It was the moment I had been waiting for. Checking my inbox, I came across a trend alert email from high street giant Forever 21 that confirmed my longstanding suspicion that felines have officially earned their place as a fashion trend worth mentioning. When Miu Miu featured a mass of all-over cat prints as part of their Spring/ Summer collection for 2010, I found it hard to believe that this was a motif that would not wait long to reappear. If you’re partial to professing your inner cat lady by dressing yourself adorned with your favourite furry friends, then fear not because you are no longer alone. Topshop, Zara and Wildfox Couture are among the many retailers that are encouraging the once micro trend, selling enough kitten printed garments to keep fans purring happily.
So this week what I would suggest, it is to revisit the old Disney classic ‘The Aristocats’ and channel as much of their fluffy feline fabulousness as possible. It would be fair to say that it would take quite a bold character to try some of the more unusual cat themed garments out there, (Lazy Oaf’s cat bodysuit anyone?) but, even if you choose to only dip your paw into the cat trend, then make sure your new purchase counts. My favourite garment so far is animal loving brand Brat and Suzie’s cat print top. Printed on a relaxed fitting cornflower blue t-shirt, the detailed illustration is topped off with an Aztec print bow drawn on this pretty kitty’s head; why wear one summer trend when you can have two at once?
Don’t forget that it’s not all about household pets, because bigger cats are having their moment too. If animal illustrations aren’t to your taste, then opt for prints instead – opt for unnatural coloured versions this summer, especially if you’re chanelling the fierce leopard. Catwalks for Spring/ Summer 2013 were inundated with an impressive variety of animal prints; look to luxury high-end brands such as Kenzo, Just Cavalli, Saint Laurent, and Stella McCartney for inspiration.
Accessories are another fierce way of clawing your way to the top of the cat trend stakes. Perhaps Taylor Swift’s cat ears headband in her latest music video is a little too cutesy, but a pair of Charlotte Olympia slipper kitty flats is sure to be on the wish list of A-list celebrities, and self-styled fashions fans alike. Once you’ve put your best paw forward, you could even sit and look pretty whilst wearing a pair of the many cat eye sunglasses that are on offer this season, whilst topping up your bold Paul and Joe collectable cat shaped lipstick… Absolute purrfection.
By Sophie Seymour