Nature-sized fashion

Winter may well be at den’s door but it’s no reason to descend into the depths of fashion hibernation. Now’s the time for fashionistas to use teeth and claws to track down their fashion take on the big bad wolf, deer hunter, raucous reptile or feisty fish.

Nature’s emissaries of the wild have awakened the animal instincts of designers to help carve out the lion’s share of runway success this season: the animal kingdom has never reigned so supremely over fashion…  But before you head off on your hunt for the latest trends, set your sights on these rare fashion finds.

Ferocious beasts

There’s nothing more feminine than combining an animal face sweater with a short skirt to be all the rage this winter.

A priori it’s a look that would seem difficult to conquer, but there’s nothing kitsch about these motifs whose pseudo-aggressive spirit fits perfectly with the rocker-chic look—guaranteed to tame even the fiercest of fashion beasts. Put your best face forward for a lively, energetic look.

Zara, TR, Fall 2011

Nicolas Ghesquière wolf sweater, Stockholm-streetstyle.com

Just Cavalli - 2011-2012 Fall-Winter runway by Givenchy

Siren on the horizon

Our designers couldn’t resist the siren’s song this season. Although conventional wisdom says fashion repeats itself every few years, it usually makes its comeback with improvements to materials and the latest technology.

Shimmering and sophisticated, the use of scales has been perfected to the point where ultra-thin laser leather cuts and mirror-like surfaces are the norm. Scales are decidedly chic, but be careful not to overdo them since they add volume to even the most petite of hourglass figures.

2011-2012 Fall-Winter runway by Prada

2011-2012 Fall-Winter runways by Marc Jacobs and Christopher Kane

Slipping into python skin

While leopard print continues to be all the rage, and zebra and cow prints continue to adorn accessories here and there, the real star this season is reptile. A hint of python print or a snakeskin accessory is a great way to boost a corporate outfit’s trendiness factor. But be careful not to choose an overly sexy number—the end result could be a veritable fashion faux pas.

2011-2012 Fall-Winter runway by Chloé - Zara, Fall 2011

2011-2012 Fall-Winter runway by Prada

Let your “hair” down

Fur is still in this season and remains a great way to tame 2012’s bitter cold in style. And there’s nothing quite like fur to glamorize a polyester coat or add elegance to a range of casual denim pants. Bubblegum pink, leopard black or dove white—a plethora of choice for the most sophisticated cuts.

2011-2012 Fall-Winter runways by Alexander Wang - Emmanuel Ungaro

2011-2012 Fall-Winter runways by Alexander McQueen - Marni

Mother Nature never ceases to inspire designers, and fast fashion and the street are both quick to follow suit. The latest fashion weeks prove it. This winter, it's time to shed one’s skin, add some panache, and prove once and for all that fashion really is second nature!