SafeMailServices.com

Monday, March 23, 2009

Release Your Wild Side with Bold Animal Prints

By Joan Slownik

Zebra print can add a playful exotic touch to any outfit or interior. It brings to mind not just casual chic of African safaris, but also something different altogether: glamour, opulence, and style.

Bold and attention-grabbing, zebra stripes can add zest to any look. The black and white combination is timeless and is always present in fashion design (shoes, clothing, and accessories), home design (bedding, comforters, sheets, and pillows), rugs, and other elements. Zebra pattern evokes a feeling of wild, untamed passion with a tropical flair.

With this in mind, it is difficult to imagine that in nature, zebra pattern is intended as a camouflage, helping zebras to blend in with their surroundings.

So, how do zebra's stripes act as a camouflage?

Zebra's markings are some of the most intriguing features of nature. Black and white stripes are unique as fingerprints, helping zebras recognize one another. Zebra patterns are believed to be an adaptation that prevents zebras from being seen by predators such as lions or hyenas.

One may think that such conspicuous patterns would endanger them and make them easy prey. However, it is not so. That's because the zebra's main predator - the lion - is colorblind. Stripes offer zebras protection by acting as a camouflage. In this case the pattern of stripes is much more important than their colors. The wavy lines of a zebra blend in with the surrounding grass and bushes, so if a zebra is standing still, it is practically invisible to the lion.

Also, when all the zebras keep together, the pattern of each zebra's stripes blends in with the stripes of the zebras around it. This confuses the lion, who sees a large, moving, striped mass instead of many individual zebras. It is difficult for him to target any one zebra, or even recognize which way each zebra is moving.

Using Zebra Print In Design

When zebra print and other animal patterns (such as cheetah, tiger, or leopard) are used in design, camouflage is usually the last thing on our minds. They definitely do not blend in with their surroundings!

Animal prints in general stand out and call our attention. They make a bold statement. Words that come to mind are: wild, exotic, fun, flashy - such prints are full of energy and personality.

You can choose anything from coats, jackets, blouses, swimsuits, handbags, jewellery, scarves, shoes, slippers, rugs, bedding, sheets, comforters, pillows, upholstery, lamps, stuffed toys, posters, and other items.

When looking to add animal print to your room decor, clothing or accessories consider what the print does visually, and make sure it fits the message you're trying to get across. Zebra print and other animal textures can make a bold statement and draw attention. Just be sure you want that attention!

About the Author:

No comments: