Fashion: Creature comfort

Nature has always found its way into our wardrobes in the form of clothes or accessories.

But this season, bugs and reptiles have it real good as they’ve opened up avenues of inspiration. From mesmerising colour palettes to intricate form and structure, snake bracelets with their elaborate designs and craftsmanship are gracing the hands of the most fashionable people of Hollywood.

Fashionista and Hollywood diva Dita Von Tesse has often been spotted wearing a snake bracelet. However, if the reptile fever is not your thing, you can always make a statement with striking animal accessories. As designer Anita Kholay, who’s not very taken in by reptile-inspired baubles, points out, “Reptiles even as jewellery scare me. I would rather wear a beetle or a bug as a ring. The butterfly, I think, looks best as a fashion accessory, especially as a chunky belt buckle or even on footwear, which looks fabulous.”

However, remember that the key to wearing this trend is to find a balance in the overall look. If you don’t want to look like you are carrying a dead swan for a dress try a simple black outfit with one of those charming snake bracelets or necklaces and you are sure to get the fashion bells ringing. Like model Priya Nayak, who prefers to keep it simple when dealing with animal inspired fashion accessories.

“I don’t think I can wear reptile inspired pieces. But I love to wear the beetles and the ladybugs. I have seen a lot of people wearing ladybugs as earrings and nose studs and I think they look adorable. I would personally prefer a subtle design like a Swarovski butterfly brooch or earrings and team it with a dress.”

But it’s not just the bugs that inspire fashion. Animals too have shown up in intricate jewellery pieces. Brands like Cartier and Jean Paul Gaultier have created iconic and exquisite statement jewellery pieces of animals, birds and insects including parrots, tigers, panthers and dragonflies that have taken the fashion world by storm. According to jewellery designer Pallavi Foley, animal-inspired jewels are popular as designers can draw inspiration from the many facets and qualities that they bring to designing.

“Nature is a great source of inspiration. I find it interesting to research topics that inspire me and design jewels around those certain features that translate well in jewellery. I have designed many collections inspired from animals, birds, flowers etc.”

Besides jewellery, another way to bring this trend into your wardrobe is by incorporating animal-inspired bejeweled hand bags, clutches and even hats. These statement pieces are not only fashionable, but also imply a deeper significance.

“Animal motifs are interpretation of courage,” says Chetan GR of Arnam Jewellery. “As designers, we draw inspiration from nature; it’s in our instinct to exhibit animals. The peacock motifs are very popular designs, not only because of its dazzling colours but also because it symbolises elegance and grace,” says Chetan.

So, whether you prefer the exotic elegance of the snake bracelet or the cute uniqueness of the ladybug earrings, you will definitely find a piece that will work for you. So embrace your wilder side this season and go ahead and get bitten by the latest fashion bug, as this fashion love affair with animals is here to stay.