Animal print in fashion has a long, impactful history. From the sexual liberation of the Jazz Age, with icons like Josephine Baker paving the way, to designers like Elsa Schiaparelli, Christian Dior, and Roberto Cavalli designing animal print pieces for some of their first collections, the wild trend has always symbolized Black confidence, strength, and resilience—especially leopard and cheetah prints. We saw these prints all over Fall/Winter 2026 runways, on scarves at Prada, and coats at Willy Chavarria, Ralph Lauren, Carolina Herrera, and many more.
Time and time again, we're reminded that these prints aren't going anywhere, with Paris Fashion Week street style serving as the most recent example. Whether it's a full look or a shoe, bag, or gloves to add a wild touch, we're arguing that this fall, cheetah print is the new neutral.
Photo: Spotlight Launchmetrics
Photo: Spotlight LaunchmetricsIn Paris, show attendees and fashion lovers wore full leopard print ensembles: a coordinating jacket and skirt paired with mint green heels for a maximal, clashing touch in one case, and a long-sleeved maxi dress paired with platform boots and leather opera gloves in another.
Photo: Spotlight Launchmetrics
Photo: Spotlight Launchmetrics Others paired one leopard print garment with basics and neutrals. One attendee paired a leopard-print mohair sweater with classic jeans and a Celine medallion belt in one case. In another example, a sequined knee-length pencil skirt was paired with loafers and a beige oversized button-up top.
Photo: Shutterstock
Photo: ShutterstockFor Valentino's Spring/Summer 2027 show in Paris, Zoey Deutch and Alexander Skarsgård both wore leopard print coats by the house, the former a floor-length iteration with dramatic fur cuffs, and the latter a midi-length version.
Now, excuse us while we stock up on leopard print for fall and beyond.
