Of course it is divisive, given some less desirable connections (including last year’s dominant ‘mob wife’ aesthetic), or dismissed with the belief it is too kitsch, to be high fashion. Regardless, like clockwork it comes back around every few seasons, landing firmly in the ‘must-have’ trend pile.
Many point to leopard print’s consistent return as a social symbol of a desire to be a little wild and free, of punky rebellion and fun. It has a certain connection to style icons known for steadfastly going their own way fashion-wise, and becoming much-copied because of it.Think: Brigitte Bardot, Françoise Hardy, Debbie Harry and Kate Moss.
Jackie Kennedy Onassis made the leopard coat a status symbol in the 1960s, thanks to her Oleg Cassini leopard fur coat, and in more recent times Chloë Sevigny’s masterful mix of vintage leopard and eclectic accessories made it feel fresh again.
This season it’s not just the spots emerging across slinky dresses, tees shoes and bags. There’s a whole safari full of animal print from zebra to reptile (and the much more familiar Down under, cow-skin print) being worn by the most influential of fashion figures.
“As you get older, the snake is more chic than the leopard,” former Paris Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld once boldly proclaimed.
We’re not completely convinced by Roitfeld’s take, but we are of the belief the best looks right now involve just a touch of animal print, rather than an in-your-face, all-over approach.
Lucky then, that so many brands are on board with a smorgasbord of leopard and zebra-print items and accessories easily thrown on with the season’s best tailored looks and trending denim.
Here’s what we’ll be adding to otherwise simple outfits for spring and summer:
Anine Bing
Prada
Puma
Zara
Saint Laurent
Balmain
Bared
Dior
Adidas
Ganni
Rixo
