Strong prints and bold textural fabrics are always a great way for designers to inject some obvious vintage inspiration into their pieces, but these can often be the choices that are hardest to wear in clothing. Using both those things in an easy to wear statement piece, this Leopard Joanie Handbag from Fred Flare has tons of retro charm.
Tag: leopard
Leopard Coat from ASOS
Though mod look fashion may be the sixties inspiration which dominates our high streets, there's a huge amount of inspiration available from across the Atlantic from the decade. This Leopard Coat from ASOS is ideal for tapping into that grittier New York style, exemplified by Andy Warhol's factory girls.
Leopard Print Driving Gloves from Agent Provocateur
When it comes to the smaller accessories it's often much easier to get away with a bigger statement, which is perfect for the more daring retro looks out there. These Leopard Print Driving Gloves from Agent Provocateur provide a lot of luxury in one small package, with an obvious vintage influence thrown in.
Gloves may have fallen out of regular favour, but a pair like these are good enough to find an occasion for. Made from a leopard print calf hair fabric, the red accents add a kitschy retro glamour that avoids being tacky thanks to the superb cut and quality.
They're available online from Net-a-Porter for £250.
Red Leopard Print Shift Dress from Topshop
One of the most enduringly appealing aspects of mid-20th century womenswear was the ability to cover everything up and still ooze sex appeal. Fifties inspired looks arguably capture this mood best, with items like this Red Leopard Shift Dress from Topshop displaying that sexy sophistication.
The shift dress shape is simplistic, tailored to create a defined waist and accentuated hips. While a high neckline and knee-length skirt cover up, the use of a racy red leopard print taps into the pin-up aesthetic to create instant retro appeal.
It's available now from Topshop's Edited collection for £46.
Leopard Cloche Hat from River Island
Many fashion designs which draw on a number of eras for inspiration can go wrong, with clashing influences sitting uneasily together. This Leopard Print Cloche by River Island, however, has done so with a result that's got great kitschy appeal.
The leopard print has a nod to styles from fifties pinup to seventies safari, while the cloche is traditionally pre-War as a hat shape. The wider brim, however, ties into the seventies aspect once more, creating a hat that's updated without losing it's retro roots to modern fashion.
It's available online from ASOS for £22.
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Ocelot Bustier Dress by D&G
Dolce & Gabbana are a design house well known for their decadent style, creating fashion that is often over the top in its luxurious fabric and cut choices. This Ocelot Buster Dress is an ideal representation of that long standing reputation, with elements of classic designs from the brand itself.
The dress has a wiggle style cut and structure, creating a daringly sexy silhouette with its figure hugging fit and skinny straps. The ocelot print provides a chic twist to the sometimes tacky all-over leopard print, but treads that line between trashy and vampish in an ideal fifties-look style.
It's available from My Wardrobe in the UK now for £395.
