Style has long yearned for the ocean. From Vivienne Westwood’s iconic shipwrecked collections to Jean Paul Gaultier’s nautical striped sailor tops, there’s certainly no shortage of maritime motifs in the grand fashion canon.
Likewise, what lurks beneath the waves has never failed to yield inspiration. Alexander McQueen’s spring/summer 2010 runway collection, Plato’s Atlantis, serves as the benchmark for underwater sartorial themes, inspiring other designers to follow suit. Think JW Anderson’s dolphin print tops, Iris Van Herpen’s technological jelly fish-esque concoctions and Burberry’s ethereal shell prints. Not forgetting Sardine Summer, which took Europe street style by storm last year.
Now, fashion has a new muse – and we’re equally as enthralled as we are somewhat baffled by it. Sharks have arisen from the depths as the new It-animal on the scene, peppering both clothing and accessories across the board. From beaded bags to classic Jaws merch, the widely-feared fish have taken on a whole new sartorial cachet in time for spring/summer 2026.
While it seems an unlikely pairing at first, this unexpected aesthetic makes perfect sense. Kitsch but scary (sexy!) and divinely cinematic, shark-inspired designs are swimming up the ranks with gusto courtesy of brands such as Roberto Cavalli, Staud and Cece Jewellery. Given their shared reputation for being wildly misunderstood, it’s little wonder the style set feels an affinity with these finned creatures.
Invest in some pieces with major bite this season and discover the best shark-themed pieces below.
Shark-inspired pieces to shop now:
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Le Sable Beaded Mini Dress
Staud
Staud is the biggest champion of the new shark trend – and the label’s Le Sable Mini Dress is the be all and end all of finned fashion statements. Beautifully beaded and endlessly playful.
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Nerys Shark Look Top Handle Bag
JW Pei
Proof that sharks aren’t always scary, JW Pei’s adorable bag comes in an array of tempting tones for your perusing. Crafted from vegan leather with sleek, silver hardware detailing.
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Shark Print Dress
Roberto Cavalli
A masterclass in unorthodox prints, this Cavalli gown is a stunning choice for after-hours affairs. Made from 100 per cent silk, this fluidly flowing number is finished with a spotted shark-skin design and sensual criss-cross straps across the back.
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The Shark & Anchor Pendant
Cece Jewellery
Our go-to brand for luxurious, whimsical treasures, Cece Jewellery is widely beloved for its beautiful imagery and top-notch quality. Handcrafted in 18-carat yellow gold with brilliant-cut diamonds, this shark-printed piece is one to cherish forever.
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Staud reigns supreme in the beaded bag department – and this Jaws-inspired gem with a sumptuous satin lining is a fun fashion statement for summer.
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Alkemie Shark Bait Belt
Free People
Artisanal and infused with rebellious attitude, Alkemie’s shark tooth buckled belt boasts a classic medium width, an adjustable prong closure and a dark leather construction for easy styling.
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Poster T-Shirt In White
Jaws x Skinnydip
Sink your teeth into this affordable classic courtesy of Skinnydip. Made in collaboration with Jaws, this statement printed throw-on pays homage to Spielberg’s 1975 epic.
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