Iman Stuns in Tod’s Python Boots at Milan Fashion Week, Cementing the Snakeskin Trend

You know that feeling when a texture makes your whole look exhale? Milan delivered exactly that. Stepping into Tod’s Spring 2026 show, Iman Bowie reminded us that luxury can be both sensual and smart. Her boots did the talking—sleek, sculptural, and unapologetically exotic—yet the overall effect felt effortlessly refined.

Iman’s Milan moment: python with presence
Iman arrived at Milan Fashion Week in knee-high python boots from Tod’s, a pair that balanced allure with practicality. The $4,375 style was all about the details—a tapered shaft that hugged the calf, a stacked wooden heel for quiet height, and a modern square toe. A rubber sole anchored the look in utility, while a discreet snap concealed the side zip, nodding to the season’s biker-lean touches.

Iman in yellow python knee-high boots by Tod’s at Milan Fashion Week. Photo: Getty Images

The styling formula: let texture lead
She paired the boots with a glossy tan leather trench—polished, sculptural, minimal. Everything else stayed intentionally quiet: a slim turtleneck, pulled-back hair, clipped earrings. It’s a classic Iman move from the ’90s playbook: let the exotic skin carry the spotlight while the silhouette stays clean.

Close-up of Iman’s yellow python boots from Tod’s with square toe and stacked heel. — Close-up: tactile scales, square toe, and a stacked heel that means business. Photo: Getty Images

Python steps back into the spotlight
If it feels like snakeskin is everywhere again, you’re not imagining it. From Rihanna slipping into Jimmy Choo’s snakeskin Romy pumps to Cardi B embracing custom python platforms, this material has moved beyond retro statement into modern essential. On runways and red carpets, designers are treating snakeskin boots as a new neutral—bold, yes, but surprisingly versatile.

Inside Tod’s Spring 2026 vision
Creative director Matteo Tamburini drew inspiration from Claude Nori’s “An Italian Summer,” proposing pieces that “take shape around the body, in an essential lightness.” Natural textures and warm tones set the mood. Iman’s boots sharpened that narrative—uniting an exotic finish with pragmatic construction for a look that felt both sensual and grounded.

Tod’s knee-high python boots in yellow, priced at $4,375. — Tod’s knee-high python boots in yellow, $4,375. Photo: Tod’s

Why this look resonates
Iman has long used reptile skins to punctuate simple lines—a lesson in confidence over clutter. Her Tod’s moment proves the point: python hasn’t lost its bite, it’s just become more refined. Think of it as a tactile accent that elevates even the most streamlined wardrobe.

How to wear snakeskin boots now

Keep the palette warm and minimal. Camel, tobacco, cream, and black let the print breathe.
Mix textures, not patterns. Leather, cashmere, and silk complement the scales without competing.
Choose modern shapes. Square or almond toes and block or stacked heels feel current and comfortable.
Edit your accessories. Clean gold hoops or a structured bag keep the focus on your footwear.
Day-to-night approach. A trench and knit by day; a slip dress and blazer by night.

Subtle takeaways for the beauty-minded

Let your glow echo the boots’ warmth. Bronze-y cheeks, honeyed lids, and a balmy nude lip harmonize with yellow-toned python.
Hair that’s sleek or softly tucked back mirrors the polished, pared-back styling.
Finish with a soft, skin-enhancing sheen to match the leather’s quiet luster.

The Malibu Elixir mood
We love fashion that touches the senses—sight, touch, and the way it makes you move. Iman’s look channels exactly that: pieces that feel good on the body and look even better in motion. It’s luxury with intention, and it never shouts.

Ready to step into your power? Curate one statement texture, pare back the rest, and let your presence do the styling. Meet me at Malibu Elixir for more quietly striking edits—and let’s make every look feel like an exhale.