In this lush compendium illustrated with full-colour images, Jo Weldon chronicles the history of one of the world’s most beloved fashion patterns - leopard print - celebrating its beauty and place in couture, and the women who have dared to wear it. In nature, the distinctive markings on big cats served as camouflage, helping them to blend into their surroundings when hunting prey. Unlike these magnificent predators, humans have donned this distinctive animal pattern to be noticed; leopard print demands an audience. From its inception in textile, leopard print - long used as a symbol of a warrior’s power or a ruler’s wealth - became a sensation, adopted by daring trendsetters and members of the avant-garde, including film stars and celebrities such as Carole Lombard and Josephine Baker, who walked her pet Cheetah, Chiquita, on a diamond-encrusted leash. The desire for leopard print continues today as Nicki Minaj, Rihanna and other stars flaunt their feline-inspired spots on film and stage, the catwalk and the red carpet. With a lively narrative, informative sidebars, and stunning images, Fierce is a must have collection for designers and fashionistas of all kinds. “Leopard print is the beast of pattern, its history loaded with symbolism, from power to seduction.” - The Guardian