Leopard is Kristin Richardsons middle name. Well, not really, but it might as well be. "I have 100 times
more leopard than anything purple," she confessed.
Leopard was her favorite thing last year when we spoke to her. The purple leather sofa in her store,
She She at 1425 E. 41st St., is testament to that.
"When I die, assuming my family does as I ask and sends me to the taxidermist to be stuffed, then I am
to be dressed in leopard," she said. If that fails, "then my casket or urn better be leopard."
Her affinity for this particular feline hide (the faux kind, of course) is especially enjoyable this season,
as leopard and other animal prints are pet faves this fall.
Although leopard print never seems to be on "the out list," its definitely a wardrobe must have for fall,
said Linda Michaels, a co owner of Glass Slipper at The Plaza, 81st Street and Lewis Avenue — which, in case youve never visited, has leopard-print carpet.
Youll see it on her shelves, too, in wares such as the "Jester" and "The Groove" leopard shoes, both
by Fergie (the duchess, not the singer).
Its a cyclical trend for sure, said Hannelore Daniel, the trend expert for Endless.com, a Web site for
shoes and handbags. This year, though, animal prints are definitely a more dominant trend — specifically leopard.
"Animal print has its ranks," Richardson maintained. "Just as you would rank a diamond, emerald,
sapphire, then ruby, I would rank animal print as leopard, zebra, giraffe,
tiger. But thats just my opinion."
Brands are offering Richardsons favorite (leopard, in case you havent picked up on that yet) more now
than ever before. The actual range of styles, primarily in accessories, are far broader than weve seen
in recent years. Well heeled cases in point from Endless.com are leopard peep toe pumps, booties,
high and low heel boots, over the knee boots, ballet flats, clutches, handbags, luggage and sunglasses.
"In other words, there is something for everyone," Daniel said.
Designers are taking the prints a pounce further, such as leopard pumps and booties with studs, or
leopard flats with zippers or jewel embellishments.
"Its totally hot," said Tara Tran, the owner of Luxe Couture at Kings Landing, 9926 Riverside Parkway.
But it was zebra, not leopard, that she pointed out, like an eye catching sequined zebra print dress by
Aryn K and another one by, quel surprise , Kitty.
Animal print is a great way to update and revamp your existing wardrobe, said Martha Gil de Montes, a
spokeswoman for Macys department stores. "A great pair of leopard heels or a snakeskin handbag will
update your look instantly."
Seriously consider a "fabulous" coat, sexy shoes and a cocktail dress in animal print, Gil de Montes said.
Macys has all of those, including faux reptile print handbags. Prowling sales racks, youll spy myriad
pieces in animal print, from leopard cowl neck tops and belted trench coats by INC International to a
purple leopard one shoulder dress from Rachel by Rachel Roy.
Back at She She, Richardson pointed out a Carla Mancini leopard clutch with chain and an Elliott
Lauren faux fur leopard short jacket, either of which you can dress up to black tie or dress casual
with jeans.
"A leopard jacket of any sort is a must have any time, any place, any year," she said. "I cant imagine
leopard ever going out of style."
But what about for guys?
"I actually think more men would wear animal prints if they had more options," Daniel said. Currently,
there just isnt much on the market for them.
Besides, women tend to take bigger risks when it comes to fashion, she added. While there are a lot
of men who like to make a statement with fashion, "I think you would be hard pressed to find a majority
of men wearing leopard shoes or a zebra print coat, and designers know that."
That might not be the case were Richardson to get her style savvy paws on some.
"Leopard, or animal print in general, can wake up anyones wardrobe," Richardson said. "You would be
amazed at how easily leopard fits into any wardrobe." www.bellbestugg.com
