leopard print - classic or vulgar?

[Melisande]

Ta-ta: Yes there was a gorgeous 1970's silk jersey leopard print wrap dress in light teal (come to think of it, it was turquoise) cream and black.

Hahahah from STDs to Nicki Minaj to Wittgenstein.

A friend of mine noted that in Japan, "young women wear leopard-skin prints, older women wear leopard-face prints"...with rhinestones, I might add...which is the baffling and rather unfortunate truth So that might be one example of how not to wear leopard print. Although, of course I'm tempted to say in the hands of a great designer and stylist even that I'm sure can be done in a fun way...

 

[Phuel]

^^^ I've heard of that wise saying before LOL

I saw a woman's vintage Gaultier leopard-print coat and let me just say that if I were a woman-- or if I had an extra $1500 in hand, I would have snatched it up as a collector's piece. It was glorious: perfect design-- so classic with the huge lapels; beautiful, sharp print and coloring... Actually, the new man's Burberry Prorsum leopard-print coat is glorious as well...

Tacky is subjective right?

But of course, there is such a thing as discretion and ostentatious. In the animal kingdom, the most ostentatious display of dominance of a male lion (even via its mane) is not tacky. It's quite an interesting question - of you don't mind me saying so.

I do intend to use the finest material and craftsmanship. However, even without nikki - it could still go wrong. If you're creating a luxury product and if you're aiming for inconspicuous consumers - the main demographic of luxury customers - then care should be taken in how it's perceived.

Oh yeah-- totally subjective.

My point is no matter how much research you may dedicate to ensure your product is as sophisticated, as tasteful as possible, there will always be someone calling it out as tacky. But if a purple leopard-print is executed well-- and by that, I mean a sense of the sartorial in that it may in concept sound cheap and trashy, but the designer is able to pull off the unexpected, and like Spike said, something that skates that fine line between the opposing sides, then that's what will work. That's how the masters make it work for me. I just feel that you can check all the boxes but sometimes it just doesn't turn out right. That magical component in high fashion that makes it all work is not something that can be researched, studied and distilled into some surefire-hit formula.

 

[KingPanther]

^ I don't think that's really true at all that inconspicuous consumers are the luxury customer. A lot of Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Versace, etc., etc. are aimed at just the opposite. To me, having an inconspicuous target audience (a la Bottega Veneta) is the exception rather than the rule.


I went shopping today and saw a woman wearing head-to-toe Versace, including two very different prints and hot pink booties Tacky? Yes. I caught another woman giving her a sidelong glance and we shared a smile. Clearly we agreed on this point ...

From my research - inconspicuous customers are the main demographic aimed for by luxury broads, and the conspicuous customers tend not to buy things regularly, and when they do, they want to whole world to know that they've purchased something luxury - thus, it tends to have a logo placed on it, at the very least.

 

[KingPanther]

Ta-ta: Yes there was a gorgeous 1970's silk jersey leopard print wrap dress in light teal (come to think of it, it was turquoise) cream and black.

Hahahah from STDs to Nicki Minaj to Wittgenstein.

A friend of mine noted that in Japan, "young women wear leopard-skin prints, older women wear leopard-face prints"...with rhinestones, I might add...which is the baffling and rather unfortunate truth So that might be one example of how not to wear leopard print. Although, of course I'm tempted to say in the hands of a great designer and stylist even that I'm sure can be done in a fun way...

How would it to from tack to all that? In your opinion, anyway or are your views determined by the general consensus?

 

[KingPanther]

^^^ I've heard of that wise saying before LOL

I saw a woman's vintage Gaultier leopard-print coat and let me just say that if I were a woman-- or if I had an extra $1500 in hand, I would have snatched it up as a collector's piece. It was glorious: perfect design-- so classic with the huge lapels; beautiful, sharp print and coloring... Actually, the new man's Burberry Prorsum leopard-print coat is glorious as well...



Oh yeah-- totally subjective.

My point is no matter how much research you may dedicate to ensure your product is as sophisticated, as tasteful as possible, there will always be someone calling it out as tacky. But if a purple leopard-print is executed well-- and by that, I mean a sense of the sartorial in that it may in concept sound cheap and trashy, but the designer is able to pull off the unexpected, and like Spike said, something that skates that fine line between the opposing sides, then that's what will work. That's how the masters make it work for me. I just feel that you can check all the boxes but sometimes it just doesn't turn out right. That magical component in high fashion that makes it all work is not something that can be researched, studied and distilled into some surefire-hit formula.

I have to agree - you can't please everyone.

 

[Melisande]

How would it to from tack to all that? In your opinion, anyway or are your views determined by the general consensus?

Sorry, I'm not sure I understand your question?

 

[KingPanther]

Sorry, I'm not sure I understand your question?

Autocorrect error - how would it go from being tack to sophisticated? I'm talking about in your opinion? Or do you derive your views from the general consensus, rather than independent thought?

 

[tigerrouge]

I judge leopard print by the quality of its pattern - if the reproduction of the skin markings is done in accurate detail, then it looks more luxurious, but if the pattern looks like it was drawn with all the subtlety of a black marker pen, then it's trashy. But there's a time and a place for all of it, as long as none of it is the real thing.

 

[rosiecheeks]

I judge leopard print by the quality of its pattern - if the reproduction of the skin markings is done in accurate detail, then it looks more luxurious, but if the pattern looks like it was drawn with all the subtlety of a black marker pen, then it's trashy. But there's a time and a place for all of it, as long as none of it is the real thing.

This.

And also, as mentioned above, the context is more important than the piece itself. But that goes for virtually everything.

I have found however that my men (lovers, boyfriends etc.) never ever appreciated my leopard print items; but then again, they had a tendency to approach it as an item, not within its context.

 

[Melisande]

Autocorrect error - how would it go from being tack to sophisticated? I'm talking about in your opinion? Or do you derive your views from the general consensus, rather than independent thought?

The very thought that I derive my views from the general consensus...oh boy! Life would be so much easier if this were true But I understand, it's due to my use of the word "so". It was just a figure of speech. Anyway thanks for clarifying!

I know you're asking for ideas and clarification of terms...it's an interesting question, but I mentioned before and I think everyone else here is saying in one way or another, I don't think there is any formula for taking leopard (or anything) from tacky to sophisticated. For any perimeter suggested, there would be exceptions. It's all in the intention, self-awareness, context and quality and execution...I know I know...this is not helpful.

Let me say this though, to make sure the leopard print is not tacky, I'd first of all make sure it's beautiful...I'd try to look at it as any other print or even artwork...a floral print, a geometric print...take away its societal connotations, look at it with a naked fresh eye--pretend it's the first time you're seeing any sort of animal print...and see if it gives you pleasure...The quality of any design can change 180 degrees through one fraction of a millimeter here and there, one shade or hue darker or lighter. I just think one has to trust one's own eye. Or ask someone whose eye you do trust absolutely.

Actually, maybe your real question is not what makes a sophisticated leopard print, but as you said in your words, how to make sure it is a "luxury product" that appeals to the sophisticated and "inconspicuous consumer"...which might be a different question. In that case I'd say excellent quality of materials used, top craftsmanship, place of fabrication (whatever that means), great design...and probably discretion. So, probably no obvious logos, and you might prefer muted palettes...no matter how gorgeous and sophisticated it may be, perhaps no interpretation of animal prints as seen in McQueen's Plato's Atlantis collection. And branding is crucial of course to make sure it appeals in the way you want. Not sure if that answers your question. I'm not an industry person but I have much experience in the arts, so just my two cents.

 

[KingPanther]

I judge leopard print by the quality of its pattern - if the reproduction of the skin markings is done in accurate detail, then it looks more luxurious, but if the pattern looks like it was drawn with all the subtlety of a black marker pen, then it's trashy. But there's a time and a place for all of it, as long as none of it is the real thing.

That's an interesting stance and I agree - with the level of accuracy.

 

[KingPanther]

This.

And also, as mentioned above, the context is more important than the piece itself. But that goes for virtually everything.

I have found however that my men (lovers, boyfriends etc.) never ever appreciated my leopard print items; but then again, they had a tendency to approach it as an item, not within its context.

What reason did they give for disliking it?

 

[KingPanther]

The very thought that I derive my views from the general consensus...oh boy! Life would be so much easier if this were true But I understand, it's due to my use of the word "so". It was just a figure of speech. Anyway thanks for clarifying!

I know you're asking for ideas and clarification of terms...it's an interesting question, but I mentioned before and I think everyone else here is saying in one way or another, I don't think there is any formula for taking leopard (or anything) from tacky to sophisticated. For any perimeter suggested, there would be exceptions. It's all in the intention, self-awareness, context and quality and execution...I know I know...this is not helpful.

Let me say this though, to make sure the leopard print is not tacky, I'd first of all make sure it's beautiful...I'd try to look at it as any other print or even artwork...a floral print, a geometric print...take away its societal connotations, look at it with a naked fresh eye--pretend it's the first time you're seeing any sort of animal print...and see if it gives you pleasure...The quality of any design can change 180 degrees through one fraction of a millimeter here and there, one shade or hue darker or lighter. I just think one has to trust one's own eye. Or ask someone whose eye you do trust absolutely.

Actually, maybe your real question is not what makes a sophisticated leopard print, but as you said in your words, how to make sure it is a "luxury product" that appeals to the sophisticated and "inconspicuous consumer"...which might be a different question. In that case I'd say excellent quality of materials used, top craftsmanship, place of fabrication (whatever that means), great design...and probably discretion. So, probably no obvious logos, and you might prefer muted palettes...no matter how gorgeous and sophisticated it may be, perhaps no interpretation of animal prints as seen in McQueen's Plato's Atlantis collection. And branding is crucial of course to make sure it appeals in the way you want. Not sure if that answers your question. I'm not an industry person but I have much experience in the arts, so just my two cents.

Thanks - if you ignore the logo, what do you think of the wallet I listed in the original post?

 

[Melisande]

Thanks - if you ignore the logo, what do you think of the wallet I listed in the original post?

If I ignore the logo, I'd say:
-Quality:Yes, it does look like it's good quality and well made.
-Pattern:I think the pattern of spots is a bit too uniform and one-dimentional, hence uninteresting, hence cheapens what could look much better. I think it would look more luxurious and beautiful and artistic to take a section of the leopard skin which involves a range of smaller to bigger spots, including a gentle sweeping whorl/vortex. The spots should be more intricate too. I think another interesting take would be to enlarge the pattern to such an extent so it no longer looks like leopardskin and resembles more of abstract art or a map. Personally I'd prefer this.
-Leather/color: is it embossed patent? Is it for women or for men? For women I actually think a color like beige/ecru or even dark burgundy (with gold or brushed gold hardware) would look more soft and elegant than black, which in this incarnation, with the leopardskin and patent, could have a sort of...90's nightclub look.
-It's not my taste as it is, but I'm sure it can be used well by the right person. HTH

 

[KingPanther]

If I ignore the logo, I'd say:
-Quality:Yes, it does look like it's good quality and well made.
-Pattern:I think the pattern of spots is a bit too uniform and one-dimentional, hence uninteresting, hence cheapens what could look much better. I think it would look more luxurious and beautiful and artistic to take a section of the leopard skin which involves a range of smaller to bigger spots, including a gentle sweeping whorl/vortex. The spots should be more intricate too. I think another interesting take would be to enlarge the pattern to such an extent so it no longer looks like leopardskin and resembles more of abstract art or a map. Personally I'd prefer this.
-Leather/color: is it embossed patent? Is it for women or for men? For women I actually think a color like beige/ecru or even dark burgundy (with gold or brushed gold hardware) would look more soft and elegant than black, which in this incarnation, with the leopardskin and patent, could have a sort of...90's nightclub look.
-It's not my taste as it is, but I'm sure it can be used well by the right person. HTH

Do you have an example of the pattern you mentioned above - larger, smaller, intricate ect ?

It's a mans wallet, which is embossed, and as for it being black - the Panther is a black leopard/jaguar and it also has spots.

 

[Phuel]

King: If your market research is for accessory designs, the best advice I could give is to get a hold of the type of luxury leather pieces you're aiming for in your own line. Whether that's visiting showrooms, conventions or shops/ department stores: It's the best way to see, feel and smell these luxury pieces-- including the presentation and atmosphere these pieces are associated with. Then you can understand them more and start to re-imagine them in your ideal version, the designs and colors will come to you in the process.

No amount of online pics, discussions and analysis will come close to the experience of seeing, feeling and smelling these products in your hand. It's like you can sit in a classroom and try to learn a new language all you want, but nothing beats the experience of living in that country and learning the language that way-- as it pertains to your daily life in that country.

 

[Melisande]

Phuel, couldn't agree more.

Do you have an example of the pattern you mentioned above - larger, smaller, intricate ect ?

It's a mans wallet, which is embossed, and as for it being black - the Panther is a black leopard/jaguar and it also has spots.

No sorry it's not something I've seen, it's just very vividly in my imagination so I'd have to sketch it for you and then I'd be the designer, but I couldn't agree more with Phuel, one needs to see and decide for yourself, even just by starting with Google Images.

I'm not sure of your role in your brand is (designer? founder? buyer? All of the above?) and why you're doing this particular thing if you don't trust your eye or instinct completely--why leopard print if you're not gut-sure? And if so that's okay, just hire someone who knows what they're doing. Or as Phuel says search search search and look look look until you know for sure yourself what makes YOUR heart leap... It's the quickest way, otherwise you'll exhaust yourself incorporating every opinion under the sun.

 

[KingPanther]

King: If your market research is for accessory designs, the best advice I could give is to get a hold of the type of luxury leather pieces you're aiming for in your own line. Whether that's visiting showrooms, conventions or shops/ department stores: It's the best way to see, feel and smell these luxury pieces-- including the presentation and atmosphere these pieces are associated with. Then you can understand them more and start to re-imagine them in your ideal version, the designs and colors will come to you in the process.

No amount of online pics, discussions and analysis will come close to the experience of seeing, feeling and smelling these products in your hand. It's like you can sit in a classroom and try to learn a new language all you want, but nothing beats the experience of living in that country and learning the language that way-- as it pertains to your daily life in that country.

I agree

 

[KingPanther]

Phuel, couldn't agree more.



No sorry it's not something I've seen, it's just very vividly in my imagination so I'd have to sketch it for you and then I'd be the designer, but I couldn't agree more with Phuel, one needs to see and decide for yourself, even just by starting with Google Images.

I'm not sure of your role in your brand is (designer? founder? buyer? All of the above?) and why you're doing this particular thing if you don't trust your eye or instinct completely--why leopard print if you're not gut-sure? And if so that's okay, just hire someone who knows what they're doing. Or as Phuel says search search search and look look look until you know for sure yourself what makes YOUR heart leap... It's the quickest way, otherwise you'll exhaust yourself incorporating every opinion under the sun.

I trust myself, but certain things are subjective.

So an emotive, rather than rational response.

 

[Melisande]

I trust myself, but certain things are subjective.

So an emotive, rather than rational response.

I know, precisely because they're subjective I thought it would be easier if you went with your gut...

Yeah, I think so, most definitely emotive, with respect to design...I personally cannot begin to see design as a rational thing...Beyond the practicalities of cost, quality, ergonomics, trends, etc. of course...for me, truly great design comes from the instinct/heart, which is the precise reason it grabs the heart...you want people to be moved emotionally with your design. Anyway that's just me