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 began in the mid-90s, when Dolce & Gabbana released their Spring Summer 1996 women’s collection, Le Eolie. Leopard and zebra prints dominated the runway, and I was completely captivated. The richness of the prints, the cut of the dresses, the hair, the accessories. I fell in love instantly.

I remember cutting out the looks from fashion magazines and keeping them like keepsakes. Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss were my favourites. Effortless, confident, and impossibly cool, they embodied everything I admired about that era.

At the same time, boxing was hugely influential in my life. Saturday nights were a family ritual. Dinner together, then boxing on ITV. I know many people will resonate with that feeling. There was one boxer in particular who completely caught my attention. Prince Naseem Hamed was a total showman in the ring. I loved watching him. His entrances were unforgettable, his confidence magnetic, his presence raw and real. His boxing attire was often leopard print, and I will never forget one entrance where he arrived on a matching leopard print magic carpet. It was unbelievable and incredibly entertaining.

What I loved most was his character. No frills, just authenticity.

I was also a tomboy. Some days I wanted to dress like a boy, baggy jeans, hoodies, street style. Growing up in Walthamstow, that was simply part of the culture. Prince Naseem gave me that edge and showed me that leopard was not just for dresses or glamour. It could be powerful, cool and worn on the streets, I loved it even more.

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 Dorian, 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 going full leopard, start with accessories. A leopard print scarf can switch up a basic outfit instantly, and leopard heels will always elevate jeans and a blazer. Effortless, but effective.I love mixing leopard accessories too. Bag, shoes, belt. All at once. Maximum impact without it feeling forced or overdone. It’s about balance and confidence.I even bought some adidas boxing-inspired leopard print boots and honestly… they were vibing.

The Statement Dress A 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 and leave it to the outfit.

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