LEAH KATEB
Love Island, vintage Cavalli, and the history of leopard print
It’s time to talk about It Girl Leah Kateb.
I had actually never seen a season of Love Island USA or UK prior to this one, but I have several friends who are avid watchers and convinced me that this was the season to start with. And they were right, of course—within three days I had caught up on 24 episodes and spent the final week in the villa watching the new episodes as appointment TV.
Leah came into the villa with many iconic fashion options in her monogrammed suitcase (the Are You Ami Atla halter floral dress is another favorite). Still, the moment I saw her in the 2005 Animal Silk Maxi Dress by Roberto Cavalli, I knew she was my soul sister.
Some of you have been around since my blogging days, so you may recall my obsession with leopard print. This deep love has been in effect since I was 14 years old and has remained a core Heather fact since (my sweet 16 was actually leopard-themed if that helps paint a picture here).
Leopard print has an interesting history in the world of fashion, evolving from a symbol of power and status to a staple of modern style. Its origins trace back to ancient times when real leopard skins were worn by royalty and warriors as a sign of strength and prestige.
By the early 20th century, leopard print began to transition from an exotic trophy to a fashion statement. It was during the 1920s that the print truly began to make waves, with influential designers like Elsa Schiaparelli using it in her avant-garde collections.
The 1940s and 1950s saw Hollywood embrace the print, with starlets like Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor donning leopard-print outfits, adding to its allure and glamour. This era cemented leopard print's association with sensuality and bold femininity. The print exploded in popularity during the 1960s and 1970s, becoming emblematic of the counterculture movement and the rock 'n' roll scene. Musicians like Mick Jagger and Debbie Harry adopted the print, infusing it with a rebellious edge. At the same time, designers like Roberto Cavalli and Dolce & Gabbana began to incorporate leopard print into their haute couture collections, further elevating its status in high fashion.
Leopard print experienced another resurgence in the 1980s and 1990s, a period marked by bold and eclectic fashion choices. It became a symbol of power dressing for women, who wore it to make strong, unapologetic statements in the workplace and beyond.
Today, leopard print is celebrated for its versatility and timeless appeal, effortlessly transitioning from high-fashion runways to everyday street style. Whether as a statement piece or a subtle accent, leopard print continues to captivate and inspire, proving that it’s more than just a trend—it’s a fashion legacy.
Of course, growing up, I didn’t know any of its rich history. I just loved how it looked and how I felt when I wore it, and that hasn’t changed over the years.
I may have never watched a season of Love Island before this one, but I do know that it’s not common for the girls to come into the villa with a suitcase of designer clothing as Leah did. She did bring items from brands like Oh Polly, Cotton On, Revolve, Frankies Bikinis, etc., but I was laser-focused on the fashion relics that were constantly showing up on Leah onscreen. A vintage Dior sunflower bikini, Prada Miu Miu platform suede clogs, a KNWLS two-piece set, two Are You Ami mini dresses—the list goes on. Still, while I appreciated all of her stylings, it was the Cavalli silk dress and two other vintage Cavalli pieces that made my heart skip a beat.
It was in the 70s that Roberto Cavalli came onto the fashion scene. He opened his first boutique in 1972 in Saint-Tropez, and he quickly became known for his innovative prints and glamorous designs, with animal prints, especially leopard, becoming a signature look for him. In the 90s and early 2000s, Cavalli was a staple for celebrities and fashion enthusiasts alike, and the leopard dress, in particular, became a staple on red carpets everywhere, symbolizing the glitzy, glamorous vibe of that era. Aaliyah wore one of my favorite looks from this time at the 2000 MTV VMAs, a yellow and black striped Cavalli gown.
Celebrities have been wearing Roberto Cavalli on red carpets for over 40 years, and it feels so right to cement Leah Kateb as one of them in pop culture history.
Why the outfit works: Leah is a master at choosing designer pieces that don’t look out of place in the villa among the other girls. It’s one of those IYKYK moments; the elevated pieces stand out if you know what you’re looking for.
Where to find similar pieces: I’m not sure where Leah found this particular Cavalli dress, but there is a good chance that Voulez Vous has supplied her with many other rare pieces that we hopefully get to see soon.
Roberto Cavalli / Leopard Print Silk Dress / $1,003
This dress is another by Cavalli and has the leopard print and has the same low back with the deep v, though this one has straps on the back vs the halter style in the one Leah wore. It’s designer, so it also packs a high price tag.
Retrofete / Shayna Silk Dress / $598
The silhouette on this Retrofete dress is a different style, but this one does have the mixed print element to it.
Jaded London / Leopard Halter Mini Dress / $115
This is a mini version with a different neckline, but the leopard print is mixed with the same tones as Leah’s version.
Have you gone through your leopard phase yet? Leave me a comment about when yours hit you, and if it hasn’t yet, I am so excited for your moment to come.
xo, H
"Its origins trace back to ancient times when real leopard skins were worn by royalty and warriors as a sign of strength and prestige." GAGGED!