Wild & Luxe: From Hailey Biebers Leopard Print Flex to Bhumi Pednekars Velvet Glam

Fashion has officially gone feral  and stylishly so. From Hollywood runways to Bollywood red carpets, animal-inspired aesthetics are dominating wardrobes, proving that bold prints and luxurious textures are the ultimate power statements. Leading the trend are global style icon Hailey Bieber, who recently turned heads in a daring leopard-print look, and Bollywood star Bhumi Pednekar, whose velvet ensemble with animal undertones redefined evening glamour.

Together, they reflect a larger movement in fashion where instinct, individuality, and unapologetic confidence take centre stage.

Hailey Bieber has long been regarded as a trend barometer, and her recent leopard-print appearance reaffirmed her status as a global fashion influencer. Stepping out in a sleek, body-hugging silhouette featuring the timeless animal motif, Hailey balanced boldness with restraint  proving that leopard print, when done right, is anything but excessive

Styled with minimal accessories, neutral makeup, and effortless hair, her look showcased how animal prints can remain chic rather than loud. Fashion insiders note that Hailey’s styling choice reflects a growing preference for statement pieces paired with clean, understated aesthetics, making bold fashion more wearable.

Leopard print, often associated with rebellion and confidence, has become a modern wardrobe staple, and Hailey’s look signals its return as a luxury essential rather than a passing fad.

On the other side of the globe, Bhumi Pednekar delivered a masterclass in understated drama with her velvet ensemble, blending texture with strength. Velvet  long associated with royalty and old-world charm  has re-emerged as a fabric of power, especially when styled with structured silhouettes and darker tones.

Bhumi’s look stood out for its rich fabric, deep hues, and sculpted design, subtly echoing animal-inspired dominance without relying on overt prints. Velvet’s ability to absorb and reflect light added depth and mystery, making her appearance both elegant and commanding.

Fashion critics praised her choice as a reminder that animal energy in fashion doesn’t always mean prints  it can also be conveyed through texture, posture, and presence.

The resurgence of animal prints and tactile fabrics like velvet is not accidental. Industry experts point to several cultural and psychological factors driving this trend:

1. Post-pandemic confidence dressing: Fashion is shifting from comfort-first to expression-first, with people embracing bolder choices.
2. Power aesthetics: Animal prints symbolise dominance, confidence, and fearlessness  qualities increasingly celebrated in modern fashion.
3. Gender-fluid styling: Animal motifs and luxurious textures are transcending gender norms, appearing across menswear and womenswear alike.
4. Vintage revival: Leopard prints and velvet were iconic in the ’70s and ’90s  eras now heavily influencing Gen Z and millennial fashion.

Designers across Paris, Milan, and Mumbai have leaned heavily into animal-inspired collections, featuring leopard, zebra, and snake prints alongside plush materials like velvet, faux fur, and suede. Celebrities adopting these trends accelerate their mainstream appeal, turning high-fashion statements into street-style inspiration.

Hailey Bieber’s casual styling shows how animal prints can be daywear-friendly, while Bhumi Pednekar’s velvet moment demonstrates how texture can elevate formal and festive dressing.

What makes this trend particularly compelling is its cross-cultural appeal. While Hailey embodies minimalist Western glamour, Bhumi channels bold Indian elegance  yet both communicate the same message: fashion is about confidence, not conformity.

Animal-inspired fashion has become a universal language, cutting across geography, culture, and aesthetics. It celebrates individuality while tapping into something primal  the instinct to stand out.

From Hailey Bieber’s fearless leopard print to Bhumi Pednekar’s commanding velvet look, animal-inspired fashion is roaring back with renewed sophistication. Whether through bold patterns or rich textures, the trend champions confidence, strength, and unapologetic self-expression.

As fashion continues to embrace instinct-driven aesthetics, one thing is clear: it’s animal time, and the wild side of style is here to stay.