Christopher Kane | Louis Vuitton

Christopher Kane | Burberry Prorsum | Balenciaga

There’s no stopping the magnetism of animal prints. The powerful leopard spot still reigns king of the pattern jungle for AW13. But, instead of the tried and true application, try interpreting it through texture and monochromatic shades for a subtler and more sophisticated effect like those seen on the runway at Louis Vuitton and Christopher Kane. Likewise, use expressive brush strokes to create a softer and more fluid print that is reminiscent of a coat of fur. The textured designs from Balenciaga’s latest menswear collection capture this direction with aplomb.

– Jessie Whipple Vickery