Introducing zebra – the cool new statement print to love this season
Words Joy Montgomery
From Kat Slater to Kate Moss, animal print is the sartorial marmite of the fashion industry that continues to divide the good taste brigade season after season. No matter how many times it stalks its way back onto the catwalk, the fact is you either worship at the feet of its furry goodness, or you don’t.
However, for AW16 there is a fresh addition to the usual zoological line-up, and we think it might just bridge the gap between animal print converts and agnostics.
Despite making a fleeting appearance in Balmain’s AW14 campaign, zebra print has been previously overshadowed by its louder and better-known cousins: snakeskin, tiger and leopard print. Recently spotted on the catwalks of everyone from Marc Cain and Topshop Unique, to Adam Lippes and Marc Jacobs, however, it’s clear that this print is now set to become leader of the (fashion) pack.
Unlike leopard print, zebra’s black and white simplicity means that it can slip right into your capsule wardrobe. It will exude magazine editor-inspired chic when paired with an all black ensemble, à la Pandora Sykes, or offer a fashion-forward frame to a colour pop knit when printed on a clean-lined coat.
Bold yet classically monochromatic, playful yet paired-back, just call zebra print the film noir star of the animal kingdom.
MARC JACOBS
Zebra-print stretch-jersey dress, £1,245; net-a-porter.com
WHISTLES
Baxter zebra-print leather camera bag, £75; whistles.com
JUNYA WATANABE
Zebra-print cotton-jersey T-shirt, £101.25; theoutnet.com
TOPSHOP UNIQUE
Printed silk-jacquard dress, £225; net-a-porter.com
GUCCI
Two-tone fringed leather pumps, £610; net-a-porter.com
STELLA MCCARTNEY
Zebra Jacquard Jumper, £670; stellamccartney.com
TOPSHOP
KARATE Ballerina Shoes, £25; topshop.com
ROCKINS
Zebra-print super-skinny silk scarf, £51; matchesfashion.com
ELENA GHISELLINI
Zebra print shoulder bag, £472; farfetch.com
SAINT LAURENT
SAINT LAURENT zebra print denim skirt, £608; farfetch.com
HOUSE OF HOLLAND
HOUSE OF HOLLAND zebra print platform loafers, £224; farfetch.com
ISABEL MARANT
Women’s Black Zebra Print Jacket, £1,693; farfetch.com
EDIE PARKER
Zebra pattern rectangular clutch, £1,766; edie-parker.com
MARNI
‘Fussbett’ zebra sandals, £480; brownsfashion.com
SEE BY CHLOÉ
Zebra-printed sweater, £175; mytheresa.comImages courtesy of: whowhatwear.com and vanessajackman.blogspot.com
