Given that the weather has temporarily (we hope) pressed pause on flimsy sundresses and their ilk, why not take a sartorial swing at in-between season styling opportunities. Leopard print, which has fashion search engine Lyst has seen a 60 per cent increase since the start of the year, is emerging as the inter-seasonal wardrobe pivot we’ve frankly been calling out for.
Ganni, the Copenhagen based titan of guaranteed cool, has made its blotchy leopard print a core concern. Erin O’Connor helpfully showcased its appeal at an event last week pairing her coat with a heavenly languid silk dress in a chic tobacco-shade, giving it just the right amount of punch. See also Jennifer Lawrence at Dior’s cruise show in Scotland where she leaned into the so-called mob-wife aesthetic with a leopard coat elevating her simple white vest, canny. You can pick up something similar to Lawrence’s look at Rixo.
Denim is a great way to reinterpret the classic. Damson Madder is another brand which has turned leopard into a staple, as well as very good swimwear (I’m sold on its ruched one piece) its structured button through top is a unique take, I like the idea of wearing it with a black base or blue jean. I’m also into Mint Velvet (side note: the once unforgettable mail order brand has had quite the chic glow up) for its denim knee length skirt, pair with a simple crew neck sweater in grey or black for a dose of Parisian-signalled cool.
For the more minimally minded, a soupçon pop of the print will serve you well. Flip flops are having their own resurgence, for a double trend-hit skirt your eye over Brazilian original Havaianas latest collaboration with Italian leopard-connoisseurs Dolce & Gabbana (also available in zebra should you wish to expand your animal-patterned repertoire) which launches today.
Thinking French is always helpful when considering leopard print which can obviously very easily veer into naff-dom. Sezane has a super sweet shoulder bag which you could throw on with anything, see also its popular Matilda pointed ballerina flats which will see you well into autumn.
Your key leopard print pieces:
