Slither into summer

There are the scales you stand on and the ones you step into. We know which we prefer

Above: Russell & Bromley mini shopper bag, £195 No snakes were harmed in the making of this fashion spread. Despite the price, the bag is made of printed leather, not king python. It is surprisingly capacious, with plenty of space for anti-venom to counteract poisonous shop assistants. Available from Russell & Bromley, New Bond Street, London W1 and selected branches nationwide. Enquiries on 0171-629 6903

Sacha shoes, £59 These crochet-effect shoes look unlikely to stay on for long, but they are in fact made from elastic and very secure. Available from branches of Sacha nationwide

Right: Equipment shirt, £125 Beautifully made 100-per-cent silk shirt. Even if you don't fancy snakeskin, the quality of this might tempt you to buy it anyway. Available from Equipment, 21 Sloane Street, London SW1 and 26 Brook Street, London W1 (or mail-order on 0171-235 9868)

Above: Modzart jeans, £60 These are a comfortable 501 shape, and surprisingly flattering. Women size 12 and up have even been known to buy them. They are made of cotton with latex print, and come in black, grey, red and silver. Available from Snoops, 186a King's Road, SW3 (0171- 352 3505); Ichi-ni-san, 26 Bell Street, Glasgow (0141-552 2545)

Right: Kirk Originals sunglasses, £90 Mean-looking scale-effect frames come in different shapes for both sexes. From branches of David Clulow in London (enquiries on 0171-373 5000) and Pilot, 33 Silver Street, Leicester (0116-262 5535)

Jaeger belt, £45 A classic shape that will be worn long after the snakeskin jeans have gone to Oxfam. It's made from printed leather, with a man-made lining. At branches of Jaeger nationwide. Enquiries on 0171-494 2060

Above: J & M Davidson bag, £355, and wallet, £55. Harvey Nichols belt, £39 More reptile-friendly printed leather. The bag and wallet are decidedly expensive, but sturdily constructed, and dead glamorous. The thin belt is very now. Available from Harvey Nichols, 67

Brompton Road, Knightsbridge,

London SW3 (0171-235 5000)