ASK AN EXPERT | March 27, 2020

SNAKESKIN 101// WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE INVESTING IN SNAKESKIN

Atlanta fashion blogger Monica explains why real snakeskin is so expensive and why some faux snakeskin is also extremely expensive. chloé - Rylee Python-Print Lace-Up Boots

 
Have you noticed while out and about or scrolling through your social media at least one person wearing snakeskin this season? Are you wondering why this is such a hot trend right now or can you pull it off? Have you looked for those cute boots or purses and have been shocked by the sticker price? Snakeskin pants, mini skirts, belts, purses or shoes were major trends in the 80s. This past year, we have seen a resurrection of this 80s trend.

Snakeskin is everywhere

It’s hard to ignore the snakeskin trend. Actually let me correct that, as it would be wrong to deem snakeskin as a trend when it is truly a classic material. I am sure if you look into your mother’s closet or chest of archived fashions, you will find something in snakeskin. What makes snakeskin a trend right now is the fact that snakeskin in certain silhouettes are now at the forefront of fashion. 

Atlanta fashion blogger Monica explains why real snakeskin is so expensive and why some faux snakeskin is also extremely expensive. fashion blogger amiee song of song of style and Harpers Bazaar editor at large Chrissy Rutherford both wearing snakeskin
BLOGGER AIMEE  SONG AND EDITOR CHRISY FORD BOTH WEARING SNAKESKIN PHOTOS C/O INSTAGRAM

Not sure if you can afford snakeskin, how to style it, or how to select the skin? Don’t worry because we dive into all things snakeskin to help you make the best decision before swiping your credit card. This post answers the question of why this exotic skin is expensive, the various types of snakeskin, and will help you distinguish between real and fake. In addition to that, I will also offer pointers on how to transition the trend from winter to spring.

 

Why is snakeskin so expensive?

Although snakeskin is everywhere, the real, authentic snakeskin is rare. Real snake skin items such as hand bags can run as high as $15,000USD, while snakeskin boots average about $2000USD. Even faux snakeskin (python print on real leather) boots can go as high as $1500, making this trend an expensive one. People tend to believe that snakeskin goods are expensive because they are durable and last forever, however that is not true. Snakeskin items are expensive because they are rare, making them luxury items. The size of the snake also makes it difficult to construct full-size goods. Lastly, the skin is delicate and with age the scales tend to raise. The delicate nature of the skin and the level of workmanship that goes into assembling this delicate skin all adds to it’s hefty cost.

Atlanta fashion blogger Monica explains why real snakeskin is so expensive and why some faux snakeskin is also extremely expensive. jcrew knee-high boots worn with levis denim midi skirt, pink sweater and new dior saddle bag

The most common types of snakeskin used in creating goods are python and ayers. Ayers is less expensive and not as delicate as python. Most expensive snake bags are made in python with a small exception made in cobra.

 

How to take care of real snakeskin

Snakeskin goods have longevity, however the older the skin gets, the more the scales will rise. It is inevitable for the scales of real snakeskin to rise. The techniques used to finish the skin and properly storing these items in dust bags, can slow down the aging process. Some people don’t like this feature of the skin, however it is considered an added feature. People who collect this exotic skin love this feature and believe it adds beauty to the skin. I recommend professional cleaners every time to care for your items due to the skin being delicate.

Real vs. faux –

Over the years, I have noticed that selecting real vs faux depends on two major factors. 1. Cost, 2. morals. I truly believe cost is the number one factor as most people are not ready to spend thousands of dollars on a bag that cannot be worn everyday. Like any exotic bag, it is more of a status symbol for most people and some just truly love the look of it, hence saving to make this purchase is well worth it. A good amount of people believe that it is not necessary to kill animals to wear them. Hence there is a large population that opts for faux snakeskin because the leather used is obtained as a by-product of food, and the animals are not inhumanly killed for their skin. 

 CLICK ON THE IMAGES TO SHOP

Faux snakeskin can be less expensive but not necessarily inexpensive. Like most items, the price of snakeskin items are determined by the material and designer. My favorite pair of snakeskin boots are $1500. They are faux and feature a python print on leather. The leather used and the methods used to create the print, as well as the fact that they are Chloe all attribute to the price-tag. On the other hand, I have a pair that are from J.Crew that cost $350. Once again, the brand and material used determine the price difference. As a material expert, I can distinguish the difference between the leathers, however the average person cannot make this distinction, so your decision to spend should be based on fit and style.

 CLICK ON THE IMAGES TO SHOP

Faux snakeskin products are typically made of cow-hide leather or goatskin, and embossed to look like the scales of  a snake. This process is finished with a coating on the leather. This coating also serves as a protector to the leather, making the faux option more durable and technically a better financial purchase.

  Atlanta fashion blogger Monica at the Williamsburg hotel in Brooklyn explains why real snakeskin is so expensive and why some faux snakeskin is also extremely expensive. chloé - Rylee Python-Print Lace-Up Boots

Most sought out snakeskin products

The most popular snakeskin products tend to vary season to season and year to year. This year has been all about the snakeskin boot. Every brand and major designer has created a snakeskin boot. Real or faux, the snakeskin boot has reigned supreme this fall/winter season and will be one that continues to make waves in spring. (Stay tuned for my post highlighting how to transition your snakeskin boots into spring.)

 

Shop some of my favorite snake pieces.

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Atlanta fashion blogger Monica Awe-Etuk wearing a green blazer dress with knee-high snakeskin boots explains the difference between real and faux snakskin and everything you need to know before purchasing snakeskin
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