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- Eel Print
- Ostrich Print
Every season, one or two animal prints inevitably become the favorites, and it’s usually leopard, snakeskin, or croc (or all three). Now and then, cow print garners attention, as does zebra print and lizard skin. But right now, a far more under-the-radar pair of animal prints is on the rise, and the two are proving to be far chicer than any we’ve seen in some time. Those lesser-known prints? Eel and ostrich—two exotic leathers that have recently caught the attention of the fashion world, and as a result, are quietly staging a coup. Sorry to all your other animal prints, but these two are heading to the top of every wishlist this season.
I first took notice of eel print when Fendi included a bevy of styles made of the leather in its F/W 2025 show back in February, including a brown-and-black chevron-pattern dress and skirt that had a matching pair of boots and bag. At the re-see, I probably took 100 photos of the pieces, obsessed with how unique the print was. Since then, I’ve noticed it used at Khaite, Ferragamo, and The Row, as well as more affordable brands like J.Crew, Reformation, and Massimo Dutti, using a mix of faux and genuine leather that’s been embossed to look like eel.
Ostrich print is something I’ve always had an eye on, because I always spot vintage Prada pieces that feature it when I’m scrolling through eBay, the RealReal, and Poshmark. More recently, though, it’s been used at Balenciaga on the brand’s beloved Rodeo bag and on various shoe styles at Khaite. Tory Burch gave the print a fun twist by embossing and glazing polyester to mimic the texture of genuine ostrich and using the unique fabric to make shift dresses and car coats.
To help acquaint you with *the* animal prints of 2026 (and the rest of 2025), I went ahead and rounded up the best versions on the market so far. But trust me, there’s plenty more on the way. I guarantee every brand under the sun will be experimenting with ostrich and eel prints on shoes, bags, dresses, coats, skirts, and more very, very soon.
Eel Print
J.Crew Scoopneck Mini Dress in Faux Eel-Skin Leather
This dress is on sale. Wild.
The Row Clasp Sunglasses Case in Eel
Another bag from The Row bag that’s destined to reach It status. What’s new?
Reformation Inez Pump
These high-vamp pumps are wildly chic. No wonder they’re selling out so quickly.
AllSaints Asha Eel-Embossed Leather Shoulder Bag
The perfect work tote for winter.
LIFFNER Belted Eel Clutch
I’ve been searching for a cool, unique clutch for so long. This one’s perfect.
J.Crew Collection A-Line Skirt in Faux Eel-Skin Leather
This eel-print skirt is perfect for the holidays.
Reformation Inez Ballet Flats
These flats are so much better than normal ballet flats.
KHAITE Bobbi Eel Shoulder Bag
It’s not a need, it’s a want.
Fendi Show Genuine Eel Wedge Mule
The peep toes! The color! The eel print! I’ve been thinking about these for months.
FERRAGAMO Small Hug Eelskin Leather Handbag
Just when you thought the Hug bag couldn’t get any more desirable.
Massimo Dutti Embossed Leather High-Heel Ankle Boots
Whoa, these are perfect.
Ostrich Print
Massimo Dutti Ostrich Print Leather Ballet Flats
A simple pair of flats that’ll earn you compliments daily.
Róhe Ostrich Satin Column Skirt
This skirt is at the top of my to-buy list for 2026.
BLACK SUEDE STUDIO Mac 70 Wedge
Just add vintage jeans and a cool jacket.
Balenciaga Rodeo Ostrich Embossed Leather Top Handle Bag
I’ve never wanted a handbag more than I want this ostrich-leather Rodeo bag.
KHAITE Jane Ostrich Leather Flats
These low-profile slippers also come in turquoise! I can’t tell which color is better.
Massimo Dutti Ostrich Print Leather Court Shoes
Some classic court shoes to wear with, well, everything.
Tory Burch Textured Dress
This is the kind of dress you need to see up close to appreciate.
BLACK SUEDE STUDIO Jazz 70 Sandal
Something blue, perhaps?