30/10/2024 By Daniella Daoud

“If only I knew leopard would be back in fashion. Could have kept all those pieces of clothing for my daughter”

Leopard print has flowed in and out of fashion over many decades, originating from ancient Egypt as well as royalty and making its way through Hollywood galore. It has popularised at different points in fashion by prominent designers, celebrities, and movements, becoming one of the most recycled trends. 

In the 1920s throughout the Jazz Age a lot of women wore the print as a sort of self-assured, animalistic magnetism that also came with the loosening of sexual morals for women, but it was not until the 1947 Christian Dior show that the print was seen on the runway for the very first time. Christian Dior is quoted saying, “if you’re fair and sweet don’t wear it.” 
Leading stars such as Eartha Kirt, Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor were pathing the way and bringing the leopard print to life, making it symbolise confidence and sexiness. This was a turning point in style and fashion, where these movie bombshells wearing this print cemented its reputation as glamorous, confident, and sexually provocative while also conveying the sense of old money and femininity.

It was not until 1962 when The First Lady Kennedy was seen wearing a leopard coat where the leopard print was catapulted into mainstream popularity.

This style moment increased the demand for leopard skin which caused the Endangered Species Act to be introduced, protecting exotic animals. As a result of this, they were bringing more accessible options and making it more ethical. 

Fast forwarding in time in the ever-turning carousel of fashion, trends will resurface when least expected. 2024 was THE year where the fashion world hailed the comeback of one of its most audacious and enduring patterns. From Milan runways to TikTok stars’ wardrobes, the theme is regaining popularity, demonstrating its standing as a timeless, yet modern statement. Interviewing Rita Haddad, who has expressed herself in leopard print and who shares the same love for the style stated, “I like wearing leopard print because it is a timeless closet staple!! And you can style it in so many ways, and for every season. It stands out against the block colours in my wardrobe and adds something fun to my outfit which makes me feel confident.”

The question everyone has been asking is why now? Why this year? It is no doubt that this style thrives on reinvention, however this time the resurgence of the print is a meeting of cultural shifts, nostalgia, and imaginative designers. Nostalgia continues to dominate fashion trends, with designers always returning to the maximalist splendour of the 80s and 90s. The print has been updated for the modern audience now. This year’s versions are sharper and bolder.

A-Listers have been the driving force of the revival of leopard print, like Dua Lipa, Zendaya and Kendall Jenner. All spotted in daring leopard ensembles, while popular influencers on social media have been featured in retro-inspired leopard pieces have also made the print feel fresh as well as accessible.

The commitment to sustainability has been of the main focuses this year and has changed the way the print is produced and consumed. The emergence of eco-friendly materials and high-quality faux fur has enabled designers to replicate that luxurious feel without ethical concerns. Stella McCartney and Gucci have been the leading brands with collections that have prioritised sustainability without sacrificing the IT GIRL style. 

This trend’s versatility is so captivating and has shed the traditional associations with being high-end luxury or the rebellious subcultures. It has the broadest audience. Whether it is a head-to-toe print outfit, or a sleek coat paired with basic colours, it adapts to any vibe.

The comeback this year is more than nostalgia; it is about Gen Z and their reimagination of it on TikTok. It has ultimately been “TikTokified”. From transforming the bold pattern into a cultural phenomenon. 

The rise of “#Leopardcore” on TikTok celebrates that bold style from head-to-toe leopard ensembles styled with exaggerated confidence to accesssories like leopard-patterned nails or hair bows. The print has been reinvented as a modern luxury emblem on TikTok. It’s all about gold accessories and long leopard coats. The combination screams glamorous and “Old Hollywood” mixed with fitted clothing and oversized sunglasses. Mashups of thrifted finds with high-end accessories. Quiert luxury meets leopard. The love that TikTok has for sustainability has made thrifted print pieces a hot commodity. Vintage shops are seeing a huge surge thanks to creators spotlighting retro leopard designers.

“Glamour” has become THE cultural anthem on TikTok and its association with the print is no coincidence. The song’s viral popularity on TikTok, as well as its themes of luxury, confidence and self-expression carried on the trend this year, making it a defining icon of strong, modern style. To pull off this trend, creators used the song to shoowcase them in leopard print, cars wrapped in it and even dogs. “Glamour’s” visual aesthetic and infectious energy really cemented the print as a cultural icon for a new generation and all of this being amplified through TikTok.

This resurgence demonstrates its enduring power as a fashion statement. Bold yet approachable, timeless yet innovative. So whether you’re wearing leopard-print boots or a patterned dress, remember that this trend is more than just a lifestyle. It’s a roar.