What Is the New Animal Print Replacing the Leopard in 2026

More discreet than leopard, more romantic than dalmatian, the deer print is set to take over our wardrobes in 2026.

We thought we had explored every possible animal print, but clearly not. After leopard, cheetah, cow, zebra, and even dalmatian, a new wild motif is now expected to gradually make its way into our wardrobes and fashion in 2026. The Bambi print – also known as deer print. Its name is an obvious nod to Bambi, the little fawn from Disney studios’ sixth animated feature film.

Yet the deer print is nothing new. As early as 2013, the house of Carven paid tribute to it in its Fall–Winter 2013–2014 collection through a belted trench coat and a slit pencil skirt. A few years later, it was reinterpreted several times by Burberry—once again via a trench coat, but also through a pleated skirt worn with a leopard-print top, presented on the Spring–Summer 2019 runway by model Natalia Vodianova.

Carven  Fall–Winter 2013–2014

Still, the Bambi print never truly managed to establish itself. The reason? The classic timeless leopard print, which every year from the end of summer regains its status in the collections of major fashion houses and ready-to-wear stores, overshadowing its competitors.

Natalia Vodianova, Burberry Spring–Summer 2019 

Already Adopted by Katie Holmes

With the start of 2026, the deer print is becoming increasingly present. During his first Métiers d’art show for Chanel on December 2, Matthieu Blazy sent two dresses down the runway inspired by leopard and Bambi prints in the New York subway. For his Fall–Winter 2025–2026 show, Brandon Maxwell highlighted two Bambi looks: a cape dress entirely covered in the baby deer’s spots, and a fitted turtleneck dress. Proof, if any were needed, of the ultra-elegant and modern potential of this motif.

Brandon Maxwell Fall–Winter 2025–2026 show.

Naturally, celebrities followed suit. In March, at an event in New York, Katie Holmes opted for a brown Bambi shirt dress, a piece unveiled just weeks earlier at Tory Burch’s Fall–Winter 2025–2026 show. In October in Los Angeles, Sofia Richie Grainge made a notably elegant appearance in a deer-print blouse. The 27-year-old model also included a “fawn” jacket and a sleeveless long dress in her debut collection.

A Need for Softness and Renewal

“Animal prints have always had strong appeal, but classics like leopard and zebra have been everywhere for so long,” explained Maj-La Pizzello, artistic director of accessories brand ATP Atelier. According to the stylist, the Bambi motif brings something new, which explains its sudden success. In an ultra-connected society where boredom sets in quickly, the pieces that suddenly get people talking are often those that stand out.

The deer print is soft, it evokes a fairy-tale-like, recalling a forest far from cities where everything moves too fast. It also reflects a widespread desire for calm just like Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 is Cloud Dancer.

Chanel Métiers d’art 2026 

Brandon Maxwell Fall–Winter 2025–2026.

You can also check out: The Winter Shoes You Need in Your Closet This Season

For the latest in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle inspiration, visit our Instagram page.

Watch videos of top designers and celebrities on our YouTube channel and in the Videos section.