The writer/performer Jo Weldon is currently working on a book about the history of the leopard print, so she seems to be the reigning authority on this subject. Some hints of her findings are available in the following articles/blogs:

https://www.ft.com/content/b636ea16-4a6c-11e6-8d68-72e9211e86ab?siteedition=intl

https://mobile.nytimes.com/2016/04/29/arts/design/dressed-to-kill-the-power-ofleopard-prints.html?referer=

http://mentalfloss.com/article/72549/history-leopard-print

https://filthy.media/jo-weldon-interview

http://www.historyofleopardprint.com/

The connection between leopard skins and notions of power and feral strength go back a very long time, but in the twentieth century two figures in particular seem to have reinforced the connection between leopard-print clothing and female sexuality. Christian Dior in the 1940s was the first designer to promote the leopard print as a bold fashion statement; he supposedly used to say, "If you’re fair and sweet, don’t wear it!" So already the pattern was associated with women who refused to be domesticated.

This image was reinforced by Anne Bancroft's turn as Mrs. Robinson in the movie "The Graduate", who was bedecked in various articles of leopard-print clothing, including the lingerie she wore as she seduced her daughter's boyfriend. Bancroft's character clinched the association of the leopard print with predatory sexuality, although it also coincided with a growing sense that the leopard print was associated with trashy poor taste than posh style.