Call of the Wild
Zimmermann goes wild with the fierce feline look.
Louis Vuitton’s interpretation was in full view during the brand’s Women’s Fall Winter 2024 Show.
Hear fashion roar as leopard print returns in a big way for fall. Never really going out of style, the exotic print has over time gained cult status with leopard being code for female empowerment. From the elegantly styled Jackie Kennedy to Scary Spice, and more recently Sofia Richie with her long leopard print velvet coat, the pattern has found itself on innumerable public figures and women of power, each giving off commanding, self-possessed vitality.
On the prowl there’s a new cat in town as leopard leaves the quiet luxury and minimalism styles that have been prevalent in its wake. Whether a proponent of the spotted pattern being a forever neutral or an in-your-face, all-encompassing look, there are numerous ways to wear the provocative pattern. So let curiosity find you releasing your inner strength with an outward trajectory.
Even when giving off strong feline vibes, Maria Chiuri’s collection for Dior always remains demure. A spotted short-sleeved belted jacket with matching shorts combo fell well within the ’60s style that much of the collection gravitated toward. If you're feeling daunted by the animal print's magnitude, there were plenty that served up smaller offerings. Isabel Marant and her team gave us a jolt of the cattish print with large swaths of her collection adding at least one kitty element. Doubling down on her signature ’80s slouchy aesthetics, there were micro-leopard printed jeans, jackets with fluffy leopard lining and low-heeled spotted scrunched boots.
At Masion Alaia, nothing said female might more than a form-fitting leopard coat with black oversized bubble cuffs and hemline in knitted fur. The look was accessorized with a solid black belt and thigh-high boots. Other designers that utilized the spotted coat in their collections include Marni, Louis Vuitton and Zimmermann. The coat adds luscious volume as well as an element of comfort. Remember, no shrinking violet ever decided to dress in leopard. Not for the faint-hearted, these are looks to feel fierce in.
Kim Smith has been a professional wardrobe stylist in Honolulu since 2004. Born a true Londoner, Smith had a successful career in public relations in the fashion industry in London for more than eight years before moving to Hawai‘i in 2002. Smith’s work spans a vast array of magazines, retailers and television as well as working with individual clients on their specific style needs. See her work at kimsmithstyle.com.