Leopard Print Is A Neutral, And Alex Consani Just Proved It
In fashion, there are trends. And then there are truths. And the truth is this: leopard print has always been a neutral. It only took a Gen Z supermodel and a fall/winter runway moment to remind everyone.
Alex Consani, the 21-year-old breakout star and TikTok darling, has become the face of Mark Gong’s FW25 campaign—and yes, she’s doing it draped in leopard. The campaign debuted in early July during Paris Haute Couture Week, pairing vintage glamour with off-kilter silhouettes, distressed tailoring, and what can only be described as the modern woman’s battle armor: animal print.
Let’s get this stereotype out of the way: leopard print never went out of style. From Christian Dior’s postwar “Jungle” collections in the ’40s to the risqué but refined iterations by Roberto Cavalli in the 2000s, it’s been a foundation on runways and in wardrobes for decades. But now, the return feels different. Not because it’s bolder, but because it’s being worn with the nonchalance of a navy coat. The message? This isn’t a trend revival. This is reclassification.
A Pattern with Bite and History
Leopard print has long walked the line between power and play. In the ’80s, it was a badge of rebellion, worn by punk girls who didn’t care if their eyeliner smudged. In the ’90s, it clung to Kate Moss’s barely-there frame in paparazzi shots and graced the bodies of sitcom moms trying to feel sexy on a Wednesday night. It has been provocative, camp, classy, and even matronly, depending on the season and the styling.
But Mark Gong’s interpretation is refreshingly neutral. The FW25 campaign leans into the subtlety of the print, rendered in soft browns and warm taupes instead of harsh contrasts.
Consani, who’s known for her internet-native humor and high-fashion finesse, makes the look feel approachable without diluting its edge. It’s leopard print reimagined for the idealist post-trend era, where timelessness is the only thing that sells.
The New Everyday Essential
Fashion in 2025 is feeling the effects of what trend forecasters have dubbed “lazy luxury”—an era where consumers want clothing that feels stylish but practical. Leopard, once considered too “loud” for everyday wear, now slips quietly into capsule wardrobes alongside pinstripes and denim.
Part of the shift comes from how we’re seeing it styled. Leopard midi skirts are worn with slouchy knits. Sheer leopard layering pieces peek out from beneath boxy blazers. And in Mark Gong’s campaign, it’s paired with sculptural silhouettes that anchor the print.
Even retailers are catching on. A 2024 trend report from global fashion search engine Lyst revealed that searches for “leopard print trench coat” rose by 28% in Q2, following runway appearances at Celine, Blumarine, and now Gong. The print isn’t just surviving. It’s evolving.
It’s Not Just Basic
Calling leopard a neutral isn’t about stripping it of its history. It’s about recognizing its flexibility. In a world where “basics” are being redefined and logos are shrinking in size and significance, print becomes the personality. And leopard, with its storied past and chameleon presence, offers just enough flair to make an outfit fun.
That’s what makes it so powerful in Consani’s campaign. She’s not wearing leopard to prove anything. She’s wearing it because she can. So no, leopard print isn’t a fad clawing its way back into relevance. It’s been here. And now, finally, treated like what it’s always been: a neutral, with teeth and a bite