2025 is the year of the snake, and coincidently was sign the year i was born. While I have zero interest in getting up close and personal with the legless creatures, they are providing a powerful metaphor for personal transformation. The wellness trend continues to evolve and embrace spirituality, and I have been hearing the term “shedding”.

Just as snakes periodically shed their skin, we too are being called to release what no longer serves us and embrace new growth. We are seeing this growth manifest in more intentionality; intentionality about building community, listening carefully, asking questions, choosing where we spend our money, and what thoughts we let take up space in our minds.

Shed Snake skin and wrinkled dress Sam Finger — Discarded Snake Skin, Sam Finger A/W 25

Nature has always been one of my favourite teachers. In the natural world, snakes shed their skin for survival and growth. This process, known as ecdysis, isn't merely cosmetic, it's essential. As a snake grows, its old skin becomes constrictive, limiting movement and hindering its ability to thrive. The snake must vulnerably retreat, slowly separate from its former self, and emerge renewed, with a skin that better fits its evolved form. How fantastic and a little bit creepy!

Ruched Muslin, Origomu technique Necklace inspired by Nature — Ruched Muslin, Origomu technique Necklace

Like these growing snakes, we too can feel constrained by our old "skins"—outdated beliefs, rigid mindsets, and limiting patterns that once protected us but now hold us back. These might be thoughts about your comfort zone that once sheltered you but now imprisons your potential. Self-doubt that served as caution, but now paralyzes our dreams. Old habits that provided stability, but now prevent your growth. We should examine these constraints with gentle curiosity. What patterns have we outgrown? What beliefs have become too tight, too restrictive for who we're becoming?

For growth we require flexibility, a “new skin” after the “shedding” that is supple, allowing for expansion and movement in ways the old skin could not. Similarly, our personal growth calls for mental and emotional flexibility. The ability to bend without breaking, to flow with life's changes while maintaining our resilience and strength. I am seeing a trend that I am not choosing to name as I don’t wish to give momentum to it. However it is showing up in contrast to the natural qualities that have been taught to us by nature and it is driven by fear. Restricting, brittleness and lack of growth. Enough said!

Japanese Woodcut Woman's Head Snake Body, Markarian A/W 25

As for the Shedding, you might need to grant yourself some space to retreat, be ok with feeling vulnerable as you release familiar patterns and step into unknown territory. The exciting thing is, this is not a one time event, it’s a cyclical journey. Each shed brings new insights, new capabilities, and new opportunities for growth. But like the snake, we emerge stronger, more vibrant, and better equipped for our next phase of life. Our vision clears, our movement becomes more fluid, and we find ourselves better aligned with who we're meant to become.

So, What are the impacts of this “shedding mindset” for trend forecasting? A collective examining of what the snake has to offer. For designers we can be inspired by so many things; motif, shape, color, skin textures, material qualities, and patterns.

Snake Moodboard Trends Fall Winter 2026 — The Shedding-Trend Forecast Fall Winter 2026

Here are some emotive stories, key colors, words and ideas for possible design direction that you might draws inspiration from. I can’t wait to see what you create and the beauty you are bringing into your field of expertise.

Emotive Stories

The Rainbow Serpent, Medusa, Naga, The White Snake and The garden of Eden

Dries Van Noten S/S 25, Serpentine Green Snake Pit

Color Palette

Serpentine Green — deep, rich emerald symbolizing growth and vitality

Pearl White — iridescent off-white inspired by the belly of snakes

Shed Gold — warm metallic tone representing the papery skin left after the shedding process.

Scale Blue — iridescent teal reflecting light like snake scales

Shadow Purple — deep amethyst for mystery and introspection

Dawn Pink — soft rose representing new beginnings

Dusk Gray — smoky charcoal for transition periods

Ferragamo P/S 25, Graphite Wallpaper-Olive

Patterns & Motifs

Snake scales, python skin, overlapping hexagonal patterns, gradient-filled diamond shapes, repeating half-moon shapes in varying sizes, serpentine movement, flowing s-curves, interlocking spiral patterns, undulating wave forms, fractured textures, peeling layers, transparent overlays and wrinkles, serpent symbols, infinity loops, spirals, waves and coils

Serpintine Movement Beauty and Juzui A/W 25 Footwear

Decorative Treatments

Iridescent finishes and shifting gradients, metallic overlays and foils, matte/gloss contrasts, oversized embossed scale patterns, translucent layers, textured surfaces, sequins, cut velvet, and serpent hardware such as draw pulls

The Trend of Shedding

A Slow-Burning Trend with Deep Cultural Roots