Snake charmers for your wardrobe

By Jenn Harris

For those who follow the Chinese zodiac, the year of the snake begins today. People born under this sign are thought to be more likely to be seductive, gregarious, charming, smart, good with money and, at times, a little jealous. The reptiles themselves are beautiful, sometimes dangerous, creatures that have inspired countless designers over the years. Here are some ways to incorporate the symbol of the year into your wardrobe, with no harm done to any living creature.

It’s hard not to turn heads in Equipment’s Sloane crewneck cashmere sweater, $298 from Nordstrom, with its snakeskin print in neon yellow.

The Sabine print midi dress, from Piperlime.com, makes for a fun twist on the classic floral print, flowy dress for spring.

The Eight Sixty snake print high-low blouse, from RonHerman.com, features a contrast collar that gives the blouse a little more edge.

Pair the 7 For All Mankind the skinny laser snake jeans, with a plain tee and solid heels for a go-to outfit for any occasion.

Snake-shaped jewellery is a great way to wear the trend in a subtle way. For a snake accent, try the Jennifer Fisher brass snake cuff, from Barneys.com, the Aurelie Bidermann snake hoop earrings, from NeimanMarcus.com, or the Steven Alan 14-karat gold snake ring by Grace Lee, at stevenalan.com, with snakeskin texture and diamond eyes.

Giuseppe Zanotti takes on the classic outdoor slipper with the snake-print smoking slipper in metallic silver, from BergdorfGoodman.com.

Famed handbag designer Judith Leiber created a special year of the snake clutch, from NeimanMarcus.com. The coiled snake is adorned with hand-applied crystals.

Slither around in style behind the Lanvin snake-print leather accented modified square sunglasses, from Saksfifthavenue.com. Dress up your smart phone in this Stella McCartney snake-print iPhone case, from Farfetch.com. It’s a pearlised nude snake-print case with gold-tone chain edging and tonal faux suede whipstitch trim. — Los Angeles Times/MCT

Splash springs into summer

Splash springs into summer

While globalisation has made it such that fashion transcends climatic seasons, each season still brings with it some overarching trends which encompass the catwalks. As Spring Summer’13 sets in, high street maven Splash interprets the hottest trends, inspired by the sweltering summer. All about contrasts, the season sports an overwhelming feeling of lightness and softness.

While fashion explores newer boundaries, this season warriors step out of mythology and get into the city streets imprinting an entire collection with hints of myths and mystique. With a mix of primary colours complemented with shocking fiery reds, neon yellows and bright blues, the trend includes new active sportswear, distressed and slashed denims and relaxed separates in cotton, voile and knits.

Prints and pattern dominate the looks with engineered, tribal, reptile and kaleidoscope prints. The evolution from last season has begun and new ways to wear existing trends are emerging. With a strong Oriental trend surfacing, Japanese kimono style garments in ikebana and hybrid prints, typical folds, high belts and soft samurai like shoulder padding are a favorite. The ‘Clarity’ trend also picks up on easy fabrics like georgettes, chiffons and soft knits in shades of fuchsia, citrus and ombre.

As seasonal clichés take to the runways get ready to channel pastels, pearls and monochromes. First on the trend radar are floral prints a perennial favourite which find a romantic revival.

As no wardrobe would be complete without a sugary display of pastels, the ‘Preppy Riot’ trend reflects a very ’60s mood. Featuring flowy silhouettes in clean lines the feel is much more grown-up this season with a delicious mixture of embellishment and texture.

With a trend revolution in progress, the spring runways proved that everything really does look better in black in white. With monochrome all set to rule the roost whether in graphic prints or stark contrast blocking the collection includes pants, dresses, shirts and blouses. ‘Ashen’ a dark, sensual and twisting trend that is heightened by the silhouettes of romantic long flowing lines and tailored looks — engineered stripes and checks with florals — are foremost in this collection.

Moving on to trends for men which find continuity this season in the idea of simplicity, Splash explores ‘Preppy Resort’ a dandy goes to the beach collection where American Preppy sportswear meets colour paradise. The blend captures the most eclectic colours with the resort look which transports you into a holiday dimension.

Marine inspired looks remain popular with an abundance of nautical stripes, featuring across all products categories. Classic deck looks are revived in this trend that is being referred to as ‘Azure Paradise’ through fabrics and print updates and key items include the floral swim shorts and conversational print trousers.