Not Snakeskin, Not Crocodile—These 2 Overlooked Animal Prints Are Subtly Taking Over Fashion.

Not Snakeskin, Not Crocodile—These 2 Overlooked Animal Prints Are Subtly Taking Over Fashion.

      Each season, one or two animal prints inevitably rise to prominence, typically leopard, snakeskin, or croc (or sometimes all three). Occasionally, cow print catches some attention, along with zebra print and lizard skin. However, at this moment, a pair of lesser-known animal prints is gaining traction, and they are turning out to be more stylish than anything we've seen in a while. The emerging prints? Eel and ostrich—two exotic leathers that have recently piqued the interest of the fashion industry, quietly making their ascent. Apologies to the other animal prints, but these two are poised to dominate every wishlist this season.

      I first noticed eel print when Fendi showcased a variety of styles made from this leather in its F/W 2025 collection last February, featuring a brown-and-black chevron-pattern dress and skirt complemented by matching boots and a bag. At the re-see, I must have taken around 100 photos of those pieces, captivated by the distinctive print. Since then, I've observed it appearing in collections by Khaite, Ferragamo, and The Row, as well as more accessible brands like J.Crew, Reformation, and Massimo Dutti, which are using a blend of faux and genuine leather embossed to resemble eel.

      I've always had an eye on ostrich print because I frequently come across vintage Prada items featuring it while browsing eBay, The RealReal, and Poshmark. Recently, it has also appeared in Balenciaga's popular Rodeo bag and on various shoe styles at Khaite. Tory Burch added a playful twist by embossing and glazing polyester to recreate the texture of real ostrich leather, using the unique fabric to create shift dresses and car coats.

      To help you get familiar with *the* animal prints of 2026 (and the remainder of 2025), I’ve compiled a selection of the best options available in the market so far. However, there's undoubtedly much more to come. I can confidently say that every brand will soon be experimenting with ostrich and eel prints across shoes, bags, dresses, coats, skirts, and more.

      **Eel Print**

      **J.Crew**

      Scoopneck Mini Dress in Faux Eel-Skin Leather

      This dress is currently on sale. Incredible.

      **The Row**

      Clasp Sunglasses Case in Eel

      Another bag from The Row that's bound to achieve It status. What’s new?

      These high-vamp pumps are incredibly chic, which explains their quick sell-out.

      **AllSaints**

      Asha Eel-Embossed Leather Shoulder Bag

      **LIFFNER**

      Belted Eel Clutch

      I've been on the lookout for a stylish, unique clutch for ages, and this one fits the bill.

      **J.Crew**

      Collection A-Line Skirt in Faux Eel-Skin Leather

      This eel-print skirt is ideal for the holiday season.

      **Reformation**

      Inez Ballet Flats

      **KHAITE**

      Bobbi Eel Shoulder Bag

      This is a want, not a need.

      **Fendi**

      Show Genuine Eel Wedge Mule

      The peep toes, the color, the eel print! I’ve had my eye on these for months.

      **FERRAGAMO**

      Small Hug Eelskin Leather Handbag

      Just when you thought the Hug bag couldn’t get any more appealing.

      **Massimo Dutti**

      Embossed Leather High-Heel Ankle Boots

      **Ostrich Print**

      **Massimo Dutti**

      Ostrich Print Leather Ballet Flats

      Classic flats that will earn you daily compliments.

      **Róhe**

      Ostrich Satin Column Skirt

      This skirt is at the top of my shopping list for 2026.

      **BLACK SUEDE STUDIO**

      Mac 70 Wedge

      Pair with vintage jeans and a stylish jacket.

      **Balenciaga**

      Rodeo Ostrich Embossed Leather Top Handle Bag

      I've never desired a handbag as much as I do this ostrich-leather Rodeo bag.

      **KHAITE**

      Jane Ostrich Leather Flats

      These low-profile slippers also come in turquoise! I can't decide which color is better.

      **Massimo Dutti**

      Ostrich Print Leather Court Shoes

      Some classic court shoes that can be paired with just about anything.

      **Tory Burch**

      Textured Dress

      This is the kind of dress that needs to be seen up close to be truly appreciated.

      **BLACK SUEDE STUDIO**

      Jazz 70 Sandal

Not Snakeskin, Not Crocodile—These 2 Overlooked Animal Prints Are Subtly Taking Over Fashion. Not Snakeskin, Not Crocodile—These 2 Overlooked Animal Prints Are Subtly Taking Over Fashion. Not Snakeskin, Not Crocodile—These 2 Overlooked Animal Prints Are Subtly Taking Over Fashion. Not Snakeskin, Not Crocodile—These 2 Overlooked Animal Prints Are Subtly Taking Over Fashion. Not Snakeskin, Not Crocodile—These 2 Overlooked Animal Prints Are Subtly Taking Over Fashion. Not Snakeskin, Not Crocodile—These 2 Overlooked Animal Prints Are Subtly Taking Over Fashion. Not Snakeskin, Not Crocodile—These 2 Overlooked Animal Prints Are Subtly Taking Over Fashion. Not Snakeskin, Not Crocodile—These 2 Overlooked Animal Prints Are Subtly Taking Over Fashion. Not Snakeskin, Not Crocodile—These 2 Overlooked Animal Prints Are Subtly Taking Over Fashion. Not Snakeskin, Not Crocodile—These 2 Overlooked Animal Prints Are Subtly Taking Over Fashion. Not Snakeskin, Not Crocodile—These 2 Overlooked Animal Prints Are Subtly Taking Over Fashion. Not Snakeskin, Not Crocodile—These 2 Overlooked Animal Prints Are Subtly Taking Over Fashion. Not Snakeskin, Not Crocodile—These 2 Overlooked Animal Prints Are Subtly Taking Over Fashion. Not Snakeskin, Not Crocodile—These 2 Overlooked Animal Prints Are Subtly Taking Over Fashion. Not Snakeskin, Not Crocodile—These 2 Overlooked Animal Prints Are Subtly Taking Over Fashion. Not Snakeskin, Not Crocodile—These 2 Overlooked Animal Prints Are Subtly Taking Over Fashion. Not Snakeskin, Not Crocodile—These 2 Overlooked Animal Prints Are Subtly Taking Over Fashion. Not Snakeskin, Not Crocodile—These 2 Overlooked Animal Prints Are Subtly Taking Over Fashion. Not Snakeskin, Not Crocodile—These 2 Overlooked Animal Prints Are Subtly Taking Over Fashion.

Other articles

The Top Denim Jackets as Recommended by a Selective Fashion Editor The Top Denim Jackets as Recommended by a Selective Fashion Editor The relaxed piece was truly a key item at Paris Fashion Week. Not Snakeskin, Not Crocodile—These Two Overlooked Animal Prints Are Subtly Executing a Fashion Takeover. Not Snakeskin, Not Crocodile—These Two Overlooked Animal Prints Are Subtly Executing a Fashion Takeover. From J.Crew to Khaite. My Aim Is to Always Exude an Expensive Scent—13 Sophisticated Perfumes That Always Deliver My Aim Is to Always Exude an Expensive Scent—13 Sophisticated Perfumes That Always Deliver Sheer opulence. It's Official: This Is the Exact Pant Trend That People Will Choose Over Jeans This Winter. It's Official: This Is the Exact Pant Trend That People Will Choose Over Jeans This Winter. This Zoë Kravitz-endorsed look is the coziest trend to sport this season. Every fashion enthusiast has their own take on these 6 night-out styles. Every fashion enthusiast has their own take on these 6 night-out styles. These combinations nearly turn the process of preparing for a night out into a game. When it's time to leave, you can always rely on these six timeless options. I Desire a Stylish French Winter Wardrobe—9 Items from Zara, M&S, and COS That I've Been Subtly Gathering I Desire a Stylish French Winter Wardrobe—9 Items from Zara, M&S, and COS That I've Been Subtly Gathering It turns out that the top French-inspired winter purchases can be found on the high street.

Not Snakeskin, Not Crocodile—These 2 Overlooked Animal Prints Are Subtly Taking Over Fashion.

From J.Crew to Khaite.