Despite its maximalist positioning, the leopard print is perennial; enduring no matter what stage of the trend cycle we are in. Even Mr. Christian Dior had fallen for the famed print—for his debut show in 1947, the designer developed a leopard motif alongside silk manufacturer Bianchini-Férier, and continues to endure today as a house code.
The Mizza leopard motif gets its name from Mizza Bricard, a supremely elegant but somewhat mysterious woman, who Monsieur Dior regarded as his muse, and who always had some leopard somewhere on her outfit, frequently as a print on the scarf permanently wrapping her wrist. pic.twitter.com/i1XGOrCZ86
— Dior (@Dior) June 30, 2022
From Bob Dylan’s immortalisation of the print into the ‘Leopard-Skin Pillbox Hat’ in 2015, reasserting the print’s dominance within the rock ‘n’ roll aesthetic; to becoming a cornerstone of indie sleaze in the naughties à la Kate Moss: the leopard print undoubtedly is one that lives forever.
Bold it may be, but it is precisely the classic quality of the leopard print that has established itself as a statement staple. From bags to minis; shoes to outerwear; the print is one that the fashion set loves to return to time and time again, asserting itself in the wardrobe as easily as a neutral hue.
In this iteration of the revival, it seems that it is not just a matter of the leopard, but other animal prints—like zebra or tiger prints—are also making a splash on the streets too (naturally keeping it faux, of course). As the statement pattern rides fashion’s current maximalist wave, we’re also exploring how to wear the print in a flurry of textures and accessories.
Below, Vogue Singapore’s guide to incorporating the print—and its many counterparts—into your wardrobe.
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Levelling up your accessory game
Elevate any plain outfit with a statement accessory—in this case, the animal print scarf. Styled here as a shawl, it allows the look to feel more considered, while doubling as a practical layer against overzealous air conditioning amidst the summer heat.
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A flurry of textures
A neutral palette doesn’t mean it has to be boring. With an array of textures from leather to sheer tulle to a furry hood hat, the animal print adds a final touch—here, using a zebra pouch tied together by using the same colour palette as the moc toe loafer.
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Toga Virilis Ssense exclusive black and white metal loafers, $620
Available at Ssense.
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Off-duty formulas
Leopard print proves its versatility in an off-duty guise. Rendered as jorts and paired with matching clogs, the animal print lends itself surprisingly well to everyday dressing, striking a balance between polish and insouciance.
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Dr. Martens Zebzag suede casual slingback platform mules, $209
Available at Dr. Martens.
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Suited up
The classic suit doesn’t need to be just a suit-and-tie. Change up menswear’s perennial codes with varying silhouettes or texture; here, a brushed coat adds a different dimension to the look, alongside a quilted button-up and twill baker boy hat.
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Just a hint of print
All-black knows no bounds, no matter the occasion. Give the classic monochromatic look a twist by anchoring it with just one central print. Throw in a fluffy scarf too for good measure (and texture).
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Philipp Plein double-breasted leather coat, $10,820
Available at Farfetch.
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Collegiate codes with an attitude
Oscillating between preppy and punk attitudes, the oversized pleated collar and lace trimmings find their foil in a chunky leather platform loafer; with the leopard print anchoring the two aesthetics.
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Simone Rocha beaded sailor-collar mini dress, $2,251
Available at Farfetch.
