I’m not usually drawn to prints—I prefer bold colours with interesting detail—but I’ve always gravitated towards leopard print, ever since my teens.

There’s something about the warmth of the print that works with almost every colour. From luxury designers to high street brands, leopard print is everywhere.

When it comes to embracing the print, you can go subtle or make a statement. Personally, I love to go all out—I’d happily wear leopard print shoes, a bag, and even a coat, all at once! But depending on your style and taste, you can just add a hint of it if you’re curious to give it a try.

There are many tones of leopard print, so choosing what matches your skin tone is crucial.

My obsession started when D&G released their 1995 SS 1996 Women’s fashion show, ‘Le Eolie,’ featuring garments with leopard and zebra prints. I was obsessed with the richness of the print, the cut of the dresses, and the hair and accessories – I just fell in love. I remember cutting out the looks from fashion magazines. Naomi and Kate Moss were my favourites.

Then came the Madonna campaign in AW10. She was my icon – I had all her albums and was known as the Madonna fan at school. She was the icing on the cake for me, and again from D&G.

Obviously on my part-time wage and with student fees, I couldn’t get a D&G piece, so I opted for high street. I wore the print on t-shirts and jeans, and kept it quite casual.

My first dress was a leopard print velvet dress from Topshop Oxford Street (concession). I used to work at the iconic branch so I was able to get some discount! That dress was worn at any occasion – dressed up and down, I loved it so much.

The older I got and moved into luxury fashion, quality became paramount. Seams had to be clean and the cut needed to be in proportion. There was also a stereotype when it came to leopard print growing up – from EastEnders’ Kat Slater to Birds of a Feather’s Dorien, to name a few…

As I was fortunate enough to work for Gucci, I was able to get a sneak peek at luxury items and the look books!

Heres a few ways you could embrace the print- a few of my favourite looks:

The Power Blazer Look Nothing says confidence like a tailored leopard print blazer. Pair it with sleek black trousers and a crisp white shirt for the office, or throw it over a simple black dress for evening drinks. The structured silhouette keeps it sophisticated while the print adds that wow factor.

Accessory Drama If you’re hesitant about full leopard, start with accessories. A leopard print scarf can transform a basic outfit, while leopard heels instantly elevate jeans and a blazer. I love mixing different leopard accessories – bag, shoes, and belt – for maximum impact without overwhelming the look.

The Statement Dress A leopard print dress is your secret weapon for any occasion. Choose a midi length in silk or crepe for versatility. Dress it down with denim jacket and trainers for weekend brunch, or add strappy heels and gold jewelry for date night. The print does all the talking, so keep everything else minimal.

Casual Cool Leopard print doesn’t have to be dressy. A leopard tee with high-waisted jeans and white sneakers creates that effortless French girl vibe. Layer with a camel coat in winter or tie a denim shirt around your waist for added texture.

Full Commitment For those ready to make a real statement, try the monochromatic approach – leopard coat over leopard dress, or leopard top with leopard skirt in different scales of the same print. It’s bold, it’s fearless, and it’s absolutely stunning when done right.

image taken from net-a-porter.

Embrace Your Wild Side

Leopard print isn’t just a pattern – it’s an attitude. It’s about confidence, boldness, and refusing to blend into the background. Whether you’re taking your first steps with a subtle leopard scarf or going full throttle with head-to-toe print, remember that fashion is about expressing who you are. From those early days cutting out magazine pictures to working in luxury fashion houses, my love affair with leopard has taught me that some styles are truly timeless. So go ahead, embrace the spots, own your style, and let your inner wildcat roar. After all, life’s too short for boring prints!

xxx