ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Well-spotted
East Village burlesque performer
celebrates leopard print in new book
BY BOB KRASNER
“Leopard print has never gone
out of style!” declares Jo
Weldon.
She should know, having spent a
few years researching and writing
the delightful “Fierce: The History of
Leopard Print”, a book packed with information
and pictures of the fashion
staple.
Kings once forbade commoners to
wear the skins. But the print has found
its way to becoming a great equalizer,
worn by femme fatales, supermodels,
bombshells, Dior clients, pin-up models,
presidents’ wives and, on occasion,
the presidents’ girlfriends.
On Sunday, Lucky – a bar on Avenue
B – was fi lled with a fabulous assortment
of women (and a few men) who
happily surrounded Weldon with the
sartorial elegance of her favorite print.
East Village resident Weldon, a veteran
burlesque performer as well as a
teacher of the art, notes that the leopard
“is a charismatic animal that elicits
a primal response,” adding that, “people
will say things to you when you are
wearing the print when they wouldn’t
otherwise.”
Such as, we wondered?
“Like, ‘Wow lady!'”
The wow factor was acknowledged
by fl oral designer Allison Manne, who
said that she has “come to appreciate
leopard because it can feel playful,
sexy, funky and fi erce all at once.”
She added that, “I haven’t really
worn it before, but I think I will be
wearing it more now!”
Vintage clothing dealer Marie
Suchan and her friend Abby Ehmann,
owner of Lucky, were planning a winter
clothing swap and discussing possible
themes when they settled on an
obvious neighborhood favorite and
Ehmann naturally suggested that they
invite Weldon. The author read from
her book, answered questions and generally
held forth on the many reasons
why the print has remained so popular
over the years.
“It’s a powerful animal that can’t be
tamed,” she explained. “It’s very adaptable.
They represent endurance and resilience.
And the best part of the leopard
print is, it doesn’t show stains.”
Find out more about Jo Weldon on
her websiteschoolofburlesque.com and
follow her on Instagram @headmistressjo.
PHOTOS BY BOB KRASNER
At this book launch, the dress code was obvious. Jo Weldon (center) author,
burlesque performer, educator, activist just released “Fierce: The History of
Leopard Print” at Lucky on Avenue B. Among the guests were Scott Orr and
Delphine LeGoff (top right), Pat Brown (above left) took home an autographed
copy, and Elsa (above right) to whom “leopard prints mean a good time.”
Schneps Media December 16, 2021 21
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