Snakes and serpents have played significant roles in religion and mythology across centuries and cultures. The ancient Romans as well as the Victorians considered snakes symbols of everlasting love. Snakes also hold an inherently dangerous, edgy appeal. While a variety of factors may be responsible for the popularity of snake motifs over the centuries, this season it’s all about edge.
There is no doubt that edginess trumps romance in this photo of Julianne Moore in the February 2011 issue of W magazine. She wears a jumpsuit constructed of romantic vintage lace from Neville Bean and a matching pair of snake bracelets from Tom Ford.
Singer Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine appears in the April 2011 issue of Vogue wearing the same matching pair of snake cuffs from Tom Ford along with a Marc Jacobs dress and a hat from her personal collection.
Cartier’s Secrets et Merveilles platinum and diamond necklace is featured in the March 2011 issue of Town & Country.
The March 2011 issue of Elle accessorizes a pantsuit by Max Mara and blouse by Lyn Devon with a snake collar by Alexis Bittar and a vintage gold bangle bracelet from Beladora.
The March 2011 issue of Elle features a number of other spectacular “snake charmer” designs, including a diamond-studded wristwatch with serpent detail from Boucheron, a carved bronze serpent collar necklace from Stephen Dweck, a gold and diamond snake cuff from Kathy Rose for Roseark, and a snake-shaped gold double-finger ring from Boucheron.
The December 2010 issue of Harper’s Bazaar featured a serpent motif necklace from Nancey Chapman in a photo montage of fashion recommendations for women of a certain age.
Another trend in jewelry with a snake motif is the popular revival of the so-called “snake chain,” a smooth and somewhat flexible serpentine design in metal influenced by the look and texture of snakeskin.
I previously posted a photo of Miley Cyrus wearing a snake chain bracelet from Janis by Janis Savitt along with a cameo ring and a dress from AF Vandevorst, as seen in the March 2011 issue of Marie Claire.
Adorning a model wearing a Salvatore Ferragamo dress in the February 2011 issue of Harper’s Bazaar are a snake chain necklace and matching bracelet from Janis Savitt and earrings from Dominique Aurientis. The styling of this look is exceptional, with the scale of the snake chains approximating the size of the strips edging the segments of the dress for a cohesive and most appealing look.
The snake chain also appears in the form of a 1970s-inspired bangle bracelet from Ann Taylor featured in the April 2011 issue of Ladies’ Home Journal.
Finally, I couldn’t resist sharing this fashion photograph from the January 2011 issue of Harper’s Bazaar. The model wears head-to-toe Gucci, including her dress, bag, shoes, bracelet and ring. The snake in this case is an eye-catching prop. Serpents do have a way of catching the eye.
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