Via The Styling Dutchman

(This article originally appeared in the Jewish Press column “Beauty and the Bellabusta.”)

Ever since God clothed Adam and Chava in animal skins, humans have been delighting in the use of animals for both utilitarian and decorative purposes. Ancient Roman military wore animal skins as a sign of strength. In the 1950’s, Christian Dior popularized leopard print in his designs and it became a symbol of sophistication. In the 1970’s, animal prints were adapted by rock musicians to invoke ferocity and danger.

The use of animal skin as adornment has a Jewish source, too. The Torah specifies the use of “tachash” skin for the Mishkan (the Tabernacle). Some say it is a brilliantly colored animal that was created only for use in the Mishkan and Rabbi Nosson Slifkin (“The Zoo Rabbi” who authored the controversial Mysterious Creatures) maintains it may refer to a giraffe. According to either interpretation, the Mishkan was embellished with animal skins.

In today’s fashion, animal prints are all the rage. Cheetah, python, zebra, horsehair, etc. are appearing on everything from dresses to nail art.

(My fabulous friend Neesa’s animal print-esque manicure courtesy of OPI Shatter crackle nail polish - see more of her leopard nail art in “3 New Nail Art Trends to Try + How to Get the Look”)

But the topic of frum women and animal prints can be dicey. After all, the spirit of tznius is to elevate ourselves to a higher level than mere physical creatures. Animals have no clothes because they exist purely on a physical level; isn’t it ironic that we adorn ourselves with patterns from their hides?  Perhaps the very reason that animal prints are so fiercely fashionable is because they underscore the fashion industry’s emphasis on physicality. Then again, the Jews were commanded to beautify the Mishkan with animal skins. Perhaps by using animal prints for the spiritual purpose of clothing ourselves, we elevate the animal into something sacred.

Personally, I’ve featured animal prints on my fashion blog many times and view them purely as fashion statements. But from an intellectual point of view, what does wearing a zebra or cheetah pattern really mean?

I want to ask you all – what do you think about frum women wearing animal prints? Are they too wild to be worn at all, perhaps not even modest? Are you okay with small animal accents such as a snakeskin handbag or a leopard belt? Or do you think that animal prints are as benign as paisley and plaid?

Leave a comment on my blog or send your thoughts to bellabusta@rocketmail.com. I’ll compile all the feedback I get for a future article – your opinion may be featured in the Jewish Press!