Worn by everyone from Beth Lynch to Mel B, and sometimes referred to as “neutral” by fashionistas, the leopard is a style so strong that it’s ancient in Egypt. But in 2024 it will have a fashion moment again.
Last week, Kate Moss wore a leopard print coat to show at Paris fashion week, while Hailey Bieber was spotted in a similar outfit in LA. Leopard has also been on the catwalk – with Prada showing leopard coats this month – and popular on the high street. Ganni’s Izey jeans are now a hit at thirty-one stores nationwide while Marks & Spencer’s £45 wide-leg leopard print jeans have sold out on the site. Due to be booked again this week, they have a waiting list of 12,000.
The numbers show how much interest has risen. Between July and August, the fashion search platform Lyst reported that searches for “leopard” rose by 91%. Focus on two things – leopard print shirt and jeans. Pinterest says searches for “leopard print jeans” have increased 2990% since last year. Depop, meanwhile, reports that searches for “leopard print clothing” have increased 296% since June, with an 83% increase for “leopard print jeans” over the same period.
Fashion blogger Lauren Cunningham has bought jeans. “As a neutral fashionista who was tired of my clothes, they helped add interest,” she says. “Plus, it’s easy to style whether it’s jumpers, shirts or T-shirts.”
It is believed that the recent popularity of the tiger is due to a change in fashion. “For a while now we’ve seen the rise of quieter things with a more subdued vibe,” he says. “Leopard print seems to offer a relaxed vibe without being OTT.” He also links the current interest to a major Y2K revival: “The trend is known to run for 20 years, so it came about because of its bad reputation – just think of Scary Spice,” he says. Of course, the leopard print dates back even further than the Spice Girls. Jo Weldon, author Horror: The History of Leopard PrintIt is said that a leopard print was found in Tutankhamun’s tomb. Genuine leopard skins were popular in the 1920s – women in the 1920s wore them as a badge – but film stars such as Joan Crawford, Jayne Mansfield and Audrey Hepburn helped boost the print’s reputation, and Christian Dior showed in his books. couture collection in 1947.
It wasn’t all printed more than fur, however. Jackie Kennedy wearing a leopard fur coat in 1962 saw the need for these skins increase – it is estimated that a quarter of tigers died as a result, and the leopard was placed on the endangered species list in 1972. Leopard print rather than fur remained in the next few decades.
It got a rock’n’roll revolution in the 70’s and 80’s when it was worn by Debbie Harry, Mick Jagger, Divine and Tina Turner, while in the 90’s it went through all the Spice Girls and Britpop groups including Lauren Laverne’s Kenickie .
Leopard print is still compatible with several styles. In 2024 it’s a very stylish look that can be seen as cute, but it also shows elegance, which suits the brat-style party girl. Weldon says his longevity is down to the chameleon quality. “It acquires different meanings in different times. The economy is difficult, the politics are dangerous. Leopard print reminds us that we can play, we can think about the beauty of nature, and that we can stay strong in the midst of difficult times.
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If printing can change as it is now, there are some who are loyal to the tiger regardless of its popularity. Moss is a longtime fan of leopard coats, wearing one to her 30th birthday party in 2004, while stylist Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele is featured in the new collection. In Vogue: 90swearing leopard Uggs, in a room with leopard prints.
Laura Antonia Jordan, assistant editor at Elledescribes the Alaia leopard print dress as a precious piece in her wardrobe. “I think so [leopard print] he always has a moment,” he says. “There’s always room for a tiger. [It’s] old fashioned but a little ugly: a mixture of ugly and beauty. “
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