Get ready to welcome in the imminent Year of the Snake! As the celebrations around the Lunar New Year commence, luxury brands have dressed some of their best sellers in striking red, or snake-adorned, limited-edition finery for the occasion.
The Lunar New Year is a period where a number of countries and cultures including China, Korea, Vietnam and Singapore and those with related links, mark a new year based on the first new moon in the traditional lunar calendar.
The first day of the Lunar New Year in 2025 is Wednesday ,January 29, which is the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese Zodiac. The snake is said to be a symbol of wisdom and renewal.
Vietnam’s celebration is called Tết, short for Tết Nguyên Đán, and this year country will also welcome in the Year of the Snake.
The celebration of the new year is the perfect time to give tokens of affection and good wishes in the form of gifts adorned in red – a colour considered to bring good fortune and joy. Plenty of luxury and beauty brands have come to the party with reverent or playful packaging to mark the festivities.
It doesn’t hurt that the snake, the sixth of the 12 animals that appear in the Chinese zodiac, is perfectly represented in snake-skin elements and other chic visual details.
These are some of the most desirable options for Lunar New Year 2025:
Gucci Lunar New Year Edit
Gucci has long been fond of a snake element, a motif deeply rooted in the House’s heritage, and decorating the clasp of the famed Dionysus bag. But this year, the focus is on Gucci’s signature Rosso Ancora hue for gifting.
Lush Serpentine Collection
The Year of the Snake marks a time of renewal and growth. These Lush bath and body products are said to be perfect for those looking for a fresh start with the Rebirth bath bomb and Sunrise shower gel. Both have an uplifting zesty scent.
Hermès home decor
Hermès has curated a selection of appropriately red gifts including a red and gold change tray, and an enamelled copper centerpiece.
MAC Luxe Luck Collection
M.A.C.’s Luxe Luck makeup collection gives red a swerve in favour of shimmering green-tinged holographic shine and includes a range of products including lipstick, glimmering liquid eyeshadow and a face palette containing bronzer and highlighter imprinted with a snakeskin finish.
Dior’s celestial homage
For the Lunar New Year, Dior has a series of celestial creations – dreamed up by Maria Grazia Chiuri – spotlighting the entrancing sign of the Snake, including this embroidered tee shirt and a new incarnation of the Lady Dior bag.
Michael Hill jewellery collection
The elegant form of a snake makes the perfect element to play with in accessory form, and jewellery brand Michael Hill has obliged with its Lunar New Year collection, that includes a gold coiled snake ring and red Silk Cord Bolo Bracelet with snake charm.
Burberry’s Snake logo
Burberry has chosen to reimagine the B of its name into a clever snake logo, using it across a range of items including cashmere sweaters, and accessories like this wallet. We also love the cute Mini Peg Duffle Bag in red Burberry check.
Tiffany & Co. jewellery
Elsa Peretti’s sleek undulating designs for Tiffany & Co. lend themselves perfectly to honoring the Year of The Snake. In particular, these Elsa Peretti Snake Earrings and Snake Ring would make the perfect new year gifts.
Lunar New Year at MECCA
Beauty emporium MECCA is celebrating the Year of the Dragon by offering limited-edition Red Pockets. These envelopes are given to friends and family to symbolise luck and good wishes for the year ahead. Red Pockets are available with any purchase from MECCA’s Lunar New Year Edit of gifts.
Limited Edition skincare
If you’re needing to stock up on iconic skincare serums and moisturisers that are staples in a well-rounded skincare routine, these options offer a bit of fun. This year’s must-haves include Clarins Double Serum, Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair, Kiehl’s Calendula Toner and Sulwhasoo’s First Care Activating Serum VI.
Glasshouse Fragrances Candle
Glasshouse Fragrances also forgoes the red in favour of bold and bright green in its limited edition Wisdom Of The Snake candle scented with orchid, orange blossom, citrus, cedarwood and musk, to welcome the new year in.
Louis Vuitton ‘s red selection
While not a dedicated collection, Louis Vuitton has a selection of desirable gift-appropriate pieces, like the Colour Blossom BB Star Pendant or the LV Groovy Platform Sneaker.
