As Elliott Berman Textiles’ brand ambassador, Rimma Zolotarova is known for her keen eye and elevated approach to textile design—but even she was surprised by how much she fell in love with this Italian python print viscose crepe. Initially hesitant about snake skin prints, Rimma decided to take a chance on the fabric. The moment it arrived, she was smitten. So much so that she requested additional yardage to create a chic co-ord set: a shirt and wide-legged pants designed to mimic the look of a breezy jumpsuit.
FABRIC CARE:
After prewashing the fabric in cold water and tumble-drying on low, Rimma was pleased to find it nearly wrinkle-free—ideal for warm weather and travel. Its soft drape and minimal creasing made it an effortless choice for both comfort and style.
SEWING PATTERNS:
She selected two new patterns: Vikisews Mara pants and Bella Loves Patterns Rosie shirt. The fabric’s vertical snake motifs called for strategic print placement, which she achieved by cutting each piece one at a time for a balanced, symmetrical look.
PATTERN SIZE TIPS:
For the pants, Rimma selected a size 42 (height 170), which corresponds to a 102 cm hip. Since her current measurement is 108 cm, she added 1.5 cm to each side seam, allowing for a total of 6 cm of extra ease. Even with a tight deadline before an upcoming trip, she took the time to finish the garment with French seams—honoring the beauty of the fabric with meticulous, high-end construction. The result was a pair of perfectly fitted, travel-ready trousers.
She then moved on to the Rosie shirt, blending a size 12 at the bust with a size 16 at the hips to better suit her proportions. Rimma shared her go-to approach for selecting top sizes: start with the bust, then adjust the waist and hips based on both body measurements and the garment’s built-in ease. She used this method for the shirt as well, noting that while the notch collar required extra care and precision, the final result was well worth the effort.
SEWING TIPS:
Once again, she opted for French seams, adding bias-bound finishes to the cuffs for a refined touch. A brief moment of panic struck when she realized she had only cut one yoke piece instead of two—a near disaster resolved by discovering a single scrap large enough for the second yoke, cut on the cross-grain.
THE COMPLETE TOTAL:
To complete the look, Rimma added a matching tie belt using selvedge scraps and D-rings. The set can be worn loose, cinched, or styled separately with wardrobe staples like denim or black basics.
This co-ord has become a summer favorite for Rimma—lightweight, versatile, and ultra-wearable. What began as a hesitant choice turned into a standout piece, thanks to the unexpected charm of this luxurious python print crepe.
Follow Rimma @rimmazolo on Instagram for creative inspiration, expert tips on sewing with viscose crepe, and practical advice on adjusting patterns to fit your true size.