The Empowering Animal Prints!!!

Empowering Animal Prints - Rupika Chopra

The Enchanting Animal Prints :

Happy New Year Everyone!!

2019 is a year of major transformations!!! 

For me the New Year is all about breaking the norms and feeling empowered. And empowerment has a lot to do with how you feel within about yourself. And how you feel about yourself has a lot to do with the awareness you have of the soul within. That leads to boundless confidence and a self reliant attitude. That is why when you see the most charismatic personalities wearing Animal Prints, their demeanor instinctively overpowers you.

For me clothes are an extension of one’s personality. So when I am in a mood to feel stronger and powerful, I adorn myself in these exotic layers.

Empowering Animal Prints - Rupika Chopra

Empowering Animal Prints - Rupika Chopra

Animal Prints have been popular from the 18th Century and yes this was very much a part of exhibiting Power and Wealth, including Furs in the later years. Remember, I shared in a blog post about ” furs “and how they were the symbol of wealth. Similarly these eye grabbing exotic animal prints represent confidence, strength and power. These prints are impactful no matter how you wear them.

Empowering Animal Prints - Rupika Chopra

Empowering Animal Prints - Rupika Chopra

From Tiger Stripes to Cheetah Spots to Leopard Rossettes to Zebra prints all grab abundant attention. In 1925 Marian Nixon crashed cars as she walked down in Hollywood Boulevard in a Leopard Skin coat with her Pet Leopard on a Leash. The print became a symbol of high fashion glamour. All the leading ladies were seen enjoying in it’s embrace – Elizabeth Taylor, Marylin Monroe, Jayne Mansfield, Joan Fontaine, Debbie Harry, Rita Hayworth and many more displayed their styles with accessories, hats and clothing. Animal Prints were also seen on dresses, and shoes. 

Empowering Animal Prints - Rupika Chopra

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The Iconic Animal Prints became a lot popular in the United States in the late 1960’s during the Bohemian Movement. This print has seen incarnation from its inception in the 18th century. In the 1920’s – 1930’s animal skin was kind of a trophy hanging on the walls of great courageous men. 1940’s and 50’s witnessed the Pin – up girls in skimpy skin outfits and lingerie taking eroticism to madness with “Vanity Fair” selling Leopard Print Underwear.  Fur Coats took the lead in the 50’s signifying power and grandeur. 

1960’s saw the print in more sophistication and became more popular with Bob Dylan’s song Leopard Skin Pill Box Hat. 1970’s and 80’s became all about glam rock look and one witnessed these prints being cat-walked by the most stunning women on the runways which continued to scorch the ramps and the fashion scene in the 1990’s.

My favourite Models- Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Claudia Schiffer, Tyra Banks, Amber Valletta, Shalom Harlow drove the world crazy with their looks and these iconic prints. 

Empowering Animal Prints - Rupika Chopra

Empowering Animal Prints - Rupika Chopra

And yes, how can we forget the famous Shania Twain, who sizzled in the leopard rossette velvet bustier and pants with the Magical Leopard Cloak and boots with the round vintage Leopard Luggage Bag-  walking around turning every man down, oozing confidence and sexiness. That song has been my anthem song forever.

So you see, the everlasting impact it has on anyone’s mind ?? Hell yeah! She became my favourite artist since then.

Empowering Animal Prints - Rupika Chopra

Empowering Animal Prints - Rupika ChopraNo matter how you wear the animal prints you are bound to grab attention. But hold on, wear this print with some metal in your being because that leaves a lasting impact.

I am wearing two different outfits – One is a long well cut dress in the Zebra Print and the other is the Co- ord set with the Tiger print. Both look exceptionally desirable in different fabrics. 

The dress is a cotton and lycra one and the Co – ord set is made of silk and they look equally enamouring. Animal prints tell a story far louder than you can imagine.  So when I dress up in animal prints I never fail to feel the charisma it adds to my persona. And anything less than that – Well “That don’t impress me much”!!

Dress : Tom-tom , Belt : Gucci , Co-ord set : JASPAL , TOP : ZARA

We Love SHADES OF GREY!!!

Winter in Shades of Grey - Rupika Chopra

Winter loves Grey: )

Can you imagine your winter wardrobe without the colour Grey? I simply can’t!! It feels like a “Fashion Faux Pas” to miss this tint in my winter collection for sure!

Gone are the days when “Grey” was considered boring!! Grey is the new “White” or “Black” I would say. This hue makes me feel calmer, balanced and in control even when I am dressed up in the most casual attire. I love my entire collection of Greys – from tracks, hoods, shorts, jumpers, sweaters, cardigans, trousers, caps etc. This neutral colour is the coolest colour this season. This shade worn anytime looks elegant and classic. The Soft Grey Relaxed wear is rather stylish and my favourite this season.

Winter in Shades of Grey - Rupika Chopra

Grey makes me feel dominant and powerful. Yes there is some seriousness attached to the look and that’s why Grey has been a popular colour for school uniforms and work wear. But now, clothes and fabrics with different shades of Grey have given a new dimension to the vibe of an outfit. Greys go well with all colours- blue, white , black, pink, orange, yellow, red etc . When combined with pastels and brighter colours it heightens the other shades and yet stands out independently – That’s the beauty of ” Grey ” !!

Winter In Shades of Grey - Rupika Chopra

Do you know Grey was a highly fashionable colour in the 18th Century for both women’s dresses and men’ s waistcoats and coats. Grey also became “the colour of the military uniform” as men in dark grey could not become easy targets for their enemies. They were worn in “the American Civil War” and the German Army wore it both in the First and the Second World War.

In the 19th Century, different tones of grey were being used to make the most charismatic paintings by famous artists. Men in Grey Flannel suits looked intriguing at all times. From Fashion to Art, to business, industrialisation, architecture, interiors etc. Grey has been a ruling colour. 

Winter in Shades of Grey - Rupika Chopra

This is a perfect weather to snug up in my woollen over the knee sock and my soft, comfy, high neck jumper. These thigh hugging socks have become a rage of the season. They come in different colours and knit designs. They not only look sexy but keep you warm. This combination is perfect not only to laze in your abode, but also is a head turner when worn with tan brown boots and a brown or a colourful sling bag.

Winter in Shades of Grey - Rupika Chopra

Winter in Shades of Grey - Rupika Chopra

It is undeniable that there is something so alluring about the colour Grey. It is a  unanimously loved shade and looks amazing on everyone. 

I love my jumper and sock. They are available at brands like Zara, H&M, Marks & Spencer, Next, Wallis, Dorothy Perkins, etc.

Each shade of grey brings out a new you. A darker shade can make you look mysterious and a lighter one – sporty and fresh. The grey relaxed looks are here to stay as they bring out the softness in your personality. It has a hint of simplicity, far away from complexity. It adds a clean vibe to your persona. 

The speciality of all shades of grey is that it can be worn with any colour and it will hold it’s ground like a ruler!! From Elephant Greys to Charcoal, from Dull to Metallic, From Ice Grey to Soft Silver –  we love to play with shades of grey 🙂 !!!

Jumper : H&M , Socks : H&M

Photographer: Ayushi Pathak