Serpent’s Charm: After Hrs explores the exotic reptile’s influence On fashion

Since the meandering ophidian is enjoying its spotlight on the racks and runways, we decided to quiz designers on its arresting and overpowering appeal in fashion

Manish D Mishra

Updated : Jun 22, 2018, 03:20 AM IST

Serpent’s Charm: After Hrs explores the exotic reptile’s influence On fashion

(From L-R) Julianne Moore in a Givenchy embellished gown; A snake-inspired Gucci gown; A snake print jumper by Just Cavalli; Taiwanese actor Chang Chen in a snake-embroidered jacket; Bvlgari serpenti watch; Kendall Jenner in a snake-inspired Roberto Cavalli at Cannes

The sensual yet dangerous quality of snakes has inspired designers season after season. The phantasmagorical orgy of luscious colours, soul-searing textures and baffling shapes of the zigzagging that the venomous animal offers makes it a recurring element in every design board. The iconic Bvlgari serpenti watch is the first thing which comes to mind. Designer Alessandro Michele has often been inspired by the Biblical Garden of Eden at Gucci featuring it artistically in the house’s campaigns. This season at Cannes, Taiwanese actor Chang Chen showed up in an embroidered Gucci jacket with a statement-making snake applique on the back. And who could forget Kendall Jenner’s black and sheer Roberto Cavalli gown with reptiles slithering all over last year? Julianne Moore, too, couldn’t resist the allure of the cobra as she showed up in a Givenchy embellished gown with two serpents ensconced on the bust. Since the meandering ophidian is enjoying its spotlight on the racks and runways, we decided to quiz designers on its arresting and overpowering appeal in fashion...

A SYMBOL OF SEDUCTION

Snakes are mentioned several times in the Bible and their symbology is much more complex than most assume. The most well-known appearance of a serpent is in Genesis Chapter 3, when a serpent convinces Eve to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Stylist Edward Lalrempuia, Fashion Director, Harper’s Bazaar says, “From my point of view, a snake seduced Eve and has been perceived as evil and a symbol of seduction. Maybe it stems from the fact that it has a dark side which designers like to explore.”

EERIE YET SEXY

Designer Monisha Jaising is quick to mention Uma Thurman’s Poison Ivy dance. She says, “A snake can be eerie and sexy as well. It’s all about the body.” When you look at a snake, it’s a bit of a touch me not and yet sexy which is exciting. Having said that, you won’t really pet a snake but you’d wear a serpent motif. Also, it can be referenced in exotic colours and has a nice graphic feel to it. Quite often, designers in the West associate snake with an exotic holiday,” says Monisha. Designer Surily G seconds that. “In terms of print, texture and fabric, it’s always coming back. Bvlgari and Roberto Cavalli are two brands which come to mind instantly,” says Surily.

MAJOR INSPO

Snakeskin jackets, bags and boots have been used by almost every luxury house for years now, but snake as a motif has enjoyed runway popularity over the last few seasons like never before. Designer Falguni Peacock shares, “Snake is such a beautiful creature and the wide range of colours it offers makes it so inspirational. We have used it in our prints.”