My Impressions of Angelic Pretty's Girly Leopard Series

©Girly Leopard, Angelic Pretty

Angelic Pretty released their Girly Leopard series to their USA website on October 26th. This use of a leopard print is quite a step for this iconic lolita brand. Here are my initial impressions of the series.

Spots, spots spots!

©Metamorphose temps de fille

Truthfully, when I saw the title of this release as it displayed in my email inbox I was very surprised. Could Angelic Pretty have made a series with one of the most controversial print themes in our alternative fashion's history?

All I could picture was the 2008 Heart Leopard Print Babydoll Pinafore Dress by Metamorphose. The dress design and print does make quite a statement and not one that I am particularly fond of. I must give Metamorphose temps de fille credit that, even a decade later, this particular dress made such an impression.

To click, or not to click?

A wonderful mix of curiosity and trepidation engulfed me as I clicked to view the release at the shop. I must say that I was extremely surprised at the dresses and accessories I found for this new series. 

©Girly Leopard Jumperskirt, Angelic Pretty

©Girly Leopard One Piece, Angelic Pretty

Looking at the dress design...

Both dresses have a very classic style. The jumperskirt especially reminds me of the design of AP's Princess Cat Peplum. The bodice is very similar, and the overskirt with a center bow is unmistakable! As Princess Cat Peplum is one of my favorite dresses, I like the shape of the Girly Leopard pieces.

©Princess Cat Peplum Jumperskirt, Angelic Pretty

©Girly Leopard One Piece, Angelic Pretty

Both of the Girly Leopard pieces have...

♦ faux fur with gems
♦ an overskirt layer
​♦ the series print
​(features frames with: shoes, lipstick, roses, hearts, pearls and gems on a leopard background)

©Girly Leopard Jumperskirt, Angelic Pretty

©Girly Leopard One Piece, Angelic Pretty

If I had to choose my preferred piece for this series, it would have to be the one piece. I really like the heart-shaped bodice, sheer chiffon sleeves and the faux fur collar. The Jumperskirt design is nice, but I am not sure how I feel about the trim on the top of the bodice being completely constructed of fur.

As for the print, I think the design team did a fantastic job with taming such a wild theme. However, the elements in the print would still be stunning without the leopard pattern in the background.
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And now for my favorite accessories!

These are my favorite accessories from the release. I love that all of the accessories of the fake fur pieces. I would love to add the beret, ankle covers, and fur tippet to my Winter lolita wardrobe!

...and my not so favorite.

Animal ears. I enjoy the ability to incorporate ears into a lolita coordinate, when it feels relevant to the outfit. Dresses with depictions of animals with corresponding animal ears to me feels much more complete and lolita appropriate.  While the dress print has the leopard pattern and is the main element, I do not believe the print is enough to carry the addition of animal ears to the coordinate.
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My final thoughts​

I applaud Angelic Pretty's ability to tame such a wild pattern. The print has lovely elegant motifs and a great use of faux fur. Additionally, the similar aesthetic to Princess Cat Peplum is a lovely choice. It will be interesting to see if this release will be one filled with success or just a passing release.
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For me, this is not a release I would initially purchase. I feel that the leopard print is too bold for me personally. I'd like to add the beret, ankle cuffs, and tippet to my Fall and Winter lolita wardrobe. I am very excited to see how the Lolitas who purchase either of these dresses coordinate their outfits!

What do you think? Do you like this release? How do you feel about the while print?
​As always, I would love to read your responses!

Stay Frilly,