Mythology and ancient Indian texts are replete with references to the tiger as a symbol of strength, royalty, fearlessness and kingship. In China, the presence of a tiger is believed to bring good fortune, and in Buddhism, it is a symbol of humility. In Korean folklore and art, the tiger is often featured, as it is believed to have the power to ward off evil. Beyond symbolism, the tiger is also a favored motif in fashion and accessories.
Beyond their symbolic significance, tigers are also popular motifs in fashion and accessories. (Unsplash) {{^userSubscribed}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{/userSubscribed}}
Here are some unforgettable tiger-inspired moments and pieces in fashion, art, and history.
Tiger and ripped jeans:
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Remember back in 2014 when fashionistas were going crazy over jeans that were clawed, fanged and (kind of) designed by tigers, lions and bears? Wow! Yes, “Earth’s only jeans designed by dangerous animals” (that was the tagline). Kamine Zoo in Hitachi, Japan came up with the bizarre idea of wrapping giant rubber tires and balls in denim fabric and throwing them into a pit of tigers, lions and bears. And the animals did what they do best: ripping the fabric, stabbing with their fangs, scratching and biting, and then four pairs of jeans were sewn together: two “designed by lions”, one by a tiger and one by a bear (as the credits said). The jeans were sold on Yahoo’s Japanese auction site, and each pair of “lion-designed” jeans sold for $1,500. Wow!
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Also read: Nora Fatehi flaunts hourglass figure in tiger print mini dress and Rs 50,000 shoes for a firecracker look: All Pics
Sarojini Naidu and her authentic tiger claw pendant:
Poet and activist Sarojini Naidu was often called the Nightingale of India, but instead of a songbird, it was a tiger’s claw that adorned her neck. In fact, two claws dangled from a long gold chain that always draped over her chest. Tala Ali Baig mentioned the claw pendant in her 1974 biography of Naidu. “Sarojini, like any other woman, loved beautiful jewellery and clothes… Later, two tiger’s claws, mounted on a gold pendant and chain, became a staple of her jewellery…” The pendant also appears in Margaret Bourke-White’s 1946 portrait of Sarojini Naidu.
Nike Air Force 1 Low:
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Nike celebrated the Year of the Tiger with the Air Force 1 Low. The upper of this Low version is made from a white canvas material overlaid with a golden yellow and black tiger patterned Swoosh. The tongue features a “T” logo in place of the traditional Nike Air branding, while an elaborate image of a tiger is embroidered on the side of the heel.
MET’s 10 pairs of tiger claw necklaces:
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York is home to a 39.1-centimeter-long tiger claw necklace made in Tamil Nadu in the 19th century. The necklace, weighing 137.2 grams, features gold, gold beads, rubies, emeralds, diamonds, spinels and tiger claws. According to the museum’s description, “The use of tiger claws as a symbol of strength and protection is an ancient motif in India and is also found in 9th-century gold pendants from Java and other parts of Asia. Here, the necklace’s talismanic properties are enhanced by its Navaratan gem setting (nine auspicious gemstones, but here ten for the ten pairs of claws).”
Sabyasachi’s Royal Bengal Minaudière:
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Sabyasachi’s exquisite 8.75 x 4 x 2 inch leather Royal Bengal Minaudiere is one of the Art Deco house’s most popular and highly sought-after products. Available in multiple versions depending on the collection and theme, the Minaudiere features Sabyasachi’s signature Royal Bengal Tiger logo.
Zippo Tiger Lighter:
In 2022, Zippo, perhaps the most coveted lighter brand in the world, launched a series of tiger-themed lighters with a ferocious Bengal tiger engraved on the surface of the lighter. But that’s not all. Zippo has a series of different tiger motifs, including Woodchuck USA Cherry Tiger Head, Tattoo Tiger, Mystic Tiger, Dragon Tiger, and Royal Blue Colorful Tiger.
Zendaya in tiger stripes:
Zendaya has never worn more striped clothes than this one, wearing a tiger-striped mini-suit to the Louis Vuitton show during Paris Fashion Week, paired with a tiger-striped blazer and knee-high tiger-striped boots. The only non-striped parts were her black bralette and exposed skin.
Tiger Rug:
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Tiger rugs became popular and were considered a precious possession during the Qing Dynasty, China’s last imperial dynasty that lasted from 1644 to 1911/12. According to history, the first antique Tibetan tiger rug, made of wool and cotton, was purchased by the Charles W. Engelhard Bequest for the collection of the Newark Museum in New Jersey in 1976 and presented to the Western world. According to the museum, these “skinned tiger skin rugs” were used by Tibetan lamas as seating areas and symbolized the quieting of the ego-centered mind in Buddhist philosophy. The tiger motif, depicted with Buddhist deities, was believed to protect the monks in the monastery. Today, fewer than 200 antique Tibetan tiger rugs exist.
Roberto Cavalli Spring/Summer 2022 Ready-to-Wear:
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To celebrate the Chinese Year of the Tiger (2022), Roberto Cavalli presented a series of tiger-inspired dresses, including a miniskirt and bikini top combo with half a tiger’s face, a long dress with a giant tiger’s face, a pantsuit with a tiger motif, and tiny briefs for men with a tiger’s head tilted just enough to cover the crotch.
Tobacco Tiger Art Installation:
In 2011, the art world woke up to an unusual tiger: the Tiger Rug art installation at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), made from 500,000 “1st Class” brand cigarettes. Created by pioneering Chinese contemporary artist Xu Bing, the installation, titled “1st Class”, is part of his Tobacco Project (2000-2011), a study of tobacco, its consumption and global distribution. Using cigarettes as both material and subject, Bing traced the history and production of the global tobacco trade. Cigarettes were one of the first products to enter the Chinese market from the United States.
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