We’re getting reptilian, it seems.
Just as much as it serves as a showcase of fashion collections, Fashion Week is a barometer for what’s in. On and off the runways, designers, tastemakers and the occasional influencer soujourning in the fashion capitals during this time of the year show the world what’s set to become the next big thing in fashion. This season’s love affair? Snakeskin.
First spotted at Men’s Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2026 in January and now all over the runways of Women’s Fashion Week FW26, snakeskin and python textures are shaping to become one of the year’s hottest prints. While designers and showgoers kept it sleek and minimal in cities like Milan, in Paris, brands and VIPs were not afraid of shaking things up with a reptilian print. Their favored way of embracing this style statement was footwear.
At Dior Homme, Jonathan Anderson reimagined flâneurs, 19th-century men who observed the city without engaging with the activity, and rockstars in the heyday of the punk movement, as modern-day “aristo-youth.” For the task, the designer borrowed inspiration from Paul Poiret, Paris’ first grand couturier, evoking his designs with lavish fabrics, texture play and decorative elements. Fittingly, the footwear leaned into flamboyance and maximalism: snakeskin boots in different colorways, from classic grayish brown and orange to red, green and purple.
Brand ambassadors Ryusei Yokohama and Mingyu had first dibs on the runway footwear, showcasing the designs in contrasting colors; Mingyu in a rich brown shade and Yokohama in white. Proving the shoes’ versatility, both stars styled their looks differently. Mingyu, a popular singer hailing from South Korea, leaned on aristocratic aesthetics and an oversized silhouette. Yokohama, a multihyphenate now primarily known for his acting career, went for a casual look built on the classic denim and white combination, allowing the footwear to become the focus.
Mike Amiri did his own thing with snakeskin. His take was infused in ‘70s rockstardom and Hollywood’s golden days. Part glam and part formal footwear, the brand opted for Chelsea boots that nodded at the showmanship the brand universe is built on. Amiri also sent down snakeskin in the form of clutches.
On the front row, guests such as Mexican boxer Canelo Alvarez and Italian singer Sfera Ebbasta donned other snakeskin items, namely jackets and ties. Meanwhile, brand ambassador Yuta Jinguji brought the animal print to rockstar territories, combining a black and red outfit with snakeskin Chelsea boots fit for a music icon like himself—in case you need an introduction, Jinguji is a singer and ⅓ of the Japanese trio Number_i.
Spectacles of maximalism and subcultures, the runways of Dries Van Noten and Willy Chavarria delivered more sartorially savvy takes. Dries Van Noten, recognized for its legacy in textile exploration as well as tactile and chromatic interplay, accompanied its richly textured outfits with boxer-style boots featuring thin soles, ankle support and laces. The brand also introduced snakeskin on bags and ultra-thin belts.
Chavarria, on the other hand, doubled down on clothing pieces like skinny cropped pants, bomber jackets and footwear for him and her—1970s-inspired loafers, kitten heels and Cuban heel boots appropriate for his epic runway, which celebrated Latin American culture.
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Mingyu Taps into the Snakeskin Footwear Trend in Paris
Though the snakeskin shoe first gained traction during Men’s Paris Fashion Week, elsewhere, celebrities are also pushing for the snake-print aesthetic. Out and about in New York, style icon Rihanna stepped out in a pair of Amina Muaddi Mary Jane pumps in January.
During the Women’s Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2026 cycle, which kicked off in February in New York, the trend picked up. Across the fashion capitals, celebrities and showgoers embraced the reptilian motif with statement items like coats (take Burberry ambassador Bright Vachirawit as an example) and accessories. However, footwear prevailed, with notable names such as Hikari Mori and Lila Moss opting for the animal print shoes to attend London Fashion Week.
In Paris, echoing the Dior Homme runway, K-pop star Hyunjin also hopped on the trend on his second Dior front row appearance. The star challenged the old-school belief that brown and black don’t go together in the same outfit, opting for a soft, tailored look. For a dose of modern-day edge, Hyunjin wore snakeskin boots, elevating the entire look to music sensation territory—Hyunjin is a member of the best-selling music act Stray Kids, responsible for one of the top-performing albums worldwide, according to IFPI.
All of these celebs may all be up to something. According to marketing and trend forecasting reports, 2026 will be the year of maximalism, marking a departure from the “clean girl” mindset that has reigned supreme in the last couple of years. Interest in ‘80s style hasn’t increased +225% for nothing. After all, the era thrived on excess, flamboyance, and, most notably, a great dose of animal print.
Get the Look
Now, if you feel like getting ahead of the trend curve, our team has selected a collection of items to add to your wishlist or simply add to your Pinterest board for sartorial inspiration.
Flat Shoes Women
MUSSHOE
Carolynn Tassel Loafer
FRANCO SARTO
Ankle Boots
COUTGO
Snakeskin Knee High Boots
JANSEVEN
All products are independently selected by No Manners’ editorial team. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
This piece was originally published in January 2026 and updated to reflect new information.
