A dress in luxurious silk devore features an archival 1920s leopard print and a chic knot accent at the waist. Photo: Ferragamo
It’s usually the leopard that prowls the runways, but over the last season and into the current one, other animals are making a bold dash down the runways.
There are tiger stripes at Chanel, python patterns at Stella McCartney and hagfish skin, a primitive, eel-like marine animal, at Fendi, along with a few more creature features from other big names in fashion.
Whether real or printed, whichever animal the inspiration comes from, animal skins are undeniably glamorous, magnetic and fiercely eye-catching.
Plus, they’re surprisingly timeless too, since the fashion pack never truly lets them go.
That enduring appeal can be seen in Fendi’s Autumn/Winter 2025 ensemble.
Made from hagfish hide with an inlaid chevron motif in dark brown and caramel, inspired by an archive Fendi design, the Italian label’s skirt, boots and mini bag are all crafted from the same unusual leather.
Read more: The 2026 fashion conversation: Expect a return of thoughtful, timeless designs
Equally exotic is Fendi’s skirt suit with matching boots and bags.
This dress in tiger stripes is enhanced by a tactile finish, as a raised, textured motif brings depth and visual interest. Photo: ChanelYes, the model on the runway carries two of its popular Peekaboo bags, one small and one large in karung (an aquatic snake native to South-East Asia) skin printed with the brand’s Leo Animalier leopard motif.
How’s that for a fashion bite with bite?
The leopard motif on Ferragamo’s Spring/Summer 2026 dress is an archival print from the 1920s, the era the brand was founded.
The green and yellow creation in luxurious silk devore fabric has a knot accent at the waist, plunging neckline and softly flowing shoulder detail.
A yellow, feathered bag amps up the outfit’s flamboyance.
Roberto Cavalli takes the spotlight with a leopard-print blouse and jacket from its Autumn/Winter 2025 collection.
This statement duo is paired with wide-leg trousers in a molten-lava print. Hot.
Slithering into style is a python-print cocktail number from Stella McCartney.
Rendered in rich shades of brown, the serpentine-inspired pattern is paired with big, bold, 1980s-style linebacker shoulders for maximum drama.
There’s more: a matching bag! McCartney’s latest signature Falabella bag comes in a delicious chocolate brown, python hide-like finish.
It’s made from Yatay M, a pioneering vegan alternative that can be embossed to resemble snakeskin and ostrich leather, innovated using fungi mycelium and recycled materials.
Read more: High on hues: Why bold colour dressing is fashion’s ultimate mood booster
Valentino offers the fashion-conscious male something to roar about too.
For Spring/Summer 2026, there’s a zebra-print shirt with a zip-front closure and funnel-neck collar, creating a sleek, sophisticated outline that frames the face and delivers a chic, contemporary look.
The tiger prowls next at Chanel’s Metiers D’art 2026 showcase in the form of a sheath dress cloaked in the majestic animal’s black-and-orange stripes.
What makes it even more arresting is the tactile finish. The motif is textured and raised to the touch.
Talk about untamed elegance.
