Why leopard print is this season’s fiercest trend

Whichever way you wear it, big-cant prints have matured into a timeless classic

Sarah Jones
Friday 18 November 2016 10:07 EST
Comments
Walk on the wild side: Dries van Noten Autumn/Winter 2016
Walk on the wild side: Dries van Noten Autumn/Winter 2016

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

From Jean Harlow in the 1930s to modern day muses like Kate Moss, Anna Wintour and Michelle Obama, big-cat style spans the ages.

Once you bypass the Bet Lynch connotations, like wearing a red lip, it looks good with almost anything and is the perfect way to inject your look with a bit of edge.

In the fashion world, leopard has become one of those enduring styles that we never seem to grow weary of. So much so, it’s almost considered a neutral.

Dolce & Gabbana Autumn/Winter 2016
Dolce & Gabbana Autumn/Winter 2016

This season, the meow-worthy print has seen a resurgence both on and off the runway with designers like Prada, Dolce & Gabbana and Dries van Noten unleashing their wild side.

For many, it was the cosseted coat that took the top spot. Bottega Veneta cut theirs both full-length and cropped with a black leather trim while Moschino and Dries van Noten opted for classic fur.

For Dries, leopard spots adorned almost every piece it could; there were printed wide-leg trousers, two-piece suits, blanket scarves and huge furry cuffs.

Perhaps the most unlikely of appearances came from Dolce & Gabbana where a collection steeped in princess-y fairy-tale fantasies merged with Bengal cats, leopard print peter pan collars and an enveloped shift dress. Somehow though, it worked.

Dries Van Noten Autumn/Winter 2016
Dries Van Noten Autumn/Winter 2016

If you’re new to the trend, animal print accessories are an easy entry point, so try out a pair of pumps or a chic bag for an unexpected kick to all-black ensembles.

While a leopard-print coat is indeed a big statement, it’s perhaps the most timeless way to approach the look. Go big or go home with an all over print or opt for something with a printed collar for a shortcut to looking extra elegant.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in