Fashion houses capitalise on Year of the Snake

As we enter the Year of the Snake, fashion houses have been quick to incorporate serpentine motifs into their offerings. Scales have appeared on garments - for spring-summer 2013, Jean Paul Gaultier recreated python scales and used them as a print on some of his clothes (left), including a black blazer and white silk trousers. In less capable hands, a snakeskin print can veer towards tacky, but Gaultier renders the python print modern. Is it a snake print or disintegrating honeycomb? Is it the skin of a slithery python or a spin on optical art? But like every trend, it is best to approach it in moderation - a bit of careful sartorial elimination and dressing down is the key to pulling off this look.

There are more subtle ways to incorporate the snake into your look. Dunhill suggests you do it by way of cufflinks in an "S" shape that follows the slithering moves of serpents (above; HK$2,300).

This Just Cavalli python print shirt from The Swank (above; HK$3,495) will look fresh with white jeans. With distressed blue denim, it will look very rock 'n' roll. But pair it with leather pants and you venture into sleaze territory, so be warned.

Panerai's limited edition Luminor Sealand (right; HK$185,000) features a cover with a snake print inspired by Chinese paper-cutting. It opens to reveal an elegant grey dial. There are only 100 pieces available, all of them exclusive to the China market.