The leopard print has prowled the fashion realm for ages, oscillating between being “too much” and triumphing as a mainstay. The streets have it that 2026 is the year of being loud and bold, and so animal prints like the leopard motif are making a strong comeback—not as a costume to be a certain someone, but a deliberate choice for confidence.
This brings us back to some of the iconic moments in fashion history featuring this roaring print. Christian Dior, for example, is known for his penchant for leopard print—one of the very first designers to give the feline a spot on high fashion runways. His predecessors, including Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan, John Galliano, Raf Simons, and more, were equally fascinated by the motif and incorporated it in their ready-to-wear and even Haute Couture creations.
On the other hand, fashion icons such as Audrey Hepburn—the leopard print pillbox hat by Hubert de Givenchy she wore in Charades—and the first lady Jackie O’ Kennedy, solidified the print as “respectable” to the mainstream fashion consumers.
The print began to earn its countercultural edge in the swinging sixties, in parallel with the rise of the youthquake culture. Biba, the revolutionary fashion label by Barbara Hulanicki, cemented the appeal of this print with garment designs and also stamped it on furniture and homewares. While the popularity of leopard print reached its peak in the 1960s, it was also tarnished by connotations like being tacky and vampish.
In the 1980s, the leopard adopted a grittier skin adorned by the glam rock and punk scene, which later became the epitome of the “more is more” ethos of the era. The ferocity headed back into the fashion lexicon as a true classic, with celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Naomi Campbell, along with fashion designers Gianni Versace and Roberto Cavalli, amplifying its influence in the fashion world.
The leopard print has now become a day-to-day favourite. The print, however, demands a nuanced exercise in composition—styling the feline can be a hassle. Still, if done right, it speaks with a ferocious heartbeat. To ace it, we are taking cues from our favourite Asian celebrities known for their bold sartorial choices, from our cover star Namtan Tipnaree to Celine’s brand ambassador, V from BTS.
The Many Ways to Style Your Leopard Print Pieces
Leopard with Denim
Photo Courtesy of @namtan.tipnaree, @loverrukk
The perfect harmony of wild and casual is achieved when leopard meets denim. Our cover star Namtan masters this balance, pairing a sheer leopard top with classic denim shorts and a matching denim Valentino DeVain. For a layer of cool, follow PP Krit’s lead by throwing a leopard-print jacket over a simple tee, instantly elevating a basic outfit. Meanwhile, Freen Sarocha—who graced our previous cover—demonstrates how to soften a dressier piece. Her luxurious, fur-trimmed leopard top finds effortless equilibrium when anchored by the relaxed vibe of denim, creating a look that is poised yet laid-back. And who will say no to a cropped furry top covered in rosettes? Love Pattranite‘s take on pairing her leopard and denim ensemble with a red bag and flats is one for the books.
Leopard and Black
For a sleek and powerful contrast, nothing sharpens a leopard’s bite like the depth of black. This duo creates an instant silhouette of modern glamour. Mina of TWICE offers an exemplary look, going all out with her leopard-knit top and sleek black knee-high boots to stomp the streets. IVE’s Yujin flips the formula, using a black crop top to ground and highlight a bold leopard skirt, creating a dynamic focal point.
For structural brilliance, take a cue from Love, who sandwiches a leopard cami between a black blazer and shorts, framing the print with sophisticated polish that white collars who dress for a 9-to-5 can take reference from. For a fresher take, leave it to TWICE’s Nayeon to turn the savage print into a demure look. Pairing her spotty mid-length pencil skirt with a soft cardigan in black that drapes over her shoulders gently, the feline looks as tamed as it could be, perfect for a night out or even just out for quotidian tasks.
Leopard Print as Accessories
Photo Courtesy of @thv, @riize_official
For those who prefer a hint of the hunt, leopard print in accessories provides the perfect provocative accent. It’s a touch of whimsy and daring that personalises any ensemble. V of BTS—long known for his fondness for the print—-showcased its elegant potential, tying a leopard-print scarf beneath a tonal beige coat, adding a layer of playful intrigue to an otherwise quiet and refined look. Similarly, Shotaro of RIIZE infused his casual streetwear ensemble with a jolt of personality by topping it with a playful leopard-print furry hat, proving that even the smallest spot of leopard can transform an entire attitude.
READ MORE
A Modern Revival: The It-Girl Bags That Are Making Their Comeback