Leopard print is undoubtedly one of the standout trends in 2024 fashion. What’s exciting about this year’s iteration is how the pattern has evolved into a more refined, wearable version, making it easier to incorporate into both casual and formal outfits. Instead of the loud, in-your-face prints of the past, the trend now leans towards more neutral, earthy tones, darker hues, and irregular patterns that make the print feel sleek, sophisticated, and versatile.
"It is both deviously playful yet powerfully debonair, with a femme fatale je ne sais quoi that emboldens the wearer."
New York Post
Jennifer Lopez rocked a head-to-toe ensemble that championed leopard print, courtesy of Italian luxury label Valentino.
Stars like Rihanna, Zendaya, and Hailey Bieber have been spotted rocking the iconic pattern in both bold and subtle ways, from red carpet gowns to casual streetwear. Their choices often reflect the versatility of the print, showcasing how it can transition seamlessly between edgy and sophisticated looks.
Kim, as seen on her official Ig page
Zendaya. Best Image / BACKGRID
Image Credit: JAVI, HEDO
Leopard Print is nothing new, but a century-old love affair with fashion
Leopard print is far from a fleeting trend—it’s a timeless symbol of power, luxury, and individuality that dates back to the early 20th century. Its roots in fashion trace back to the 1920s and 1930s, when the pattern began to appear in haute couture collections as a nod to exoticism and glamour. During this time, wearing animal prints, including leopard, was a status symbol, often associated with wealth and sophistication.
1947 – Dior presentation Jungle dress
In the 1950s, leopard print saw a major revival thanks to icons like Christian Dior, whose designs incorporated the pattern in bold yet elegant ways. Hollywood stars like Marilyn Monroe and Eartha Kitt embraced leopard print in their wardrobes, cementing it as a staple of Old Hollywood glamour.
The 1970s and 1980s saw leopard transition into a symbol of rebellion and edge, favored by punk and rock musicians who used the print to challenge conventions.
Marilyn Monroe
Audrey Hepburn
Claudia Schiffer
Early 2000's
Paris Hilton’s iconic Halloween costumes have always made waves, including her 2007 leopard-print look at a high-profile party. This costume was a sultry take on feline allure, emphasizing her love for bold and glamorous styles. The outfit added to Hilton’s reputation for effortlessly turning Halloween into a fashion moment.
Janice from the FRIENDS was so ahead of her time when it comes to the leopard-print trend, and she regularly embraced a full-on head-to-toe look.
Jewel Valentine(Liv Tyler) looks so stunning in a leopard print dress, in the movie One Night at McCool’s (2001)
Image Credit : Getty Images
Nicki Minaj also showed up in a leopard-print dress at the Givenchy fashion show during New York Fashion Week in 2015.
Today, leopard print is enjoying yet another resurgence, evolving with the times while retaining its timeless appeal. Whether worn as a head-to-toe statement or a subtle accent, the pattern continues to symbolize confidence, boldness, and a touch of wild allure. It’s proof that fashion trends may come and go, but true classics never fade away.
So, whether you channel the roaring 20s or lean into modern interpretations, wearing leopard print is a way to connect with a century-long legacy of daring style.