Leopard print is roaring into the spotlight. Not that it’s ever not in style, but lately there’s been a whole lot more jungle in our fashion streets.
Back in the 1990s, leopard print ruled the runways, with designers like Alaïa, Dolce & Gabbana, and Robert Cavalli leading the charge. Their maximalist, head-to-toe ensembles turned the bold pattern into a statement of high glamor, becoming a driving force for the brands. Over the past three decades, leopard print has never truly disappeared – it resurfaces time and time again.
While some luxury brands like Chanel and Hermès rarely spotlight leopard print as a central theme, others have fully embraced it. Louis Vuitton featured it prominently in collaborations like Stephen Sprouse, while Celine and Saint Laurent have woven it into their rock-chick aesthetic. Today, leopard print is everywhere – from high-end runways to everyday wardrobes, thanks to its availability at all price points. In luxury fashion, however, the focus has shifted toward subtle yet impactful accessorizing – offering a more refined way to showcase this enduring trend.
When it comes to bags, leopard print is as versatile as it is stylish. From luxurious pony hair to printed leather and every texture in between, there’s a perfect option for every style.
Ready to unleash your wild side? I’ve rounded up the hottest leopard print bags to elevate even the simplest outfit.
Alaïa - Le Cœur
Famed for its bold head-to-toe leopard print ensembles in the ’90s, Alaïa has always been a go-to for animal-print accessories. While its vintage leopard totes remain highly coveted on the resale market, the brand’s contemporary designs are commanding attention in the fashion scene.
Enter Alaïa’s Le Cœur — a heart-shaped bag that has been stealing hearts since its 2022 debut. Though classic shades like black and deep burgundy have proven immensely popular, the latest leopard-print addition to the lineup is poised to become the season’s must-have.
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Crafted from luxuriously soft calf hair leather, the leopard-print Le Cœur features a natural-colored pattern that adds a bold yet refined touch. This compact bag transitions seamlessly from day to night, measuring 21 x 17 x 5 cm (8.2 x 6.6 x 1.9 inches). Its zip-top closure keeps essentials secure, while the dainty black leather strap offers versatile wear as a shoulder or crossbody bag.
Alaïa’s leopard-print Le Cœur is available for €1,390 (£1,250/$1,850).
Saint Laurent - Le 5 à 7
Saint Laurent has mastered the art of rockstar chic, from edgy leather biker jackets to chiffon leopard-print blouses. Both former creative director Hedi Slimane and current leader Anthony Vaccarello have a shared fondness for feline-inspired designs, seamlessly incorporating them into the brand’s identity. Naturally, this love for leopard extends to accessories, spanning handbags, footwear, and more.
Among the brand’s most enduring handbag styles, the hobo remains a wardrobe staple. The Le 5 à 7 is leading the charge, a timeless favorite now reimagined. Originally available in classic-grained leather, this signature piece has been given a bold update with on-trend leopard-print pony hair, paired with sleek black Nappa leather details.
Read also: 6 of the Hottest Hobo Bags
Perfect for everyday wear, the small Le 5 à 7 measures 23 x 22 x 5-8 cm (9.1 x 8.7 x 2-3.1 inches) and features an internal zip pocket for essentials. Defined by its leather tab closure adorned with the iconic YSL Cassandre emblem, this bag has timeless appeal. With an adjustable single handle, it can be carried on the shoulder, in hand, or over the crook of the arm for versatile styling.
The Saint Laurent Le 5 à 7 in leopard-print pony hair retails for €2,500 (£2,290/$3,000).
Prada - Medium Printed Handbag
Channeling serious Y2K vibes, Prada expands its east-west handbag lineup this season with the aptly (if not creatively) named Medium Printed Leather Handbag. Offering vintage vibes with a blend of modernity, Prada’s latest animal-print offering is crafted from nappa leather with an all-over honey-colored leopard print design. Elevated further with gold-toned metal hardware and the iconic enameled triangle logo on the front, this bag is definitely a statement.
Read also: 7 East-West Bags That Are Better Than the Y2K Version
Blending vintage charm with modern sophistication, Prada’s latest animal-print creation is crafted from luxurious brushed calf hair and features an all-over honey-toned leopard print. Gold-toned metal hardware and the iconic enamel triangle logo on the front finish this statement piece.
The elongated silhouette of Prada’s Printed Handbag bears a striking resemblance to Alaïa’s highly coveted Le Teckel. Both bags share a sleek, streamlined profile and equally balanced shoulder straps, offering effortless shoulder wear. Measuring 15.5 x 32 x 12 cm (6.1 x 12.5 x 4.7 inches), the bag includes buckle details at the front for added expansion, making it perfectly sized for both day and night outings.
Prada’s animal-print handbag retails for €2,900 (£2,650/$3,500).
Celine - Claude Chain Shoulder Bag
Hedi Slimane’s penchant for leopard print didn’t fade when he moved from Saint Laurent to Celine. At Celine, he continued to embrace the motif, giving it his signature rock-chick twist. The Claude Chain Shoulder Bag reflects this approach, reimagined in fluffy leopard-printed shearling for a seasonally appropriate take on the trend.
Read also: The Hottest Celine Bags for Winter 2024
With a sleek, almost east-west silhouette, the Claude measures 20.5 x 11.5 x 4 cm (8 x 5 x 2 inches). Secured with Celine’s signature Triomphe emblem, it features one main compartment and a small inner flat pocket for essentials.
The non-adjustable gold-tone chain strap offers a Y2K shoulder bag vibes with a drop of 30 cm (12 inches), but can also be carried by hand, or clutched.
Retailing for €2,800 (£2,550) – this version of the Claude is €350 more than its classic shiny calfskin sister.
Louis Vuitton - Petite Malle
While many luxury fashion houses embrace textured leopard prints, Louis Vuitton takes a more dazzling approach with its bold interpretation. Showcased during the French Maison’s Cruise 2025 runway show, the iconic Petite Malle receives an elegant animal-inspired makeover.
Read also: 5 Hot New Louis Vuitton Cruise 2025 Bags
This statement piece draws inspiration from Nicolas Ghesquière’s Fall-Winter 2016 Collection, reimagined in black calf leather and adorned with an intricate leopard print created from thousands of shimmering Swarovski crystals.
All of the Petite Malle’s signature details remain intact, from the iconic S-lock closure to the reinforced metal corners — hallmarks of Louis Vuitton’s luggage pieces. Compact yet versatile, it measures 20 x 12.5 x 5 cm (7.9 x 4.9 x 2 inches) and can be styled as a clutch, shoulder bag, or crossbody thanks to its detachable and adjustable leather strap.
Louis Vuitton’s glittering Petite Malle retails for €7,300 (£6,600/$9,000).
Are you embracing the leopard print trend this season? Which of these bags is your favorite?
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One bag at a time, Avec Anna.
Updated: December 12th, 2024
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