Wouldn't it run out of steam, only to come back even stronger? The question is legitimate and has persisted over the decades as the leopard print continues to conquer the wardrobes of all women, of all ages and all social classes. From the catwalks to the street, this print is making a comeback and invading social networks and boutiques. From small independent brands to the giants of the textile industry and thrift stores, it's official: leopard is back, stronger than ever!
The short history of leopard print
Sometimes loved, sometimes hated, leopard print has been a part of wardrobes for almost 80 years. If before this pattern was mainly the symbol of a certain purchasing power and an interest in the "exotic" that only the very (very) rich could boast of, it was none other than Christian Dior who democratized it. Indeed, the French designer at the origin of the "New Look", made the bold choice to insert this print into his very first collection, in 1947. Very quickly adopted by Jackie Kennedy and then Queen Elizabeth II, it initially became the height of chic and elegance. Twenty years later, the young prodigy Yves Saint Laurent who would also reappropriate this pattern in his collections.
Thirty years later, this animal print would come down from the catwalks and find refuge among the greatest rebel spirits of the punk and rock countercultures like David Bowie and Madonna, who would make the leopard print an essential part of their stage costumes. At the same time, several fashion icons such as British supermodels Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell would adopt it in many of their looks. It was then that leopard print would perhaps seem a little less chic but more glamorous than ever. In addition, the leading designers of the 80s, the Italians Gianni Versace, Dolce & Gabbana and Roberto Cavalli would make it sexier than ever by associating it with tight and sometimes mini cuts.
Finally, during the 2000s, we observed a certain rejection of the leopard print. More divisive than ever, it will be considered far too vulgar for some, who refuted the image of the bimbo or the cagole, who made this pattern the very allegory of femininity and sexy attitude, often associating it with plunging necklines (for example). That was without counting on the recent deconstruction of the bimbo image. Women want to be free to wear what they want and sometimes become inveterate seductresses. So what? How are self-confidence and seduction signs of vulgarity?! Kim Kardashian is the living proof of this, becoming one of the most powerful businesswomen in the world!
The leopard, at the heart of the locker rooms of the biggest stars
Some movie stars have had a real love affair with the leopard. This is notably the case of Catherine Deneuve, who, from the 1960s, made it his personal uniform most certainly thanks to his great friend Yves Saint Laurent, who wore it in particular by means of a big fur coat, like Grace Kelly. Audrey Hepburn, for her part, would rather opt for a small beret, Sofia Laurent for a chapka, while Elizabeth Taylor would prefer it as a scarf.
When it comes to today's it-girls, we immediately think of Alexa Chung, the Olsen sisters or even influencers Camille Charrière and Chloé Sévigny, who have all adopted it rather by touch, mixing it with pieces that are sometimes rock, sometimes bohemian. And that's the advantage of this pattern: there are no rules and it suits all styles and moods!
The big comeback of the leo
1 billion, that's the number of views of Tiktok videos with the hashtag #leopardprint. At the same time, leopard print is at the heart of the 2024 collections. Saint Laurent, of course, chooses to associate it with furs, Dior with many jackets, Ganni on pants that Gen-z are crazy about, Celine rethinks it on fitted jackets, while Jean-Paul Gaultier, Ferragamo and Giorgio Armani mix it with many fake furs.
Moreover, even streetwear has taken advantage of it, as evidenced by the collaboration between Adidas and Wales Bonner, who have designed a collection of sneakers that have sold out incredibly quickly!
Sometimes on sweaters, sometimes on shoes, coats or vests: leopard is everywhere!
The essential (and timeless) accessory of a wardrobe
It is clear that the leopard print has been at the heart of fashion for almost a century. And even if the trend sometimes fades, it always comes back, so we can definitely say that it is essential in our wardrobe, no matter our "style"!
For the most cautious, adopting it by touch, and therefore, through an accessory would then be the best option! But the question that remains and persists is the following: why buy new when you can find it in a vintage version?
At Seconde Vue, we have a very large collection of leopard-print glasses. From the big Alain Mikli glasses from the 2000s, to the small Thierry Mugler glasses from the 90s or even the Patrick Kelly with more original shapes straight out of the 80s, we have a range of leopard glasses that will suit all styles! Small or big, discreet or exuberant, Seconde Vue has found the most beautiful vintage glasses for you!
Discover now online or in store.
