Across the glittering streets of Paris, the fashion elite gathered for the Spring/Summer 2025 edition of Paris Fashion Week, and one unmistakable trend lighted up the catwalks: leopard print. Known for its wild roots and versatility, this bold pattern has made a resounding return, sweeping up celebrities and designers alike. From the iconic Kate Moss to newcomers on the scene, everyone seems to be embracing the return of this daring print.
With the Paris Olympic Games wrapping up just weeks prior, the city has been abuzz with style and glamour as it hosts A-listers from around the globe. Fashion Week, held from September 23 to October 1, showcased not only the freshest designs but also echoed the historic significance of leopard print throughout the ages.
Leopard print isn’t just trendy; it's practically timeless. The print has affiliations as far back as ancient Egypt, where pieces of fabric were adorned with similar patterns. More contemporary associations link the style to everyone from the famous Bet Lynch to the rock-infused glam of Mel B. Yet, it's often termed as understood as neutrals are: easy to match with various wardrobes and styles.
During this season, the trend kicked off as Kate Moss was spotted wearing a stunning leopard print coat, making waves at various shows. Likewise, pop icon Hailey Bieber turned heads with her stylish ensemble back home, continuing the leopard love across the pond. Meanwhile, designer brands also took notice—Prada unveiled their own luxurious take on leopard print with standout coats on their catwalk.
And it's not just high fashion that's feeling the heat of this trend; the high street is riding the wave too. Ganni's Izey jeans, emblazoned with leopard spots, have become staples among young fashion enthusiasts, selling out faster than suppliers can restock. Marks & Spencer's leopard print wide-legged jeans, priced at £45, have amassed over 12,000 people on their waiting list.
Data collected from various fashion platforms also display the surging interest of leopard print among consumers. From July to August, searches for 'leopard print' saw a whopping 91% increase, with Pinterest users noting unprecedented surges, particularly for leopard print jeans—which skyrocketed by 2990% since last year. Such waves of interest haven't gone unnoticed; fashion writer Lauren Cunningham expressed, "Leopard print adds extra interest to my wardrobe and is easy to pair with anything from shirts to jumpers."
This dramatic comeback of leopard print is often linked to the shifting tides within fashion itself. For years, the minimalist aesthetic ruled supreme, with its muted tones and quiet luxury dominating runways and retail. Today, leopard print seems to be offering colorful relief from this trend—a stylish escape without going overboard. This revival can also be tied to the wider Y2K nostalgia, drawing from the era's fondness for bold prints and risqué styles. After all, who could forget Scary Spice's audacious outfits?
While the contemporary appetite for leopard print is soaring, its history reveals some transitions worth noting. Jo Weldon, author of Fierce: The History of Leopard Print, highlights its evolution—mentioning how clothing adorned with spots was unearthed from Tutankhamun’s tomb! This historical lineage reinforces its status as both classic and chic, proving it’s more than just passing whimsy.
Leopard print has also toggled between fashion-forward and faux pas. While starlets of the silver screen like Joan Crawford and Audrey Hepburn wore it like badges of honor during the 1920s, the print's association with luxury also intertwined with controversy. The late Jackie Kennedy triggered leopard skin’s demand spiking—which had devastating impacts on actual leopard populations, leading to conservation efforts by the 1970s, with the leopard becoming endangered by then.
Now, leopard print enjoys its role as the quintessential chameleon of fashion. It can convey elegance and glamour simultaneously, seamlessly fitting various vibes—from high-end soirées to casual outings. Fashion expert Lauren Cunningham describes the pattern as not just classic but also playful, likening it to "a perfect mix of vulgarity and elegance." It reminds wearers of the grandeur of the past, urging them not to take life too seriously during tumultuous times.
Paris Fashion Week itself served as the perfect backdrop for this statement trend. Stars strutted from show to show, with appearances by A-listers like Elton John, who showcased his unique flair with bold patterns, and Salma Hayek, donning lace and pearls—all the spotlight highlighted not just individual creativity, but the growing acceptance of mixed prints—leopard being foremost among them. Meanwhile, the likes of Colman Domingo, Harry Styles, and Andrew Garfield brought even more glamour to the occasion, with each flaunting their chic looks as they shared moments at the Valentino show.
The energy at the shows was palpable as attendees and participants celebrated the return of leopard print. Diane Kruger stood out among the fashion elite, opting for cozy fringe sweaters over leopard-print tights. Freya Allan, known for her role on The Witcher, strutted in sleek leather at the Isabel Marant showcase, encapsulating the modern allure of the print and leather combination that's also trending.
It’s exciting to note how current trends are not only reviving styles from yesteryears but are also celebrating personal expression—a sentiment echoed by many at the event. The revival of leopard print also aligns with what many perceive as more power and play during challenging times, breaking away from the minimalist silence and making room for spirits to manifest through prints.
While some may question how long leopard print will dominate the fashion scene, its rich history suggests this trend has lasting power. Fashionistas, from those who remain loyal to the print no matter its popularity, to those who just got onboard, find themselves enlivened by the adventurous spirit leopard print tends to evoke.
So as the lights dimmed on yet another exciting Paris Fashion Week, one thing became clear: leopard print is no mere blip on fashion’s radar—it’s roaring back, redefining standards, and giving people the bold statement pieces they crave to express themselves creatively.
