The look of leopard

Tread lightly this season, Bwana. It's a jungle out there.

Not only are Louis Vuitton, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana and Roger Vivier releasing wild leopard print slouch bags and satchels this awards season.

Some fashion-forward actresses -- and top trendsetters such as Vogue editrix Anna Wintour and super-haute Hollywood stylist Rachel Zoe -- are already on the prowl in slinky leopard print silk dresses, coats, blouses, even Ugg-style boots, platform heels, long scarves and belts.

Blame it on Jack Nicholson in "The Departed."

We couldn't help notice that Frank Costello, Nicholson's Irish mafia boss in Martin Scorsese's return to the mean streets, wears a leopard print tie in a scene when his demeanor changes from friendly to fierce. He also lounges around in a leopard print bathrobe that, frankly, looks like it came from the actor's closet.

The untamed neckwear is fitting since Costello is desperately sniffing out and hunting down a "rat" -- played by Leonardo DiCaprio -- that threatens his criminal network.

In the film, Nicholson's wild-at-heart necktie is a subtle signal of a survival-of-the-fittest struggle. But what do leopard spots say about the casual wearer?

Perhaps the print signals that the person is unpredictable, a keen observer, fierce when startled and extremely dangerous.

Or that they just want people to think they are.