The leopard is an apex predator: powerful, adaptable, and impossible to domesticate. Leopard print is an apex fashion statement: powerful, fluid in meaning, and impossible to ignore. From being the most prized insignia of kings and warriors, to a pop culture fashion staple that is so common we now take it for granted, this is the story of leopard print, and how a pattern adapted by nature has never lost its bite.

Join New York Adventure Club as we trace the storied path of the fabric pattern known as leopard print, while celebrating some of its fiercest wearers throughout history.

Led by theatrical fashion historian Jo Weldon, author of Fierce: The History of Leopard Print, our virtual journey into the colorful history of leopard print will include:

• The importance of leopards in early civilizations, and why the animals have been associated with gods and royals for the past 2000 years
• The evolution of leopard print over the ages, from being worn by ancient Egyptian pharaohs to dandy young European men in the 18th century
• Fashion icons and pioneers who elevated leopard print as a cultural statement, including Jackie Kennedy Christian Dior, and RuPaul
• How disco and punk made leopard print cool again after being labeled 'tacky' for much of the 20th century
• The 101 on how to tell leopard print from other patterns, such as cheetah, jaguar, or ocelot

Afterward, we'll have a Q&A session with Jo — any and all questions about leopard prints are welcomed and encouraged!

Dressing up in leopard print and sharing via Instagram (@historyofleopardprint + @nyadventureclub) is highly encouraged :)

Can't make it live? Don't worry, you'll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually!

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you're using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

About Jo

Jo Weldon is a theatrical fashion historian who has been costuming exotic dancers and burlesque performers for decades, and is herself an internationally touring burlesque instructor and performer. After a lifetime of admiring and wearing leopard print, she began to research its history in Western popular culture. She discovered that its legacy is intertwined with the history of global trade, the democratization of fashion, and feminism.

She has presented lectures on the history of leopard print around the world for the past six years, and her book Fierce: The History of Leopard Print was released by HarperCollins in 2018. The book was featured in The Metropolitan Museum of Art bookstore during their 2019 exhibition on Camp. She is currently a scholar in residency at the New York Public Library, researching fashion history and its intersections with and dependency upon alternative lifestyles and the demimonde.

http://www.historyofleopardprint.com

Testimonials

"Jo was a fabulous speaker & the material presented was so interesting. I was into the New Wave scene in the 70’s so I remember a lot of the styles that were included in this talk!" -Sima

"Jo is an excellent speaker and presenter. I'd listen to her talk about dirt" -Celia

"I liked the speaker, Jo Weldon. She clearly knows her topic and her passion for it brought it to life." -Lynnette

"Really good research to support and expand knowledge for every one who loves leopards & leopard prints/textile/art. Also, her generous questions and discussion!" -Elaine

"The event was organized very well; Jo Weldon was very interesting to listen to and engage with; it was similar to attending a traditional lecture. Enjoyed being able to see the chat and question bar." -Maria

"Very good! I ordered Jo's book Fierce and can't wait to read it and I think that's a tribute to how well the event was presented and how exciting the subject matter was!" -Joleen

"It was so fun and informative on such a specific topic!!!" -Tatiana

"Jo was great and her mastery of the subject was impressive. She was fantastic. It was nice to have fun and learn something at the same time." -Diana

"Lots of engaging, interesting information. I learned a lot." -H

"I liked Jo's personality and excitement and knowledge for the topic" -D

"So much more than I expected. Very fun." -Ana

"Fun and informative!" -Roxanne

"The speaker was well-informed but also ‘entertaining’ - conversational rather than academic- and her passion was evident." -Mary

"The speaker brought a caring consciousness to her research. She honored the animal, the indigenous regions, histories of both appropriation of culture and respect for culture. She saw the intersection of economics and race, class and diversity. All this was so warm and friendly and informative. Just a pleasure in every way. I feel educated." -Joe

"She was knowledgeable, engaging and concise." -Ilene

"Jo is a wonderful speaker. I enjoyed her presentation and appreciated that there were no technical difficulties when I joined." -Michelle

"Very engaging, entertaining, and knowledgeable speaker and presentation on something that is timeless!" -Charles

"The pictures and the speaker was so knowledgeable." -Stephanie

"I loved the historical path from Leopard skins to current day leopard prints." -Julia

"I loved the topic. so different and interesting and all the pictures." -Noelle

"The topic was very different and the speaker was well prepared." -Andrea

"Delightfully and skillfully presented. Well organized. Fun. Personal and informative." -Brenda

"Everything!! Very interesting and Jo's humor makes it even better!" -Michelle

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Categories: Virtual, Art & Entertainment