Sssss... simply stylish: Fashion brands turn to the snake for design inspiration

A serpent eating its own tail, forming the number eight, is an ancient symbol that represents eternity. Photo: Ray-Ban

There is no running away from seeing serpents everywhere this Chinese New Year. Fashion brands are drawing inspiration from the scaly creature for special festive offerings this Year of the Snake.

According to Chinese beliefs, snakes symbolise wisdom, renewal and transformation. People born under this sign are often associated with characteristics like being charming and having a strong intuition.

More than that though, the snake makes for an beautiful design inspiration.

Adidas has an eye-catching pair of sneakers bearing fiery red scaly texture on the uppers. It even comes with a green lace tag made to resemble jade.

This same snake skin motif is seen on a Pestle & Mortar bowling shirt. The local streetwear brand’s unisex design can be worn in an oversize manner – perfect for layering.

Read more: Creative flair: Chinese New Year fashion campaigns celebrate culture in style

As for snake motifs, they appear everywhere in the form of jewellery or emblazoned on bags.

There is the & Other Stories cuff bracelet designed to look like a snake wrapped around your wrist. Made from polished brass, it is dotted with blue crystals as eyes and topped with a sparkling white crystals.

Swarovski has a number of cute serpent-inspired designs too. Capturing the animal in motion, it takes forms that coil in the light and spiral around some of the brand’s greatest treasures.

Also check out Staud’s shoulder bag featuring a beaded snake pattern, as well as Ray-Ban’s limited edition designs for this year – optical frames featuring an infinity snake metal plaque on the earpiece.