THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Monday, October 7, 1996               TAG: 9610040167
SECTION: DAILY BREAK             PAGE: E1   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: BY KIM WADSWORTH, SPECIAL TO THE DAILY BREAK 
                                            LENGTH:   61 lines

FASHION: WILD ONES IT'S A JUNGLE OUT THERE: FROM KNITS TO FAKE FUR, COLORFUL ANIMAL PRINTS ARE STAMPEDING ONTO THE FASHION SCENE

If you think you're seeing spots before your eyes, you're right. Animal prints are out of hibernation and on the racks, proving again the timeless appeal of fake skins.

You'll find playful prints in leopard, zebra and giraffe. Also popular are snakeskin and python prints.

The animal look is worked into knits, or printed on suede or pony skin. And the fascination for faux fur is stronger than ever.

It only takes one animal print element to make a statement, although an ensemble can make onlookers wild with admiration.

``Sometimes if you put the hat, the shoes, the belt together - all in animal print - it's too much,'' says Anne Goldman, of J. Goldman Shoes in Virginia Beach. ``It's just that touch of print on the collar and then on the animal print shoe that makes a fashionable statement, especially when you're a professional woman.

``We've already bought for spring, and we're seeing this trend moving forward into the next season, showing the compatibility of animal themes with clothing design. It's definitely here for a while.''

Women of taste can feel comfortable wearing the fake-believe look for casual and evening wear. But, advises Goldman, beware of fake fur of poor quality. It can look bulky and cheap. Buy quality pieces that offer an ``Out of Africa'' look that withstands time. ILLUSTRATION: [Color Photos]

BETH BERGMAN

The Virginian-Pilot

Wild Things

Lots of animal print elements make up Michelle's look, starting

with a leopard print hat by Sonni, $99. Two-piece,

mock-crocodile-trim suit with leopard inset by Lori Weidner, $228.

Gloves with animal print gauntlet trim, $35, and panther earrings,

$28, all from Lili's of Ghent.

Fake-Believe

Mix it any way you want. Jacqueline Ferrar tiger print blouse,

$49, is paired with leather vest by Mix It, $148, and stretch pant,

$34, all from J.C. Penney. Giraffe print shoe, $155, from J. Goldman

Shoes.

Out of Africa

Everybody has a favorite animal. Clockwise from top: Brown calf

shoe, $98, by Coup d'Etat from Emmy's Salon Shoes at Lili's. Giraffe

loafer, $155, from J. Goldman's Shoes. Leopard eyewear by La Font,

$169, from Selden Optique. Leopard bag by Lisette, $180, from J.

Goldman's Shoes. Patent leather and faux fur bag, $38, from Emmy's

Salon Shoes at Lili's.

CREDITS:

Fashion Coordination, Styling and Make-up: Kim Wadsworth

Model: Michelle Griffith of Glamour Model & Talent Ltd.

Location: The home of Leslie and Larry Siegel. by CNB