Going Zebra

In early spring 2013, animal print was a fashion favourite yet again. But typically – it is the cheetah or the tiger that receives all the recognition. This season, the trend is turning to the much less recognised zebra print – a much more fashion forward design with a sophisticated touch. With a variety of cuts and styles, designers are making zebra print accessible to every type of trendsetter. Italian designer Emilio Pucci, famous for vibrant designs, created a zebra sheath dress. The dress features slight side ruching to give form, and a scooped high neckline. To keep the dress feeling “Pucci” the designer added hints of red into the classic black and white pattern. American brand Milly, a stunning bridge brand where whimsical meets femininity and beauty, created a lovely zebra print dress. The body con number features a black and white center panel of zebra print fabric down the front. The side panels of the dress are jet black. This style of brilliant tailoring, seen more often this season, accentuates a women’s curves while slimming the figure. French fashion house Yves Saint Laurent applied the zebra trend to a snakeskin pump. The primal shoe, featuring a sky-high stiletto heel and pointed toe, is an eye-catching addition to any ensemble -- particularly when paired with a solid coloured dress or monochrome pant suit. It is also a great way to add drama to a work outfit. Diane Von Furstenberg, featured last week for her wrap dress, created a stunning silk zebra number. She took the print in asymmetrical pieces and created a fit and flare dress, giving the look a very fun and flirty feel. The black piping further defines the silhouette, allowing for a stronger statement piece. The fashion elite are playing with this trend in varying degrees of commitment. Singing sensation Rihanna was the strongest – with a full length Tom Ford zebra print dress with long sleeves. The sequin dress features a high collar of faux black hair standing on end – to mimic the mane of a true zebra. She paired with black pointed shoes and fire-red stained lips. British actress Emma Watson, known most famously for her eight movie roles as the famous Harry Potter character Hermione Granger, toned down the zebra print with a strapless peplum zebra top. She paired with black capris and platform suede pumps. The actress is turning into a fashion icon these days – definitely keep her in your watch. And Caroline Issa, a finance executive turned fashion executive, wore a 3.1 Phillip Lim zebra sheath. She paired with a simple sleek back ponytail and minimal jewelry. This trend can be tricky – as it is easy to go overboard. Unless you are a singing star and have multiple number one hit records on the Billboard top 100, stay away from head to toe zebra print, as you’ll look like you’re wearing a costume. Take a hint from Emma Watson and have zebra print on one item: your top, trousers, shoes or purse. It looks great when paired with black or white, so try to stay away from too much colour. That’s the fashion scoop for this week. Got a thought? Trend? Style you hate? Send it my way. Rachel Breaux is an American living in Rwanda