Cookie Lyons vs. Carine Roitfeld: Choose Your Animal Print-Loving Style Icon

Can we just get this out in the open? Carine Roitfeld is pretty much sex on a stick—and her version of leopard print reflects that. As if showing off those killer stems in a can’t-fail LBD and sky-high stilettos weren’t enough, she goes and tosses on a long-line leopard print jacket over the whole thing, just to kick things up a notch. This look is a total show stopper.

Photo: Getty Images

Mango Leopard Faux Fur Coat, $150, mango.com

H&M Long-Sleeved Blouse in Black, $25, hm.com

H&M Pencil Skirt in Black, $35, hm.com

Zara Leather High-Heel Shoe with Perforated Detail, $119, zara.com

This leopard print outfit is classic Cookie: In your face, and over the top. Honestly, who says you shouldn’t match your micro-mini dress to your asymmetrical fedora to your handbag? The only thing surprising us here is the fact that Ms. Lyons’ manicure isn’t leopard, too. There’s no camouflage here, people!

Photo Courtesy: FOX

Michael Michael Kors Leopard Print Logo Plate Jersey Dress, $130, nordstrom.com

Chico’s Amelia Cheetah-Print Fedora, $49, chicos.com

Vince Camuto Leila Shoulder Leopard Bag, $248, dillards.com

Holy Burmese babe! Snakeskin (well, real snakeskin) is one of the most expensive leathers in the world—and Carine’s not afraid to show off what she’s got… and then some. Here, the CR Fashion Book editor sports an all-python ensemble, with a moto jacket style-top and peplum skirt—a gutsy look, for sure. Then, in what we’d typically consider to be more of a Cookie Lyons move, Carine chose to accent her outfit with even more animal skin (in this case, a brown fur coat), which she tied effortlessly around her waist. Why wear one animal, when you can wear two?

Photo: Getty Images

Elizabeth and James Corlyn Python-Effect Leather Jacket, $1,495, matchesfashion.com

Michael Michael Kors Python Print Pencil Skirt, $161, farfetch.com

Frame Denim Le Bow Silk-Georgette Blouse, $270, net-a-porter.com

Falke Pure Matt 20 Tights, $30, net-a-porter.com

It takes major cojones to rock python print and shoulder pads—and Cookie’s got it. She lets her power shoulders do the talking in a snakeskin blazer, skinny hoop earrings, an oversized gold chain necklace, a sassy red lip, and a stare that could asphyxiate even the largest of prey. Like, say… an adult deer or antelope. If looks could kill, Cookie would be constricting us all. Photo Courtesy: FOX

Stella McCartney Snake-Jacquard Blazer, $840, theoutnet.com

H&M Long Jersey Tank Top, $6, hm.com

H&M Suit Pants with Fringe Trim, $60, hm.com

H&M Pumps in Black, $40, hm.com

We’re fairly certain that Carine Roitfeld is the only woman in the world who’s capable of wearing a glittery, body-con, zebra-print dress—and still looking like the classiest broad on the block. The editrix keeps things cool in the busy print by accessorizing with slept-in hair (and makeup—a Carine staple), plus a simple black scarf tied around her neck. Rawr… or in this case… neigh? What sounds do zebras make, anyway?

Photo: Getty Images

Topshop Zebra Print Shirt Dress, $110, topshop.com

Zara Stretch Scarf, $16, zara.com

Aldo Cadawen, $55, aldoshoes.com

It’s kind of crazy how similar Cookie’s zebra-print dress is to Carine’s no? Same glitter, same fit, same slit in the front. We never quite pegged Ms. Lyons as a Francophile, but we’ve been wrong before! But where Roitfeld kept things cool with rumpled hair, Cookie glams it up with bombshell waves and a side part. This girl’s got a fresh blowout, and she’s not about to sleep on it anytime soon.

Photo Courtesy: FOX

Balmain Rhinestone Zebra Print Dress, $1,677, stylebop.com

Gianvito Rossi Suede Pumps, $633, matchesfashion.com

Because there are only so many actual animal prints in the world, Carine occasionally decides to switch up her wardrobe by adding in some imaginary versions. This one-shouldered, red leopard print gown—with its sequined side panel and thigh-high slit—exemplifies her ability to pull off literally anything. Who’d have thought that something as out-there as red leopard print… could look so sophisticated?

Photo: Getty Images

Fausto Puglisi Leopard Print Long Dress, $2,145, farfetch.com

Saint Laurent Jane Leather Sandals, $695, net-a-porter.com

Cookie’s version of red leopard takes on a decidedly vintage vibe. Her dress, with its slightly ballooned sleeves, low-cut neckline, and wrap silhouette, wouldn’t look out of place on a siren from the ‘70s. And, in spite of its punched-up hue, it’s a relatively toned down, soft look for the lovely Ms. Lyons. We want to touch her hair real bad. Hey, not even the fiercest of leopardesses (or should we say, Lyons?) can be on the attack all the time.

Photo Courtesy: FOX

Forever Womens Long Sleeve printed Bodycon Long Stretchy Midi Dress in Leopard Red, $12, amazon.com/fashion

Ann Taylor Twisted Hooped Earrings, $40, anntaylor.com

Baublebar Large Gold Tassel Pendant, $38, baublebar.com