by Clutched.
A Legacy Etched in Spots and Stripes
Animal prints have roamed fashion’s landscape for centuries, their origins rooted in utility and symbolism. In ancient Rome and Egypt, rulers donned animal skins to project strength and divinity. By the 18th century, European nobility transformed these primal motifs into silk scarves and gowns, pairing them with lace. Fast-forward to the 20th century, and animal prints pounced into high fashion. Christian Dior’s 1947 New Look collection made leopard print a luxury icon, while the 1960s saw Jacqueline Kennedy and Elizabeth Taylor make them a red-carpet status.
The 1970s gave animal prints a rebellious edge before a brief lull in the minimalist 1990s. The 2000s roared them back to life, with Jennifer Lopez and Maggie Gyllenhaal embracing the trend. Today, animal prints are a post-pandemic emblem of escapism and individuality, with handbags becoming the ultimate canvas for this obsession.
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Why Handbags Love the Wild Side
What makes animal prints so irresistible in handbag design? It’s their ability to transform the everyday into the extraordinary. A leopard print tote can turn a simple black dress into a runway moment, while a snake-effect clutch can add intrigue to evening wear. Leopard remains the king of the jungle, but zebra and python are gaining ground, offering a graphic punch. These prints thrive across seasons, being bold enough for winter’s dark palettes and light enough for summer’s breezy looks. It’s no wonder they’ve become a wardrobe essential for the style-savvy.
Celebrities, The Trend’s Fiercest Ambassadors
Animal prints owe much of their staying power to the stars who carry them. In 2025, Martha Stewart pairs a leopard print bag with a white and gold outfit, proving age is no barrier to the trend. Jennifer Lawrence’s love for leopard coats extends to her accessories, while Rihanna’s clutch game keeps the print red-carpet-ready. Younger icons like Zendaya, with her snake-effect totes, and Charlie Fleming of G22 show the trend’s broader appeal. These A-listers ensure animal prints have a place in fashion’s future.
Your Guide to Animal Print Handbags
Totes
Spacious and statement-making, these totes bring the wild to your everyday carry.
Tom Ford
Ocelot Medium Leather-Trimmed Ocelot-Print Brushed Suede Tote – £3,220
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Jacquemus
The Calino Small Snake-Effect Leather Tote – £950
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Zimmermann
Goldentime Small Leather Trimmed Zebra Striped Raffia Jacquard Tote – £450
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Balmain
B-Army 36 Leopard Print Tote Bag – £1,050
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Loewe x Paula’s Ibiza
Medium Raffia Tiger Puzzle Tote Bag – £1,450
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STAUD
Moon Zebra Raffia Tote Bag – £335
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Chloé
Spin Python-Effect Tote Bag – £1,350
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Alaïa
Leopard Print Calf Hair Tote – £2,900
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Clutches
Perfect for a night out, these clutches pack a punch in petite packages.
Hunting Season
Opera Leopard Print Suede Clutch – £1,050
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Jimmy Choo
Avenue Curve Snake-effect Leather Clutch – £1,050
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Christian Louboutin
Loubi54 Embellished Leopard Print Satin Clutch – £1,280
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Gabriela Hearst
Soft Demi Snake-effect Leather Clutch – £1,500
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Alaïa
Le Teckel Leather Trimmed Leopard Print Calf Hair Clutch – £2,100
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Shoulder Bags
Sling one of these over your shoulder for an easy fashionable look.
Saint Laurent
Le 5 À 7 Embellished Leather Trimmed Leopard Print Pony Hair Shoulder Bag – £2,405
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Christian Louboutin
Loubila Leopard Print Leather Shoulder Bag – £865
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Gucci
Jackie 1961 Zebra Print Calf Hair & Leather Shoulder Bag – £3,310
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Alexander McQueen
Skull Small Snake-effect Leather Shoulder Bag – £750
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Jimmy Choo
Cinch M Natural Leopard Print Pony Shoulder Bag – £1,895
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Ferragamo
Studio Box Xtra Small Animal Print Shoulder Bag – £2,390
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Dolce & Gabbana
Marlene City Mini Leo Thread Shoulder Bag – £2,100
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Valentino Garavani
Small Leather Vain Animal Print Shoulder Bag – £3,250
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Balmain
Anthem Mini Ponyskin Style Leopard Print Shoulder Bag – £1,790
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Isabel Marant
Oskan Soft Zip Leopard Print Shoulder Bag – £950
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Jil Sander
Eldorado Small Leopard Print Calf Hair Shoulder Bag – £1,590
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Chloé
Bracelet Embellished Watersnake Shoulder Bag – £2,050
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Alaïa
Le Coeur Leopard Print Calf Hair Shoulder Bag – £1,250
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Khaite
Simona Natural Python-Embossed Leather Shoulder Bag – £1,640
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Bags of Note
Dolce & Gabbana
Marlene Leo Thread Embroidery Everyday Top-Handle Bag – £3,700
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GANNI
Small Bou Snake Print Top Handle Bag – £395
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Balmain
Sync Leopard Print Leather Hobo Bag – £2,390
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Chloé
Marcie Python-Effect Saddle Bag – £1,090
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Khaite
Audrey Natural Python-Embossed Leather Crossbody Bag – £2,240
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*Prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
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Clutched is a fashion and accessories specialist with over a decade of experience analysing luxury retail and styling trends. Clutched focuses on how handbags and accessories function as a part of wardrobes, combining market insight with practical styling expertise. Helping readers make informed, design-led decisions through detailed product knowledge and trend analysis.
Styling the Wild
Animal print bags may carry the drama, but styling them doesn’t have to be complicated. The key is to let the print speak — whether you’re going full-throttle or keeping it nuanced.
Anchor with Neutrals
Pair leopard or zebra prints with grounding tones like cream, camel, or black to give the bag centre stage. A crisp tailored blazer and straight-leg jeans will let a bold tote do the talking.
Mix Textures, Not Prints
Snake-effect leather bags work beautifully against soft cashmere, denim or crisp poplin. The contrast keeps the look modern without tipping into maximalist overload.
Pop It Against Colour
A tiger-stripe bag against emerald green? Yes. Python with powder blue? Absolutely. Animal prints aren’t colour shy — just be intentional. Stick to one high-impact hue and keep the rest restrained.
Dress It Up or Down
A raffia zebra print tote feels fresh with linen and slides for day, while a leopard clutch delivers sharp glamour with a slip dress and heels after dark.
Own the Clash (If You Dare)
Feeling brave? A micro leopard bag with a striped shirt or checked coat can work — but keep the shapes simple and the palette tight. Think fashion editor, not fancy dress.
Find the perfect indie bag with cult status to suit your personlity.
