prints into their 2020 fashion lines. Few designers for their 2021 fashion line added animal print pieces like Gannie and Rotate. However, Veronika Lipar, who speaks to fashion trend analytics, still predicts that animal print will be back in style. “I personally am obsessed with prints,” senior Jenna Wallace said. “I love that they came back into style, it is a super fun way to show uniqueness and add spice to an outfit.” To pair an outfit together with an animal printed piece, Newman recommends wearing animal printed pants with a basic shirt or crop top. “If it is zebra pants I would recommend adding a pop of color like green or orange,” Newman said. “To spice any look up, add some accessories and a cute leather jacket or puffer coat if it’s cooler.”
Infographic by Rebekah Shultz
