A wild night in Milan

Ebony, March, 2005 by Eunice W. Johnson

Spring in Milan is a walk on the wild side. Many of Italy's top designers have been inspired by animal prints and funky combinations of fabrics and skins. Leopard, tiger, crocodile, zebra, python and ostrich were seen in ballgowns, cocktail dresses, shorts, bikinis, purses and footwear. Oftimes the creative ensembles were accessorized with large bangles: Roberto Cavalli showed them in black and dark brown wood, while Dolce & Gabbana preferred colors and patterns, even animal skins. Take the lead from Milan and spice up your spring wardrobe with a touch of wildness from animal prints and skins.

Right: Gianfranco Ferre designs opulent multilayered, spaghetti-strapped, accordion-pleated gown with alternating layers of sheer black fabric and tiger print design.

Left: Dolce & Gabbana delivers a wildly exciting ensemble of mixed animal prints: Red python bustier edged in sheer fabric over black bra, worn over khaki riding pants belted with black and white pony that matches boots, which are trimmed in black snakeskin. Accessorized with an array of colorful bangles, silver collar, large beaded hoop earrings, leopard print scarf and small purse hanging from belt loop.

Right: Walk on the wild side in Gianfranco Ferre's halter python dress with body-baring bodice anchored with gold rings.

Below: Roberto Cavalli designs sporty white ensemble of embroidered vest with unfinished edges and tassels hanging from shoulders, worn over lace-up, split-neck T-shirt and belted pants with patch pockets. Accessorized with gold chain-link necklace and jade pendant, large brown bangles and white eelskin bag.

Above: For the young at heart (and body), Roberto Cavalli designs daring chocolate brown crocodile bikini. It is worn under a zip-front brown suede jacket with large studs and long fringe, and accessorized with gemstone and brown bangles and large brown bucket bag with corded tassels and strap.

Above, Center: Ferre's hooded silk jacket is accessorized with large python and satin bag with horn accents.

Above, Right: Guerriero mixes bold colors, textures and patterns by pairing red sheer, sequined, caftan blouse with green snakeskin shorts.

Right: Gucci uses olive green silk blouse and platinum slim pants as backdrop for oversized gold shoulder bag of crocodile and ostrich skin patchwork with stones and studs on strap.

Far Left: Dolce & Gabbana's flirty spaghetti-strapped, empire-style cocktail dress has fringed crocodile bodice and sequined zebra print miniskirt with side splits. Worn with snakeskin heels.

Above, Center: Leopard print trumpet gown (worn over black bra) is belted in brown crocodile and piped in sequins. Decolletage is trimmed in lace, hemline in feathers. By Dolce & Gabbana.

Above, Right: Sexy ensemble from Guerriero combines moods and textures. White silk lapel jacket with silk scarf belt laced through eyelets is worn over straw skirt with dropped beaded yoke.

Left: White crocodile jacket with patch pockets is worn over draped silk blouse (with matching headwrap) and pleated chiffon skirt with sequined yoke. Accessorized with gold tone beads and suede open-toed boots with a band of crocodile at knee. By Rifat Ozbek.

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