Beauty gone wild: The return of animal print beauty and how to wear it this Africa Month

Animal print has prowled its way back into beauty and this time it’s more wearable than ever. While the concept has always been a fashion favourite, its recent resurgence feels rooted in the maximalist nostalgia of the early 2000s when bold patterns and statement beauty looks ruled the years.

For many, animal print instantly evokes Y2K pop culture and the unapologetically bold aesthetic of celebrities like Nicki Minaj. Few celebrities have embraced the style quite as enthusiastically. During the early 2010s, Nicki Minaj frequently incorporated animal prints into her beauty looks, most famously through her wigs and hair accessories. One of the most memorable moments came at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards in 2011, where she paired a dramatic blonde “Bride of Frankenstein”-inspired updo with a leopard-print pixie wig to complement a leopard dress by Givenchy.

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Nicki Minaj's 53rd Annual Grammy Awards animal print look in 2011. Image: Instagram/@justjared

Later that year, at the New York Fashion Week show for Oscar de la Renta, she doubled down on the trend with a leopard bodysuit, a tiger hat, and matching leopard-print hair. But animal print’s cultural history stretches far beyond a single era or celebrity. From fashion runways to editorial makeup, the concept has long symbolised confidence, glamour, and a touch of rebellion. Now it has resurged in modern ways.

Beauty insiders have even dubbed the revival “the great animal print resurgence.” While leopard print remains a classic, zebra, tiger, crocodile, and the emerging tortoiseshell print are quickly becoming staples, especially in nail artistry. The appeal lies in their versatility. Animal prints can feel bold and maximalist, but when paired with neutral tones or minimalist placements, they can also be subtle and wearable.