Can an ankle length zebra print coat really be a thoughtful fashion purchase? Absolutely. Classic wardrobe pieces don’t always have to be black or beige. They can be timeless, iconic — and also make a statement.
Animal print is having a resurgence, but for me, it’s always had enduring appeal. My obsession peaked circa 1999 when almost everything I owned was inspired by the big cats: cheetahs, leopards, tigers and jaguars. For casual clothes day in grade four I wore a velvet cheetah print fitted t-shirt to school. My favourite underwear was high-cut satin tiger print (90s forever). My bedroom lamp was leopard print — and so was my rug, duvet, throw, pillows and photo frames.
A few days ahead of New Years Eve last year Sammy surprised me with the Alaïa Mina 16 micro calf hair tote bag I had had my eye on. The Le Cœur Shoulder Bag was trending at the time, but this bag felt much more timeless and aligned so well with my personal style. I’m always conscious of the ‘it’ bags of the season and try and invest in pieces that I haven’t seen everyone wearing.


A hint of animal print is very much welcome at the moment as we distance ourselves from the trend of quiet luxury. We all need a little more excitement, tension and individuality in our wardrobe again and I love how animal print can effortlessly elevate and add contrast to a look.
One of my favourite outfits I wore this year was a full leopard print Rowen Rose look that I wore to Musée du Louvre on a casual rainy day in September. It was even more special because I was pregnant at the time.
I share my Paris guide here with my favourite secret entrance to Musée du Louvre. We visited Paris for over a decade before I discovered it, and now we never enter via the main pyramid. It’s also a great entrance if it’s raining — which it more often than not is in Paris. I always love reading your comments, and they are so helpful for others too. Merci!
Back on animal print — below is an edit of some of my most recent finds, from the chicest 100% organic cotton leopard print baby carrier, to a croc-embossed leather blazer that is high on my Wishlist, to the perfect zebra patterned Loveseat.
Wishing you all a happy and healthy new year!
Bisous x
Ps. you all loved the recent Third trimester Q+A and I would love to do another ‘Ask me Anything’ to start 2025. Let me know if you have any newborn questions, need travel or style recommendations, or have questions about life as a mama of three. We are currently planning our trip back home to Paris and I will be sharing a post about how to best travel with little ones for you soon. I know how stressful it can be, especially if it is your first long haul flight. Wish us luck!
Jacquemus Caruso Coat Jacquard Zebra Velvet Black
Who didn’t fall in love with this stunning draped-collar zebra print coat the moment it hit the runway?
ROTATE Fluffy Clasp Coat Zebra Print
A more affordable zebra print coat option — great texture and oversized fit.
Alaïa Le Teckel Medium Calf Hair Shoulder Bag
I love investing in wardrobe pieces that really speak to you, especially when it comes to a print. There is something nostalgic about the Dalmatian.
Artipoppe Zeitgeist Leopard in Organic Velvet
We have this for our Velzy girl and it might just be my favourite Artipoppe print of all time. Sammy and I will no doubt be fighting for cuddles with Velvet in this one.
The New Arrivals Ilkyaz Ozel Raja Skirt in Zebra Jasper
I have loved this skirt ever since I saw it on the Moda Operandi Resort 25 Trunkshow and it’s the number one piece on my Wishlist. I love how it’s styled with a black turtleneck. The matching boots in Zebra Pony are also a dream!
The New Arrivals Ilkyaz Ozel Jace Kitten in Zebra Pony
Linking the zebra mules for you as well. I can’t decide between these ones or the ankle boots…
Stella McCartney Tiger Print Silk Maxi Dress
One of my favourite dresses that I wore whilst pregnant this past summer in Spain. It’s lightweight, made from organic silk and feels incredible on. I love the movement and unexpected silhouette. It’s also currently half price as part of the end of year sales!
Bouguessa Mini Ounassa Handbag Embossed Python Effect
I have so many timeless Bouguessa pieces in my wardrobe and Faiza’s signature handbag pairs so well with any outfit — from denim to a power suit, wool coat or silk dress. 100% calf leather, made in Italy.
Guerlain Rouge G Lip Case in Le Fauve
The perfect gift to yourself to start the new year.
The New Arrivals Ilkyaz Ozel Blazer 01 in Amazonia
Coming soon — this 100% lambskin blazer is the perfect silhouette with strong shoulders and a cinched waist. A little more dramatic than an everyday classic black tailored blazer, it’s exactly what I’ve been searching for.
Dusty Deco Miles Loveseat Zebra
Designed by MER Arkitekter in collaboration with Dusty Deco, the generous armchair features a zebra patterned fabric from Limonta. Available to pre-order, this piece would look chic in any room of the house. I’m thinking the study next to a bar cart within reach…
So adorable. I can’t wait for Velvet to grow into these petite leopard print boots.
By Malene Birger Rowani Lamb Leather Jacket in Leopard
Very influenced by Angela Fink effortlessly wearing this one.
Paris Georgia Zebra Slip Dress in Black and Grey
Adding to cart for a dreamy summer in Mallorca…
Saint Laurent le 5 Ã 7 Bea in Pony Hair Leather
I saw this bag in Harrods back in September and haven’t stopped thinking about it since. The leopard obsession is real.
In case you missed it, here are some previous posts that have been popular:
Thoughtful gifting for mamas
Third trimester Q+A
Two weeks postpartum
Holiday is the insightful newsletter by Paris based Australian creative consultant and mother of three Saasha Burns. A place where she openly shares her motherhood journey, life in Paris, travels, personal style, and design inspiration.
Together with her husband Sammy, Saasha has two sons, Atlas (four) and Ocean (two), and has just welcomed her baby girl Velvet into the world.