A stylish touch of snake

Four stamps for the Year of the Snake designed by Wu Guanying. Liu Junfeng / for China Daily

Anything with a snake theme is in vogue this year - from sportswear to gadgets and accessories, to fashion, footwear and even stamps - as the country edges nearer the Year of the Snake on the traditional Chinese calendar.

Sporting giant Adidas is kicking off its year right, with various products, including two specially designed "reptile-skinned" versions of the classic Superstar 80's silhouette sneaker.

Both models are crafted out of faux snakeskin material with leather and suede contrasts, in addition to a jade lace-lock with a Chinese character of "she", or "snake", on it.

The tag also takes the shape of jade, delivering a strong overall sense of Chinese tradition.

A new reversible jacket in Adidas' collection has also been designed to appeal to those looking to celebrate this favorite Chinese time of year.

One side uses red silk material with snakeskin patterning, while the other is black, with serpent embroidery on the back.

Elsewhere, there's a tracksuit with the brand's classic three stripes in snakeskin, and T-shirts printed with snakes in an "88" shape.

Simon Millar, Adidas' vice-president of marketing in China, said: "The Spring Festival and shengxiao, or the Chinese zodiac, is special in Chinese culture.

"These snake-inspired designs represent the real spirit of Chinese New Year."