Look of the Week: Dua Lipa sparks bold ‘Boom Boom’ fashion revival with animal-print couture moment

A new wave of bold, animal-inspired fashion is making headlines, and pop star Dua Lipa is leading the charge.

CNN’s “Look of the Week” highlights a trio of standout moments from Paris to New York that signal what some are calling the “Boom Boom” era of fashion — a playful revival of ‘80s maximalism marked by loud prints, fearless colors and over-the-top textures.

It began at Paris haute couture week when Demi Moore arrived at Schiaparelli in a cheetah-print catsuit and matching coat. The following day, Dua Lipa stole attention at Chanel in a sharply tailored skirt suit awash in swirling yellow, red and black — a bold look reminiscent of animal print turned psychedelic. Soon after, Kendall Jenner stepped out in New York wearing a beaded tiger-stripe midi dress from Chanel’s Métiers d’Art 2026 collection.

Fashion insiders say the looks reflect a broader shift toward exaggerated, expressive dressing. Chanel’s new creative direction under Matthieu Blazy is reimagining classic elements like tweed and pearls into brighter, more fluid silhouettes. Meanwhile, Schiaparelli continues pushing boundaries with couture pieces inspired by wildlife textures, including reptilian finishes and sculptural designs.

Trend analysts note that traditional leopard print is already surging in popularity, with designers leaning into clashing patterns and dramatic styling. The movement is being dubbed “Boom Boom fashion,” a nod to the excess-driven aesthetic of the 1980s — reworked for a modern audience seeking escapism amid economic and social uncertainty.

Rather than subtle luxury, today’s designers appear to be embracing spectacle. The goal, experts suggest, is to create fashion that feels fun, daring and impossible to ignore.

In short, animal prints are back — but louder than ever.

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