Leopard print (an open rosette pattern, not to be confused with the similar dot-like cheetah print) has truly been one of the biggest, most definitive trends of 2025. “Leopard and other animal prints were extremely prevalent across the fall/winter 2025 runway shows, everywhere from smaller avant-garde designers like Duran Lantik and Martine Rose to established French Maisons like Saint Laurent and Valentino,” explained Cosmo fashion director Brandon Tan. “And while the motif is undoubtedly of the moment, I’d also argue that it transcends any period of relevance. It’s timeless.”
Now, if you’re on TikTok, you might have caught some of the ongoing discourse about whether leopard print is a “neutral.” Is the print popular, easy to style, and abounding on the streets? Yes, yes, and yes. But “neutral” might not be the best way to describe it. Because here’s the thing: A bold animal print, especially one that used to be (and sometimes is still) labeled as either “classy” or “trashy” depending on the wearer, is inherently not neutral. That’s something that legendary Cosmo editor-in-chief Helen Gurley Brown knew well. It was because of leopard print’s provocative nature, not its neutrality, that she pasted it across the floor of her office in wall-to-wall carpet, as both a physical and symbolic foundation of her fearless coverage.
And in 2025, who gets to decide what type of statement leopard print makes, in an age where it’s designer-approved and influencer-beloved, while still carrying the dregs of a former association with class-based “tackiness” and stepping “too far” out of line? As TikToker @ocean_bythesea says in a viral video, “Leopard print is polarizing. Leopard print allows people to project an array of different ideologies.” Those ideologies could be ones of generational wealth and status or a desire to cosplay glamour and boldness because leopard print is inversely tied to economic downturn in the same way that bold lipstick and other smaller luxuries also are.
So when someone says that leopard is a neutral, they don’t actually mean that the subversive animal print is apolitical or as unassuming as black, gray, or white. What they mean is that leopard is an entry-level bridge, a gateway drug, a way to dip your toe into statement-making clothing or displays of abundance, a safe vehicle for bold expression, and an insistence upon our right to beauty and opulence.
So in the spirit of the moment, we invited 29 of New York’s most stylish sartorial minds to sit down in their very best leopard and chat about how the print makes them feel. Is it their safety blanket, their everyday staple, their way to be loud? A new trend they’ve embraced, a core component of their personal style, or a longtime friend? While it varied from tastemaker to tastemaker, a clear pattern emerged: Power. Glamour. Shock. Timelessness. Oh, and several had worn leopard print to a funeral.
Gayle King, 70
Occupation: Journalist
Social handle: @gayleking
My fashion icon is: Colman Domingo
How I would describe my personal style: Classy and fun
The next best print or pattern is: Color block
Leopard will always be iconic because: It’s universal
Is leopard print a neutral? Y/N?: Pretty much
If I could style one celeb in leopard print, it would be: Taylor Swift
Chelley Bissainthe, 28
Occupation: Model, entrepreneur, actor, and cultural voice
Social handle: @_slimthin
I wear leopard print to feel: SEXY
My fashion icon is: Rihanna
How I would describe my personal style: Versatile, fun, chic, whatever I want it to be
The next best print or pattern is: Paisley
The boldest place I’ve worn leopard print: On TV
Leopard will always be iconic because: Cats are badass
Is leopard print a neutral? Y/N?: I like to think so
If I could style one celeb in leopard print, it would be: Teyana Taylor
Do you really know the difference between leopard and cheetah print?: I actually don’t—let me Google it though
The designer who does leopard print best: Roberto Cavalli
Honey Balenciaga, 24
Occupation: Dancer
Social handle: @honey.balenciaga
I wear leopard print to feel: Closer to my feline side.
The boldest place I’ve worn leopard print is: In the sheets
If I could style any celebrity in leopard print: Beyoncé! Just kidding. Maybe Ice Spice. I think she would look really hot in leopard print
Margaret Josephs, 58
Occupation: Designer, entrepreneur, TV personality
Social handle: @therealmargaretjosephs
How I would describe my personal style: Maximalist socialite glamour with a ’70s vibe
The boldest place I’ve worn leopard print: In the bedroom
Leopard will always be iconic because: It’s an instant “all eyes on you moment,” and it is so empowering
If I could style one celeb in leopard print, it would be: Pedro Pascal—his masculine take on leopard would be so hot
Do you really know the difference between leopard and cheetah print?: A leopard doesn’t change its spots
Liana Satenstein
Age: 16 (I got a guardian to sign off)
Occupation: Writer
Social handle: @liana_ava
My fashion icon is: Madonna, “Ray of Light” era
How I would describe my personal style: Minimalist with a little freak
The boldest place I’ve worn leopard print: A wake
Is leopard print a neutral? Y/N?: Yes, Plum Sykes and Michael Kors said so
If I could style one celeb in leopard print, it would be: George W. Bush
The designer who does leopard print best: Tom Ford–era Gucci
Isan Elba, 23
Occupation: Founder of Beauty Forward, creator, and DJ
Social handle: @isanelba
My fashion icon is: I don’t really have. It’s whoever’s outfit I see on Pinterest that inspires me that day.
How I would describe my personal style: Chic and sexy. I like a flattering silhouette but also want to feel put together and like a boss.
The boldest place I’ve worn leopard print: Outside? I kind of feel like you’re making a statement wherever you wear it!
Leopard will always be iconic because: It’s an It Girl staple. All of the iconic 2000s movies had some sort of leopard print in the It Girls’ room.
If I could style one celeb in leopard print, it would be: Greta Thunberg
Do you really know the difference between leopard and cheetah print?: No, I just know that one animal is faster than the other
Isabel Timerman, 28
Occupation: Writer, model, and content creator
Social handle: @Isabeltimerman
My fashion icon is: 2000s Victoria Beckham
How I would describe my personal style: Desperate Housewives–core!
The boldest place I’ve worn leopard print: A corporate job interview. (I did not get hired)
Leopard will always be iconic because: It looks expensive even when it’s not.
If I could style one celeb in leopard print, it would be: Hillary Clinton
The designer who does leopard print best: Roberto Cavalli, of course. Dolce comes in second!
Laurie Cooper
Occupation: Real estate
Social handle: @Laurie_cooper_realty
I wear leopard print to feel: Happy
My fashion icon is: Victoria Beckham
Leopard will always be iconic because: It makes a statement
If I could style one celeb in leopard print, it would be: Cate Blanchett
The designer who does leopard print best: Veronica Beard
Jade LeMac, 21
Occupation: Recording artist
Social handle: @jadelemac
I wear leopard print to feel: Confident
My fashion icon is: My dad, first and foremost! Also Jacob Elordi and Tyler, the Creator
How I would describe my personal style: It's a blend of masculine streetwear but also not masculine at the same time in its own unique way.
The designer who does leopard print best: Christian Dior
Beca Michie, 21
Occupation: Actor, model
Social handle: @becamichie
I wear leopard print to feel: Confident
The next best print or pattern is: Polka dots
The boldest place I’ve worn leopard print: Meeting the parents
Is leopard print a neutral? Y/N?: Yes
If I could style one celeb in leopard print, it would be: Zendaya
The designer who does leopard print best: Roberto Cavalli
Julia Mervis, 25
Occupation: Creator
Social handle: @juliamervis
I wear leopard print to feel: Like myself
How I would describe my personal style: My style is ever-changing, but it never loses its confidence.
The boldest place I’ve worn leopard print: To sleep (I have like five pairs of leopard PJs)
If I could style one celeb in leopard print, it would be: My best friend Jake [Shane]
The designer who does leopard print best: Dolce & Gabbana!!! Valentino or Jimmy Choo also. HOWEVER…I saw some fabulous animal print happening at Chanel’s MÉTIERS D'ART 2026. Matthieu is a genius!!!!
Samah Dada, 31
Occupation: Chef, TV host, and founder of Dada Eats
Social handle: @dadaeats
My fashion icon is: Michael Jordan in the ’90s
How I would describe my personal style: Comfortable and chic. It’s influenced by menswear and includes nods to my Indian heritage. Oh, and lots of jewelry!
The next best print or pattern is: Pinstripe
The boldest place I’ve worn leopard print: To sleep?? Imagine being fashionable while you dream
Mickey Boardman, 59
Occupation: Editorial director
Social handle: @askmrmickey
How I would describe my personal style: Alcoholic housewife
The next best print or pattern is: Houndstooth
Leopard will always be iconic because: It packs a visual punch and always elevates the tone
Is leopard print a neutral? Y/N?: It goes with everything
If I could style one celeb in leopard print, it would be: Hunky Taylor Zakhar Perez or the Princess of Orange
Sunshine, 23
Occupation: Rapper
Social handle: @sunshinebenzi
I wear leopard print to feel: Sexy!
How I would describe my personal style: I’d like to describe my personal style as runway-ready, eccentric, and empowering.
The boldest place I’ve worn leopard print: Onstage!
If I could style one celeb in leopard print, it would be: Doechii
The designer who does leopard print best: Vivienne Westwood
Gisue Hariri, 69
Occupation: Architect, entrepreneur, and fashion designer
Social handle: @haririandhariri, @gisue.hariri, @aabeecollection
My fashion icon is: Ava Hariri-Kia
How I would describe my personal style: Confident and dignified
The next best print or pattern is: Persian calligraphy
The boldest place I’ve worn leopard print: At the Cosmo headquarters
Leopard will always be iconic because: It symbolizes power, agility, and strength
If I could style one celeb in leopard print, it would be: Willa Bennett
The designer who does leopard print best: Prada
Dylan Givens, 28
Occupation: Producer (advertising)
Social handle: @dylanngivens
I wear leopard print to feel: Cuteiful & Cunt™️
How I would describe my personal style: Dsquared2 on a budget (for now)
The boldest place I’ve worn leopard print: A funeral
If I could style one celeb in leopard print, it would be: Jacob Elordi 😍He looks good in anything
Morgan Hill, 33
Occupation: VP of Design at Diane von Furstenberg
Social handle: @morganfhill
I wear leopard print to feel: Mischievous
My fashion icon is: My boss DVF, Molly Gunn, and Parker Posey in Party Girl
The next best print or pattern is: Zebra, but shhh do NOT tell leopard
Leopard will always be iconic because: Leopard is a great equalizer. One could have amazing taste or be the tackiest broad on 14th Street, but in this particular moment, the motive is a mystery.
If I could style one celeb in leopard print, it would be: Pope Leo
Do you really know the difference between leopard and cheetah print?: Baby, I’m a print designer for DVF—we can identify a serval from an ocelot. But yes, a cheetah has an all-over solid dot pattern, whereas a leopard has open, irregular blotches.
The designer who does leopard print best: Diane von Furstenberg
Ella Katz, 25
Occupation: Creator and host of Taller Toddlers, actor, producer
Social handle: @tallertoddlers and @ellaakatz
I wear leopard print to feel: Like Miranda Priestly.
The next best print or pattern is: Cow print
Do you really know the difference between leopard and cheetah print?: No idea, I think I accidentally wore cheetah print to this shoot.
Ava Hariri-Kia, 26
Occupation: Model
Social handle: @lava_ava
My fashion icon is: Monica Bellucci and my mom
The next best print or pattern is: Tartan. Shoutout Scotland!
The boldest place I’ve worn leopard print: The courthouse
Leopard will always be iconic because: I wear it
Do you really know the difference between leopard and cheetah print?: The difference is between the spots, right…?
James Schull, 28
Occupation: Health
Social handle: @your_daily_schull
I wear leopard print to feel: Mischievous. Who knows if I’ll change my spots?
How I would describe my personal style: Weathered Englishman with a new lease on life
The boldest place I’ve worn leopard print: High school. Death trap.
If I could style one celeb in leopard print, it would be: Javier Bardem in No Country for Old Men. In leopard-print boots. I mean, wouldn’t it have been iconic?
The designer who does leopard print best: Dries Van Noten
Aiyana Ishmael, 27
Occupation: Writer and editor
Social handle: @aiyanaish
I wear leopard print to feel: Like I am Galleria Garibaldi, the original star girl
My fashion icons are: Tracee Ellis Ross, Rihanna, and Whitley Gilbert (played by Jasmine Guy)
Leopard will always be iconic because: It’s a perfect print. It elevates an outfit in a way not many prints can.
Is leopard print a neutral? Y/N?: Yes.
If I could style one celeb in leopard print, it would be: Jeff Probst, host of Survivor
Kyla Bartholomeusz, 33
Occupation: Broadway performer (currently in CHESS the Musical)
Social handle: @kylalouiseb
The boldest place I’ve ever worn leopard prints?: Ballet class
Leopard will always be iconic because: Looking fierce is timeless
If I could style one celeb in leopard print, it would be: Beyoncé
Elizabeth Garcia, 37
Occupation: Celebrity nail artist and salon owner
Social handle: @Nails_byely
My fashion icon is: Selena Quintanilla
How I would describe my personal style: Goth boss
The next best print or pattern is: Snakeskin
Do you really know the difference between leopard and cheetah print?: Leopard is a pattern of irregular clusters with spots inside and outside, and cheetah has solid spots.
The designer who does leopard print best: Prada and YSL for bags
Tempress Chasity Moore, 51
Occupation: Actor, singer, host, and content creator (next in Cats: The Jellicle Ball)
Social handle: @I_am_Tempress
I wear leopard print to feel: Sexy and animalistic
My fashion icon is: Grace Jones
The next best print or pattern is: Snakeskin
The boldest place I’ve worn leopard print: A funeral
Is leopard print a neutral? Y/N?: Yes
The designer who does leopard print best: Dolce & Gabbana
Justn Lopez, 28
Occupation: Film photographer and creative
Social handle: @justnlopez
How I would describe my personal style: I’d describe my personal style as pretty minimal. Most days, I’m in something plain—as long as it’s tailored well, I'm there. But in recent months, I’ve been incorporating some louder colors and prints to be a bit more playful
The next best print or pattern is: I’d probably say crocodile. I feel like that’s pretty luxe
The boldest place I’ve worn leopard print: I don't think there’s anywhere I couldn't wear leopard print...lol
The designer who does leopard print best: I’d say YSL, and honestly, Supreme has done some pretty cool leopard-print pieces.
Shay Ericksen, 31
Occupation: Founder of ARSN The Label
Social handle: @shayericksen
I wear leopard print to feel: C*nty!
The boldest place I’ve worn leopard print: Probably dinner with my parents in our small farm town. To this day, they question if I’m related to them.
Is leopard print a neutral? Y/N?: Depends on the day
If I could style one celeb in leopard print, it would be: I think Addison Rae would be able to pull it off in so many ways. From Y2K to designer vintage
Do you really know the difference between leopard and cheetah print?: Oh, you are asking the wrong girl
Edna Okang, 24
Occupation: Psychiatric nurse and influencer
Social handle: @ednaoks
My fashion icon is: My mom! Her vintage pieces have inspired me since I was young
How I would describe my personal style: Feminine and simple. Sometimes less is more! It’s more about how clothing makes you feel
The next best print or pattern is: All black! You can never go wrong.
The boldest place I’ve worn leopard print: Church. It doesn’t matter where you’re wearing it, as long as you know how to style it
The designer who does leopard print best: Roberto Cavalli
Wesley Breed, 23
Occupation: Content creator
Social handle: @wesly
I wear leopard print to feel: Out of my comfort zone but in the best way possible
How I would describe my personal style: Vintage workwear with a designer twist
The next best print or pattern is: Indian block print
The boldest place I’ve worn leopard print: My university’s library during finals week
Do you really know the difference between leopard and cheetah print?: No…it’s possible I’m not even wearing leopard print…
The designer who does leopard print best: Oleg Cassini, who designed Jackie Kennedy’s leopard-print pieces
Rachel Frimpong, 23
Occupation: Stylist and content creator
Social handle: @rachelfrimpong
I wear leopard print to feel: Bold and fashion forward
My fashion icon is: Gabbriette
How I would describe my personal style: My style is a blend of early 2000s “model off-duty” vintage with standout luxury pieces.
The boldest place I’ve worn leopard print: Whole Foods
Leopard will always be iconic because: Leopard print is truly timeless. It's the perfect blend of chic and edgy
If I could style one celeb in leopard print, it would be: Naomi Campbell
Creative director: Samantha Adler. Visual director: Scott M. Lacey. Fashion director: Brandon Tan. Senior fashion editor: Jessica Neises. Senior visual editor: Emily Adar. Associate culture editor: Annabel Iwegbue. Designer: Kara Miller.
Hannah is the Shopping Editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things from chic home decor to trendy fashion finds, TikTok products that are actually worth your $$$, and the perfect gift to buy for your boyfriend's mom. She previously wrote for Seventeen and CR Fashion Book. Follow her on Instagram for hot takes on red carpet fashion and pictures of her office outfits that nobody asked for.
