Trend of the Week: Wild at heart

Wild at heart- can you handle fashion's fiercest statement? Annmarie O'Connor reports.

INSPIRATION

Christian Dior would be proud. The couturier’s runway debut of leopard print in 1947 spawned a wildly popular trend with a stylish safari of exotic animals following suit.

Zebras, snakes and tigers are just some of the creature features we can expect to see for yet another season. From Richard Quinn’s voluminous take on the classic leopard coat to Burberry’s zoo-worthy print clash, the memo is clear: prepare to unleash the beast.

THE EDIT

We've prowled the shops for these savage pieces.

Leopard print hat, Zara, €29.95

Asos Design snake print mac, Asos, €97

Leopard print raincoat, Uterqüe, €150

Leopard print sweater, Uterqüe, €115

Rejina Pyo ‘Olivia’ snake-effect leather tote, Net-a-Porter, €635

Snake print toe post mule, Whistles, €169

Chloé ‘Sonnie’ leopard-print calf hair high-top sneakers, Net-a-Porter, €750

Reptile print trousers, Penneys, €16

Asos Design shirred bustier leopard printmaxi dress, Asos, €52.54

STYLE NOTES

LEOPARD: Get spotted in a leopard print dress and ankle-length cowboy boots. Layer with a tissue-thin polo neck and full-length coat.

TIGER: Go on the prowl for a tiger-striped clutch bag – a low commitment way to add bite to your after-hours look.

REPTILE: Tone down a snake print jacket or knee-high boots with a cashmere sweater and tulle skirt.

ZEBRA: Pair zebra prints with head-to-toe monochrome for optic chic. Just add red lipstick.