Silver embossed snakeskin and white mink coat, c. 1971, by Donald Brooks

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Silver embossed snakeskin and white mink coat, c. 1971, by Donald Brooks

This Donald Brooks coat merges metallic silver snakeskin with the sleeves of a fur coat, amplifying the visual impact of both. In 1975, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora was enacted, creating guidelines on the import and usage of both snakeskin and fur.

Long silver snakeskin coat with white mink fur long sleeves and collar. Coat has overlapping front with no visible closures.

Details

Donald Brooks

Silver embossed snakeskin and white mink fur coat

Circa 1971, USA

The Museum at FIT, 2007.39.1

Gift of Doris Blaine

“Fur and Fur Touches” editorial featuring a Donald Brooks coat with badger fur sleeves
*Vogue*
September 1971

This Donald Brooks winter coat, made of American navy wool with badger fur sleeves, is a more subdued and wearable alternative to the more avant-garde design featuring silver snakeskin paired with mink.

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Crystals, rhinestones, sequins, & beads

Fashion has used applied embellishments for centuries, using shiny facets and the movement of dangling pieces, such as beads and crystals, to draw the eye. Sequins are often made of plastic, though environmentally conscious designers have experimented with seaweed-based sequins, to maximize glamour while minimizing the ecological impact.