I don’t know about you – but I’m completely obsessed with leopard-print. Lying in bed last night, considering how to tackle the next stage of my new painting, it occured to me that I do have a complete outfit – actually more than one that is leopard. Not that I’d wear it all at once – I’m not completely crazy.
Years ago I had a stall at the Melbourne Arts Centre. I was making wraps from cashmere, mohair, and fake fur. The most popular seller was one that was red mohair on one side, and plush leopard on the inside. The girls loved them. My mannequin sported a vintage leopard rollneck jumper (in leopard of course), and one of the red/leopard wraps, and you know, I think I could have sold that old jumper at least twice a day.
There’s something about leopard that makes you feel exotic and glamorous – even if you’re a harried mother, a fading overblown rose, or 2 years old and playing dressups. This year there seems to be a bit of it at the shops, and I’m soooo tempted to buy up and store it – not to wear this year, but in 3 years time, when it will be less common again, and people will say – where did you get that!
I know it’s not for everyone, and you do need to be brave to wear it, but oooooh it’s good. So, I thought I’d try and give a new girl a coat. It’s actually bloody hard to recreate. It looks so easy when you’re staring at the fabric. Uniform background colour, large spots, partially framed by other dark spots. Bit of texture…. I’m here to tell you I have a whole new respect for fabric designers.
And I’ve still got a long way to go…
That’s looking great! The coat is amazing – very textured – and it really does look like a leopard fur coat – though not just a flat pattern – it looks fury and coat like:) Must have taken a while. You’ve even managed to make it lighter on one side, giving it depth.
10 leopard spots out of 10!
How kewl is that? I’ll tell ya…words can not say enough! So far it looks great girl! Wonderful work! Great job!