Fierce: The History of Leopard Print
About this ebook
In nature, the distinctive markings on big cats served as camouflage, helping them to blend into their surroundings when hunting prey. Unlike these magnificent predators, humans have donned this distinctive animal pattern to be noticed; leopard print demands an audience. Jo Weldon, an expert in the world of burlesque, reveals how this sexy, playful, decadent, and vibrant pattern once reserved for royalty came into vogue and became a staple of fashion.
With technological advances in textiles, leopard print—long used as a symbol of a warrior’s power or a ruler’s wealth—became a sensation, adopted by trendsetters and the avant-garde, including celebrities such as Carole Lombard and Josephine Baker, who walked her pet cheetah, Chiquita, on a diamond-encrusted leash. Today it’s a genuine classic that nevertheless retains an aura of daring and surprise. With a lively narrative, informative sidebars, and stunning images, Fierce is a must-have collection for designers and fashionistas.
About the author
Jo Weldon is an expert in the study of contemporary burlesque, women’s issues, and fashion. Her writings and transcripts of lectures on the history of leopard print have been published in Mental Floss, Time Out New York, and the New York Times. As headmistress of the New York School of Burlesque, she teaches weekly classes and tours internationally, teaching and performing. Weldon combines years of professional experience as an adult entertainer with a deep understanding of women’s issues. She has presented media analyses of women’s rights in conferences around the country and lobbied at the U.N. for inclusion of diverse perspectives in human rights initiatives. She lives in New York City. You can find more of her work, and more about leopard print, at www.joweldon.com.
