Snake Charmer

Photo credit: Sam Brewster

Photo credit: Sam Brewster

Wear Snakeskin - the Print of the Season - in Sexy, Roberto Cavalli-Style

In association with Isabella’s Wardrobe, Glasgow, with special thanks to The Blythswood Hotel.

Shot by John Murray and Sam Brewster.

It’s always a struggle to balance trying out new trends with finding your own personal style and working it to the max. But when a trend comes along that already fits with your personal style, well, that’s a no-brainer!

Case in point, the print of the season (and in fact last season) snakeskin! Animal prints in general were huge for AW, but as we head slowly towards springtime, snakeskin and zebra print are taking centre stage.

Photo: Sam Brewster

Photo: Sam Brewster

For me, this Roberto Cavalli dress hits both of these trends because, although it’s clearly snakeskin, it’s in the lesser-spotted monochrome colour palette, that makes it reminiscent of zebra print! Ok, that may be a slight stretch of the imagination, but I assure you, this dress will see you through season after season, irrespective of trends.

Photo: John Murray

Photo: John Murray

~ The Details ~

As you can see from the above close-up, this stretch jersey dress has long sleeves, a plunging neckline, complete with an actual snake embellishment in gold-coloured metal, and a figure-flattering a-line skirt that skims the hips. The hem modestly hits just on or below the knee, depending on your height (see below), and, together with the long sleeve, makes it suitable for a spring or summer wedding where having some coverage is preferred.

Photo: Sam Brewster

Photos: John Murray

~ Don’t tell the fashionistas, but it’s SUPER-comfy! ~

Fashion is rarely known for being comfortable. In truth, we’re often encouraged to suffer for fashion! So, having worn this dress briefly during our shoot, I am delighted to report that it’s a dream to wear! The soft ruching falling from the snake detail at the décolletage sweeps down over the stomach, disguising any unwanted curvature! The fabric is silky-soft and stretchy and the dress is lined, so no need to worry about clinging or static.

Photo: John Murray

Photo: John Murray

~ Just add Tom Ford-era Gucci Heels ~

Photo: Sam Brewster

Photo: Sam Brewster

A dress like this doesn’t need much styling. The gold snake-detail at the bust inspired me to add gold earrings and a bracelet, but not much more besides. Of course shoes are a must, and these golden Gucci heels are the perfect pairing!

Photo: John Murray

Photo: John Murray

Similar to the way that many lament the loss of Phoebe Philo at Céline, some of us feel the same about Tom Ford’s departure from Gucci. His womenswear was the visual representation of the sexy R&B soundtrack to the 90s - or perhaps the music was inspired by his clothes. Either way, he knew how to dress women for maximum sensuality and, while times may have moved on and this may not chime with the zeitgeist Rise of Women (which I am ALL for, of course), plenty of us loved his designs. It’s therefore little surprise that these tortoiseshell-heeled Tom Ford Gucci sandals rarely become available and are highly prized when they do.

Take me to bed, or lose me forever…

Special thanks to The Blythswood Hotel, whose beautiful lobby, salon and bar made the perfect backdrop to these high-end fashion pieces. Click to find out more about staying there and enjoying their food, hospitality and spa.

For full details of the Roberto Cavalli dress and Gucci shoes please call Isabella’s Wardrobe on +44(0)141 337 3877 or visit the website.

Will you be wearing the snake print trend? Tell me how you’ll be styling it in the comments!

Thanks!

Nx