Lately my two favourite materials are leopard print and lurex. I love the bold and over the top glamour they represent. I also love their association with “bad taste” since I’m deeply uninterested in the concepts of “tasteful” and “effortless” style. You won’t find Grace Kelly or Audrey Hepburn on my list of style inspirations, and more is definitely more in my book.

I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect leopard coat (50s/60s swing coat with big collar or possible 40s with wide puff shoulders) but haven’t found it yet, mostly because all leopard coats on Ebay and Etsy seem to be size large for some reason.

I realised I have an incredible amount of leopard print themed photos on my computer when I was preparing this post, and I had a hard time deciding which to choose. There are a few cheetahs, ocelots and similar prints thrown in as well. I might make a lurex post later!

Toby Wing in something leopard printed I can’t quite make out. It might be panels on the coat, or a scarf. The other girl is Verna Hillie. Source: Valentino Vamp

Carole Lombard. Source: Valentino Vamp

Joan Bennett in an amazing ensemble.

Dolores Del Rio in the ultimate leopard outfit, from Journey Into Fear (Which I haven’t actually seen, but this outfit makes me think I really should).

Source: Vintagegal

Beautiful Acquanetta in Tarzan and the Leopard Woman (haven’t seen this either).

Source: Dr. Macro

Barbara Stanwyck looking fantastic in leopard. Source: Annamouse

Irene Manning being perfectly glamorous in a leopard dress and a cape.

Rita Hayworth in a fantastic leopard hood. I wish I had one like it!

And in a leopard dress.

Jean Kent with great hair and a leopard swimsuit.

Ann Miller glamorously lounging on a leopard sofa.

Burlesque dancer Mary Mammon looking perfect on leopard fur. Source: Vintage Burlesque Photos

So much leopard! Rhonda Fleming photographed by Madison Lacy.

Unknown woman, perhaps a burlesque dancer? Her outfit is just fantastic.

Burlesque dancer Tongolele. Source: Vintagegal

Marilyn Monroe wore a great leopard cape in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Source: Dr. Macro

There are so many photos of Jayne Mansfield wearing leopard print that I had to choose just a few favourites. She wore this bikini a lot. Photo by Keith Bernard.

Matching in leopard with husband Mickey Hargitay.

The best outfit for walking a baby, leopard bikini and leopard coat!

Leopard pants.

I love this outfit.

Full length leopard gown!

Chinese movie star Bai Guang lounging on pink leopard. Source: Soft Film

And wearing a leopard dress. Source: Soft Film

Gene Tierney in a full leopard skirt.

Gene again walking a leopard in a leopard swimsuit.

This outfit is so perfect. I love the scarf.

Lee Wilson in a great outfit. Leopard swimsuit, fishnets and gold cuff and hoops!

Ava Gardner in a similar outfit.

Anita Ekberg in a leopard bikini.

I love the lacing and the sandals.

Bettie Page posing with cheetahs.

I love this picture but have no idea who’s in it. I wish I had ocelot shorts to wear when I’m lifting weights.

Jane Russell looking supremely cool in leopard coat and leopard sunglasses. Source: Vintagegal

Pretty Diana Doors in an all leopard (or some other exotic cat) outfit.

Vanda Hudson in a leopard bikini. Source: Truus, Bob and Jan too!

Playboy playmate Jean Jani in leopard pants.

Sophia Loren in leopard coat and a great bracelet.

Adorable Joan Collins poses in front of a leopard screen.

The ultimate leopard picture. I’m not very familiar with 50s fashion models so I couldn’t name them, but everything about this look is perfect.

Elegant dress with ocelot trim from the 1959 Kays autumn/winter catalogue. Source: Kays catalogue archive

I love the trim on this suit and have planned for ages to make a similar set of collar and cuffs. Source: Burda archive

Lots of leopard accessories from the 1964 Sears fall catalogue. Source: Sears archive on Ancestry

Yu So Chow in an absolutely fabulous outfit with leopard pillbox hat. Source: Soft Film

Julie Newmar as Catwoman of course has a leopard print throne.

I love this picture of Nathalie Wood. Both her outfit and the furniture are perfect.

Elizabeth Taylor in a leopard swimsuit.

And looking amazing in a leopard coat and pumps. I love this entire look. Source: Vintagegal

“Cleopatra was a Dutch striptease dancer who performed her act in a cage with two lions. “ Source: Vintage Burlesque Photos

Juliette Greco posing with a cheetah.

Ending with two 80s babes in leopard. Madonna…

…and Nina Hagen, wearing what looks a lot like an old striptease costume.