While to all of us born before the millennium Leopard Print is so engrained in our style that it could almost be considered a neutral – the same can’t be said for the younger Gen Z’s. In fact, leopard print is about to become a major trend. In all honesty, we can’t wait to see our favourite pattern in every store, but let’s cross our fingers that we don’t get sick of it. From Fran Fyne to Kate Moss, everyone can do leopard print.
Image Credits: Right – Kate Moss in Isabel Marant Autumn/Winter 2009 collection leopard print fur coat, for Vogue Paris October 2009
Left – https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/8444318044015845/
Leopard print has a rich history, it is a print associated with power, status, and luxury. In the 20th century, it gained popularity among Hollywood celebrities, especially during the glamorous eras of the 1950s and 1960s, where it became synonymous with elegance and boldness. Leopard print is also a huge staple in the indie sleaze style, with some of our favourite “cool girls” donning the print as their IT girl uniform.
One example of this being Alexa Chung. Previously known for modelling, being a TV personality and her relationship with Alex Turner, the lead singer of one of the biggest bands of the last few decades, the Artic Monkeys and overall being generally chic. Alexa‘s use of leopard print is the effortlessly cool look we all strive for.
Image Credits: Left – https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/179440366384386610/
Middle – https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/570620215302143240/
Right – https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/251638697924629121/
Another iconic use of leopard print is when Naomi Campbell wore it head-to-toe at Azzedine Alaïa’s autumn/winter 1991 show – an image which is a key feature on the aesthetic Pinterest boards of fashion loving Gen Z’s.
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/80290805848662207/
What gives leopard print it’s appeal is ability to transcend seasons and trends – which is further reason that we shouldn’t overdo it with it becoming “trendy”. One designer that’s built it’s brand image alongside it’s avid use of leopard print is Dolce and Gabbana. Recently, Kim Kardashian was the creative director of one of their runway shows in Milan as well as being a new face to the brand. A lot of the looks were 90’s inspired which in turn, included a lot of leopard print.
Image credits: Left – https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/63965257207635494/
Middle – https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/3659243439350145/
Right – https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/251638697924629150/
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/319333429840999157/
What gives leopard print it’s appeal is ability to transcend seasons and trends – which is further reason that we shouldn’t overdo it with it becoming “trendy”. It is a print that isn’t limited to any specific time or occasion. We’ve already seen more of the print on runways and in designer collections, and in fast fashion stores. One designer that has made leopard print a big part of it’s collections and overall brand image is Ganni. Their frilly collared shirts and leopard print jeans being two pieces that particularly stand out to us. Since we view leopard as a neutral, we can almost excuse the price tag. However, a few more budget friendly options are Damson Madder, Asos and Jaded London.
Written By Lauren Dickson
