FIERCE: The History of Leopard Print

September 3rd @ 8pm

This is the premier presentation of HarperCollins author Jo Weldon's research into the history of leopard print! This segment will feature predominantly the past 100 years in the US, with a focus on how leopard print has been worn as people of all genders have had unprecedented opportunities to express themselves through fashion; however, the origin of the pattern will be traced from the lands where the cats themselves originate, and how it has been used before becoming a fashion print, and how that informs its current significance. (How does this pattern relate from Zulu culture to Lisa Frank? Seriously!) It's partly a light-hearted romp through cultural iconography, partly an examination of feminism, civil rights, gender, class, and fashion technology. Attendees will get a sense of the history, depth and meaning in the common things around them.

Jo will also be displaying part of her collection of over 100 years of vintage magazine ads featuring leopard print, and a few choice leopard items from her clothing collection.

Come dressed to kill! And by all means post photos of yourself in your favorite cat print outfits in this event page!

Even if you're not able to come or in the area, feel free to follow the website for articles and teasers from Jo's research, including unique images from her collection.

You'll learn how to tell a leopard from a jaguar from a cheetah from an ocelot from a serval from a lynx from a clouded leopard from a hyena, and why a black panther isn't.

Information will also be provided on the work of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which tracks the status of vulnerable, threatened and endangered species, how to support them, and how to donate.

$10. Attendees wearing leopard print will get a party favor.

Proceeds from this event will go to fund the development of Jo's Traveling Museum of Leopard Print and the preparation of her related projects.

http://www.historyofleopardprint.com