For the Love of Python

Although snakes are one of my biggest fears, I do admire their beautifully printed skin. From handbags and shoes to skirts and dresses, snakeskin has infiltrated department stores and boutiques for spring 2017. According to GQ’s Justin Fenner, 2016 was the year of snake, primarily because “Snakes hold different places of esteem across different cultures, so depending on where you are, they can represent evil, fertility, rebirth, or healing.” The trend may have roots in the past year, but snakeskin print is taking 2017 by storm. For example, Carven, Altuzarra and Rachel Comey has all incorporated some type of snakeskin print into their Spring 107 Ready-to Wear collections.

Personally, I love the concept of snakeskin print, as it can be such a statement, but also be quite subtle in certain garments. After opening my closet doors, I came to the realization that I own a blue-hued snakeskin print dress, snakeskin print espadrilles, a snakeskin print handbag, snakeskin print athletic leggings and a green-hued snakeskin print off-the-shoulder blouse (pictured). Sarah Young explains, “To add the perfect dose of texture to any outfit if the trend has caught your (snake) eyes, try experimenting with accessories to begin with and choose neutral colours to keep it tame. If you’re looking to make a statement though, the catwalk has shown that snakeskin is by no means confined solely to earthy tones. Opt for a colour washed version; just make sure too keep to one show-stopping piece and always go faux.” Overall, there are almost no rules when it comes to incorporating snakeskin into an outfit!

Scared to try this trend? Start out with something like this Free People crossbody bag or these Steven Madden heels. If you are feeling more confident about this trend, go for something bold like this LPA skirt, this Show Me Your Mumu tunic dress or even a Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress.

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Works Cited

Fenner, Justin. “It’s Official: 2016 Is the Year of the Snake.” GQ. Conde Nast, August 31 2016. http://www.gq.com/story/snake-print-embroidery-trend

Young, Sarah. “The year of the snake: How to wear this season’s serpentine trend.” The Independent. Independent Digital News & Media,  26 September 2016. http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/snakeskin-trend-aw16-gucci-burberry-rodarte-a7321086.html