At a point in time, around two decades ago, we all owned and proudly wore skinny leopard print leggings, the thought of which makes us embarrassed now. At the time, this trend allowed us to express our individuality and feel like style icons, even if we later grew to dislike it. Well, I’ve got news: animal print, particularly leopard print, has made a remarkable resurgence in the fashion world, captivating designers and celebrities alike.
This trend has a rich history that dates back centuries, initially serving practical purposes rather than just aesthetics. Ancient cultures, including Roman emperors and Egyptian pharaohs, adorned themselves in animal skins to symbolise power and status. If we trace its story to the recent decades, the 1930s marked a pivotal moment for animal prints in fashion. The film Tarzan the Ape Man (1932) showcased characters in daring animal patterns, igniting public fascination. This era saw manufacturers capitalise on the trend, leading to an explosion of animal print garments. By the 1940s, figures like Christian Dior began incorporating leopard print into high fashion, elevating its status further.
An iconic moment in the 1960s was when Jacqueline Kennedy wore a leopard coat in 1962, solidifying the print’s place in mainstream fashion and popular culture. Throughout the decades, animal prints evolved alongside cultural shifts. The post-war era of the 1950s celebrated femininity and sophistication with Dior’s designs featuring elegant animal prints. The 1960s saw the Bohemian movement democratise these prints, making them accessible to all and transforming them into symbols of rebellion against traditional norms. The punk culture of the 1970s embraced animal prints as a statement of individuality and defiance, with artists like Iggy Pop donning bold patterns on stage. The 1980s brought excess into play, with loud and vibrant animal prints dominating everything from dresses to accessories; celebrities like Madonna made them a pop culture staple. By the 2000s, a revival occurred as stars like Kate Moss and Amy Winehouse incorporated leopard print into their edgy styles, making it synonymous with rock and roll chic.
After a long and impactful run, the animal print trend almost vanished. But fast forward to 2024; this trend is back with a vengeance! This revival is heavily influenced by the mob wife aesthetic—a trend that combines streetwise flair with high-end fashion. This style is characterised by striking animal designs paired with luxurious faux fur coats and bold accessories reminiscent of iconic figures like Victoria Gotti and Carmela Soprano. Several high-profile designers have embraced this trend in their latest collections. Versace showcased its opulent designs featuring dramatic leopard prints on dresses and accessories; Balenciaga reimagined classic fur coats using vibrant animal patterns that demand attention; and Prada’s recent spring collection consisted of a coat that showcases subtle yet sophisticated take on animal prints that appeal to modern sensibilities. Fausto Puglisi, the creative director of Roberto Cavalli, showcased the signature animal print dresses in different colours in a tribute to the founder.
Celebrities are also leading the charge to revive this trend. Dua Lipa wore a stunning leopard-print corset recently, while Hailey Bieber effortlessly incorporated a leopard-print scarf to her daily casual look, adding that chic element. Rihanna has embraced the trend by going head-on with a full leopard print ensemble consisting of a dress and a long robe with a matching print. Social media platforms like TikTok have played a significant role in popularising this resurgence; influencers are dubbing 2024 as the year of “loud fashion,” where bold statements are celebrated over minimalistic aesthetics.
While many report animal print as the new neutral, I believe we should own this print as it is – bold, chic, and oozing power.. This print has transcended time and trends, evolving from a symbol of power to a fashion staple embraced by all. Its recent resurgence highlights not only its enduring appeal but also its ability to adapt to contemporary styles. As we step further into 2024, expect to see more daring combinations of animal prints gracing runways and red carpets alike – proving once again that this timeless pattern is here to stay!
