
The year of the snake
Following the 2024 Year of the Dragon, on 29 January, the Chinese Horoscope Year of the Snake comes into being. By Lynda Papesch.
Already, fashion houses and other industries are incorporating serpents of all shapes and forms into jewellery, emblems on clothing, textiles, and even enamel souvenir badges. Snakeskin boots, belts, and bags have been around for some years, although they’ll be bigger than ever this year, judging by international fashion trends.
Though some organisations and brands have banned snakeskin, it is often found in fashion accessories including handbags and wallets, with the likes of Gucci, Coach and Hermès offering products made with reptile scales.
Surprisingly neutral, snakeskin patterns dominated autumn/winter collections in 2024, through jeans, jackets and coats, along with shoes, bags, and belts. A versatile textural pattern, snakeskin (real or faux) pairs well with black, white, cream and browns, and looks amazing with metallics. Check out these suggestions.











