In celebration of both Easter and bunnies, Mélanie Crété, curator of t h i s / o r / t h a t / ? / tumblr, has been posting bunny themed image comparisons for her readers' delectation and decisioning...
Easter is a time to rejoice in all things sickly sweet – from the excessive consumption of Easter eggs to the abundance of tufty yellow chicks and fluffy bunny rabbits that adorn greetings cards and shop windows alike. Bunnies, like chicks and eggs, have long been associated with the religious festival, initially recognised by the Church as symbols of fertility and new life appropriate to the idea of Christ’s resurrection. But there is one bunny in particular that reigns supreme over the Easter season, eagerly anticipated by children worldwide: the Easter Bunny. A chocolate egg bearing rabbit who appears on Easter eve (in the style of Father Christmas) to distribute his baskets full of goods. A predominantly Western tradition, the lapine luminary finds its roots in Germany, where it was first documented in 1682 by professor Georg Franck von Franckenau.
Cutesy and childlike elements aside, bunnies also have transversely kinky connotations. Often linked to female sexuality and allure, this facet of the bunny image – the one most referenced in fashion terms – is epitomised by Hugh Hefner’s iconic Playboy bunnies decked in their satin bunny suits, complete with puffball tails and matching satin ears.
"In celebration of both Easter and bunnies, Mélanie Crété, curator of t h i s / o r / t h a t / ? / tumblr, has been posting bunny themed image comparisons for her readers' delectation and decisioning"
In celebration of both Easter and bunnies (of the mainly sexy variety), Mélanie Crété, curator of t h i s / o r / t h a t / ? / tumblr, has been posting bunny themed image comparisons for her readers' delectation and decisioning. Featuring an array of bunny ears – from velvety Louis Vuitton's to lacy Maison Michel's – on the heads of models, playboy bunnies and, more unusually, fashion designers (Alber Elbaz wears his with particular charm and absurdity), the pictures make for a renewed sense of Easter-bunny-induced joy. Here we talk Crété about Easter egg hunts and how she would work the bunny ear trend...
How did you celebrate Easter as a child?
My parents would organise egg hunts for me and my sister. Although absolutely I loved the idea of the egg hunt, in reality I always found it quite frustrating and never liked it too much! It looked better in TV cartoons.
What’s your favourite Easter tradition and why?
The abundance of fancy chocolate in food markets and stores. I love how much effort everyone puts into the display, which is just as enjoyable as the tasting.
If you were to wear a pair of bunny ears, what would they look like and what would you team them with?
I would probably go for a pair of black lacy ones from Maison Michel which I would team with a denim jumpsuit, Miu Miu black satin Mary Jane platforms and a musk scent. I would be the modern chic bunny.
What’s been your favourite use of animal imagery in a fashion campaign?
I loved when Jean Charles de Castelbajac did the short film Hello Kittyfornia with Mareva Galanter as Hello Kitty. It shows a very sexy Hello Kitty shopping, travelling and getting manicures in Paris to celebrate her birthday. Très fun!
Playboy bunnies or real bunnies?
Playboy bunnies – I've always found them more entertaining.
Eating eggs, hunting eggs or painting eggs?
Eating mini eggs – from February onwards.
Text by Daisy Woodward
