Sumptuous and sophisticated animal patterns, such as leopard, zebra, and cheetah offer a decidedly glamorous look that has been used throughout history to distinguish the upper echelon, from Roman emperors to African tribal chiefs, and modern Hollywood royalty.
In the 18th century, wealthy collectors in England and the colonies were so fascinated by exotic animals that many kept menageries. These appealing creatures inspired exquisite fabric designs, many of which were discovered in archival textiles.
Animal print was used later on by pioneers of interior designer, such as Elsie de Wolfe and Dorothy Parker, to pull the drab homes of the Victorian era into a fresher, more exuberant world of design. These designers used animal patterns by tying in classic elements with the glamorous drama of leopard print upholstery or zebra accents.
The luxurious and timeless appeal of animal prints have made them an ever-present element in both traditional and modern design, adding an accent of pattern and a touch of exoticism to a variety of interior spaces.
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