In the world of fashion, felines are currently stealing the limelight, turning the age-old cat versus dog debate into a trend that’s purring ahead in popularity. From high-profile events to menswear runways, cats have become a prominent feature, signaling a growing fascination with their cuteness. At the London premiere of “Argylle,” model Claudia Schiffer made a bold fashion statement by bringing her cat, Chip, in a custom backpack complete with a clear plastic dome to ensure the best photo angles. Described as a “nepo cat” by Schiffer, Chip not only acts but also boasts a dedicated Instagram account with a significant following.

The feline fascination extends beyond real cats, as evidenced by Lana Del Rey’s recent campaign for Kim Kardashian’s shapewear brand Skims. In the viral campaign image, Del Rey is captured pouting seductively while three white cats look on indifferently. Menswear shows in Milan and Paris featured cat motifs at JW Anderson and Givenchy, and Tory Burch, an American fashion designer, opened a pop-up store in LA adorned with giant photographs of hissing cats. Feline prints made appearances on wide-legged trousers and T-shirts in Burch’s collection, while Acne Studios showcased a long-sleeved top featuring a white cat reminiscent of Blofeld’s iconic feline companion in James Bond.

The prevalence of cat-themed fashion suggests a shift away from the stereotypical “crazy cat lady” trope that has long persisted in contemporary culture, perhaps indicating a reclamation of this image. Celebrities like Taylor Swift, who draped her ragdoll cat Benjamin Button over her shoulders for a Time person of the year cover, contribute to this changing narrative. Even the iconic Carrie Bradshaw toyed with the crazy cat lady archetype in the final series of “And Just Like That” by adopting a rescue kitten named Shoe. On TikTok, the hashtag CrazyCatLady has gained popularity with over 230,000 posts, showcasing a new generation’s enthusiasm for introducing their cats to the camera. The feline frenzy in the fashion world suggests that cats are not only winning the age-old rivalry but also becoming symbols of chic style and cultural influence.