"I always pack at least one animal-printed item in my suitcase, whether it's a zebra handbag or a cheetah flat. I do this because it's stylish, but also because it's an effortless way to spruce up any outfit. Animal prints like leopard, snakeskin, and cow print might look busy on paper, but in practice, they behave like a neutral. These prints go with every color and fabric in my carry-on: black, white, red, denim, linen, you name it."
"Animal print traveled far before it ever hit our Instagram feeds. Egyptian hieroglyphics from 1290 to 1224 BC show leopard skins worn by royalty and warriors. In Zulu culture, leopard fur suggests elevated social status. And by the 1930s, Hollywood brought animal print to the big screen: Movie stars like Joan Crawford and major films like Tarzan and the Ape Man made prints more mainstream, while pin-ups and corseted dresses in leopard and snake patterns signaled confidence and sex appeal."
Animal print has transcended temporary trends and persisted across cultures and eras. Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics and Zulu traditions associated leopard skins with royalty and elevated social status. Hollywood popularized animal patterns in the 1930s, while Christian Dior introduced leopard on the 1947 runway, elevating the print into high fashion worn by icons. Designers including Alexander McQueen, Roberto Cavalli, and Dolce & Gabbana reinterpreted animal motifs in the 1980s and beyond. Animal prints like leopard, snakeskin, and cow print act as wardrobe neutrals, pairing with any color or fabric and allowing travelers to pack fewer items while creating versatile looks for diverse occasions.
Read at Conde Nast Traveler
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