ON THE PROWL

IT’S a jungle out there. And we can blame it on Jack Nicholson.

Not only are Louis Vuitton, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana and Roger Vivier releasing wild leopard-print slouch bags and satchels this awards season but some fashion-forward actresses -- and such uber-trendsetters as Vogue editor Anna Wintour and stylist Rachel Zoe -- are already on the prowl in slinky leopard-print silk dresses, coats, blouses and even Ugg-style boots, platform heels, long scarves and belts.

And, yes, we say it all comes back to Jack. We couldn’t help noticing that Frank Costello, Nicholson’s Irish Mafia boss in Martin Scorsese’s “The Departed,” wears a leopard-print tie in a scene where his demeanor changes from friendly to fierce. He also lounges around in a leopard-print bathrobe.

The untamed neckwear is fitting, since Costello is desperately sniffing out and hunting down a “rat” -- played by Leonardo DiCaprio -- who threatens his criminal network. In the film, Nicholson’s wildat-heart necktie is a subtle signal of a survival-of-the-fittest struggle.

But what do leopard spots say about casual wearers? Perhaps that they are unpredictable, keen observers, fierce when startled and extremely dangerous. Or they just want people to think they are.

Elizabeth Snead writes the Styles & Scenes blog at TheEnvelope.com.

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FASHION POLL: HERDING CATS

They’re fierce and friendly, sporty and spotty and they come in all shapes and sizes. But not everyone can pull off the look of a leopard. Go to TheEnvelope.com to weigh in on who you think wears it best: Elizabeth Hurley, Jack Nicholson, Rachel Zoe or Ellen Pompeo.