Cookie Lyons vs. Carine Roitfeld: Choose Your Animal Print-Loving Style Icon
Leopard the Carine way.
Can we just get this out in the open? Carine Roitfeld is pretty much sex on a stick—and her version of leopard print reflects that. As if showing off those killer stems in a can’t-fail LBD and sky-high stilettos weren’t enough, she goes and tosses on a long-line leopard print jacket over the whole thing, just to kick things up a notch. This look is a total show stopper.
Photo: Getty Images
Zara Leather High-Heel Shoe with Perforated Detail
Zara Leather High-Heel Shoe with Perforated Detail, $119, zara.com
Leopard the Cookie way.
This leopard print outfit is classic Cookie: In your face, and over the top. Honestly, who says you shouldn’t match your micro-mini dress to your asymmetrical fedora to your handbag? The only thing surprising us here is the fact that Ms. Lyons’ manicure isn’t leopard, too. There’s no camouflage here, people!
Photo Courtesy: FOX
Michael Michael Kors Leopard Print Logo Plate Jersey Dress
Michael Michael Kors Leopard Print Logo Plate Jersey Dress, $130, nordstrom.com
Vince Camuto Leila Shoulder Leopard Bag
Vince Camuto Leila Shoulder Leopard Bag, $248, dillards.com
Snakeskin the Carine way.
Holy Burmese babe! Snakeskin (well, real snakeskin) is one of the most expensive leathers in the world—and Carine’s not afraid to show off what she’s got… and then some. Here, the CR Fashion Book editor sports an all-python ensemble, with a moto jacket style-top and peplum skirt—a gutsy look, for sure. Then, in what we’d typically consider to be more of a Cookie Lyons move, Carine chose to accent her outfit with even more animal skin (in this case, a brown fur coat), which she tied effortlessly around her waist. Why wear one animal, when you can wear two?
Photo: Getty Images
Elizabeth and James Corlyn Python-Effect Leather Jacket
Elizabeth and James Corlyn Python-Effect Leather Jacket, $1,495, matchesfashion.com
Michael Michael Kors Python Print Pencil Skirt
Michael Michael Kors Python Print Pencil Skirt, $161, farfetch.com
Frame Denim Le Bow Silk-Georgette Blouse
Frame Denim Le Bow Silk-Georgette Blouse, $270, net-a-porter.com
Snakeskin the Cookie way.
It takes major cojones to rock python print and shoulder pads—and Cookie’s got it. She lets her power shoulders do the talking in a snakeskin blazer, skinny hoop earrings, an oversized gold chain necklace, a sassy red lip, and a stare that could asphyxiate even the largest of prey. Like, say… an adult deer or antelope. If looks could kill, Cookie would be constricting us all. Photo Courtesy: FOX
Stella McCartney Snake-Jacquard Blazer
Stella McCartney Snake-Jacquard Blazer, $840, theoutnet.com
Zebra the Carine way
We’re fairly certain that Carine Roitfeld is the only woman in the world who’s capable of wearing a glittery, body-con, zebra-print dress—and still looking like the classiest broad on the block. The editrix keeps things cool in the busy print by accessorizing with slept-in hair (and makeup—a Carine staple), plus a simple black scarf tied around her neck. Rawr… or in this case… neigh? What sounds do zebras make, anyway?
Photo: Getty Images
Zebra the Cookie way.
It’s kind of crazy how similar Cookie’s zebra-print dress is to Carine’s no? Same glitter, same fit, same slit in the front. We never quite pegged Ms. Lyons as a Francophile, but we’ve been wrong before! But where Roitfeld kept things cool with rumpled hair, Cookie glams it up with bombshell waves and a side part. This girl’s got a fresh blowout, and she’s not about to sleep on it anytime soon.
Photo Courtesy: FOX
Balmain Rhinestone Zebra Print Dress
Balmain Rhinestone Zebra Print Dress, $1,677, stylebop.com
Red animal print the Carine way.
Because there are only so many actual animal prints in the world, Carine occasionally decides to switch up her wardrobe by adding in some imaginary versions. This one-shouldered, red leopard print gown—with its sequined side panel and thigh-high slit—exemplifies her ability to pull off literally anything. Who’d have thought that something as out-there as red leopard print… could look so sophisticated?
Photo: Getty Images
Fausto Puglisi Leopard Print Long Dress
Fausto Puglisi Leopard Print Long Dress, $2,145, farfetch.com
Saint Laurent Jane Leather Sandals
Saint Laurent Jane Leather Sandals, $695, net-a-porter.com
Red animal print the Cookie way.
Cookie’s version of red leopard takes on a decidedly vintage vibe. Her dress, with its slightly ballooned sleeves, low-cut neckline, and wrap silhouette, wouldn’t look out of place on a siren from the ‘70s. And, in spite of its punched-up hue, it’s a relatively toned down, soft look for the lovely Ms. Lyons. We want to touch her hair real bad. Hey, not even the fiercest of leopardesses (or should we say, Lyons?) can be on the attack all the time.
Photo Courtesy: FOX
Forever Womens Long Sleeve printed Bodycon Long Stretchy Midi Dress in Leopard Red
Forever Womens Long Sleeve printed Bodycon Long Stretchy Midi Dress in Leopard Red, $12, amazon.com/fashion
Carine Roitfeld and Cookie Lyon: On the surface, they may not seem like they have much in common. Carine, the editor-in-chief of her namesake fashion magazine, CR Fashion Book, exemplifies all that is sultry and French—while Cookie, a vengeful ex-inmate with money on her mind, is all about excess. (Also, Cookie, a character on Fox’s Empire portrayed by Taraji P. Henson, isn’t exactly real.)
Something that is real? Her undying love of wearing animal prints—an adoration she shares with Mademoiselle Roitfeld. Their overall sartorial aesthetics may vary, but at the core, they both have a taste for fabric inspired by some of nature’s most stunning creatures. (And surprisingly, they’ve even borrowed a few looks from each other!)
Click through to see animal prints done two ways: Carine’s, and Cookie’s.
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