Lookbook: Serpent & The Swan A/W 12

Up and coming label Serpent & the Swan are ready to drop their autumn/winter 12 ‘The Art of Mourning’ collection into stores at the end of this month. The collection is inspired by the eerie beauty of the 19h century with designer sister team, Hayley and Lauri Smith, incorporating a diverse combination of crepe, lace, velvet, faux shearling, raw silk, knitted suede, as well as merino wool and cashmere blends.  

Speaking with Hayley, she says that once again the collection’s base colour is black to symbolise the absence of light, and in turn, life. Don’t expect to see Serpent & the Swan following the catwalk trends of big bold and bright block colours, they have incorporated traditional Victorian-era colour palette such as burgundy, grey and deep red tones as well as a hint of gold.

Once again, the exquisite detail in the collection features horsehair trimmings, which have also been used to create unique jewellery. Sticking to their signature trimmings, The Art of Mourning collection features roses for the first time, as well as their traditional skulls and bones created from antique copper.

My personal favourite, the Petal velvet leggings (pictured), are going to be a staple item for the fast approaching colder months, being able to be reworked with a pair of ankle boots for a casual Saturday morning brunch, or teamed up with some seriously sky-scrapping wedges for a night out.

With 5% of all proceeds from their A/W12 The Art of Mourning collection going towards a selected animal charity, there is all the more reason to support the fresh faced and ever elegant Serpent & the Swan.

Watch this space for when you can get your fashionista hands on these pieces! And check out their Facebook page here.