Animal prints tend to garner one of two reactions from the lingerie-wearing crowd. Either one loves them, or one hates them. It seems there is no middle ground. This is probably an argument that has been going on for thousands of years, all the way back to the days of the ancient Greeks. The god Dionysus was often depicted wearing leopard skins, as well as riding on leopards. Dionysus was the androgynous god of wine, of good fellowship, of fertility, of ecstasy, and of physical and spiritual intoxication. His cult was associated with orgies and sexual frenzy. No wonder that today's fashion tends to use this pattern for clothing meant for the bedroom.

Dionysus would likely approve of this chemise and matching thong by Cottelli. It pairs the look of the wild, untamed leopard with a more delicate black lace and pink ribbon. Who says these divergent styles do not go together? Surely, followers of Dionysus would not.

The Basics

This Cottelli set comes in two pieces: the chemise, and a matching thong. The chemise features a leopard print bodice and skirt with a thick band of black lace with a floral pattern around the neckline and bottom hem topped with a delicate, light pink ribbon trim. This pink ribbon forms a small bow at the base of the neckline and high on the left thigh.



As is common with Cottelli's pieces, this set is made of a blend of polyamid (20%), polyester (70%), and spandex (10%). The spandex allows for some stretch, and makes the chemise form-fitting. Whether this is a positive or a negative thing is up to the individual wearing the piece. The neckline dips to a wide "V" shape between the breasts, and the skirt is cut up to the upper thigh on the left side. The cups are unlined and have no underwire, but they are slightly gathered under the breasts, giving some shape, if not support, to the bust line. The chemise has adjustable shoulder straps of black satin. Underneath the bust, the chemise fits snugly against the ribs and stomach before flaring once it reaches the hips. The back falls in a straight line underneath the shoulder blades.



The thong matches the chemise in that it has the same leopard print, along with the black lace at the top of the front and the back. The front of the thong includes a criss-cross of pink ribbon with a little bow on top.



Sizing and Measurements

This Cottelli set is available from EdenFantasys in four sizes: Small, Medium, Large, and XL. Here is the Cottelli size chart showing imperial measurements as well as the metric measurements.



This is my third Cottelli piece. I also have the wet look set and the zip front dress. One of the main reasons I like the brand is that I trust their size chart to be true to what it says. My measurements are 42" (bust), 34" (waist), 40" (hips), so I am a large according to their sizing. Every piece of Cottelli lingerie I have purchased has fit me perfectly, and this is no exception.

You might be interested in a few measurements for this piece. The chemise is 28" long from the top of the cup on the right side to the bottom of the lace of the skirt. On the left side, it measures 18" from the top of the cup to the split in the skirt. Yes, that means the split is ten inches long. In the back, the chemise measures 22" from the top hem to the lace bottom. The thong measures 18" front to back, and will stretch up to 50" at the waistband.

Care instructions and Packaging

Each of the Cottelli brand items I have purchased say to wash dark colors separately. I have washed this item in a lingerie bag and dried it in the dryer with no ill effects. It seems to have retained its shape and did not shrink at all. I do suggest washing this in a laundry bag because of the lace trim. As far as ironing goes, it shouldn't be necessary, as wrinkles fall right out of this piece. At most, you might wish to press over the lace to keep it flat.

The item arrived in a clear, plastic box containing the chemise, thong, and a picture of the set being worn by a model. It would be possible to store the set in the box, but it is just as easy to toss it in a drawer or hang it in the closet.

This chemise has incredibly soft, comfortable fabric. It stretches in such a way that it feels like an extension of my skin rather than clothing. The lace is a little scratchy, but not terribly so. The one issue I have with this piece has to do with the little, pink ribbons. While the ends of the ribbons that are used for the bows have been treated to prevent fraying, the bits at the top of the cups on the bust have not been. On both sides, you can see that they are unraveling a little. Because of that, and the hefty price tag that seems to accompany all Cottelli products, I will give this set four stars.

I know that I just put this review up yesterday, but I have had the nightie over a month, and I know how much I like it. It washes up well, and the fabric is just so soft to the touch! Not to mention, I do love animal prints.