Embrace the vibrant energy and auspicious beginnings with our curated guide to celebrate the Year of the Wood Snake.
New years often symbolize new beginnings, a notion that rings especially true for the Lunar New Year to come on the 29th of January. Heralded as the Year of the Wood Snake, we are reminded of this serpentine creature’s elegant shedding, signifying the importance of embracing change and growth. What’s more, 2025 is also a leap year, making it a “Double Spring” year wherein this most blooming of seasons will be celebrated twice.
Our favorite luxury houses and beauty brands have certainly embraced this felicitous spirit with special collections. Witness as serpent-inspired motifs gracefully coil around purses, are reincarnated in diamonds and gold, and manifest as snakeskin apparel or accessories. Red and gold, which have long been regarded as auspicious colors, likewise take center stage in everything from indulgent creams to the most covetable fragrances.
To commemorate the upcoming celebrations, we’ve come up with a curated roundup of the most propitious Lunar New Year finds. Marrying tradition and heritage with modern sensibilities, let this be a sign to spruce up your look and make 2025 your most transformative year yet.
READ ALSO: Year Of The Snake: Here’s What’s In Store For Every Zodiac
Snake Charmers
As the sixth animal in the Chinese zodiac, the snake is often referred as the “little dragon” and symbolizes wisdom and rebirth. This season, a multitude of brands are drawing inspiration from the emblem of this year’s festivities with special capsule collections.
At Tory Burch, crystal-embellished serpents slither onto handbag clasps and cozy wool cardigans. Meanwhile, Kenzo infuses cultural touchpoints with contemporary styling, debuting sweaters and tops decorated with snake graphics.
On the other hand, Fendi takes a playful sartorial route for the Lunar New Year. Dubbed Fendi Eyes, the striking capsule collection is adorned with mesmerizing yellow peepers. The graphic motif evolves from the brand’s signature “monster eye” design, adorning its Peekaboo, Baguette, and Mon Trésor bag, among others.
Another brand with a witty nod to this year’s zodiac animal is Loewe with its adorable crossbody Snake bag. The piece features a lime green serpent that coils into a snug little round purse, making it an inspired addition to one’s collection. Another take is this woven clutch from Gustoko, whose magnified woven pattern in tropical hues could be said to mimic the patterns of snakeskin.
Of course, no discussion about snakes in fashion would be complete without Bulgari and its ever-evolving Serpenti collection. This elegant reptile has indeed been a wellspring of inspiration for the Italian brand, with its emblematic scales and sinuous forms lending itself to a suite of gorgeous jewelry, watches, handbags and more.
The Serpenti Cuore 1968 exemplifies this, , featuring a snake-shaped handle that elegantly mirrors the bag’s contours, forming a heart. The brand’s timepieces are just as covetable, like the limited-edition Serpenti Seduttori with a pink mother-of-pearl dial. It’s curvaceous case recalls a snake’s head, while its bracelet hugs the wrist like second skin.
Opulent Beauty
Not passing on the chance to celebrate this auspicious occasion, beauty brands have likewise released their own special drops. Clé de Peau Beauté, for instance, has collaborated with renowned Chinese enamel artist Li Pei Qing on limited edition packaging to welcome the Lunar New Year. Inspired by the beauty of high jewelry, the brand’s premier creams and serums have been decorated with intertwining floral motifs in the manner of traditional cloisonne.
Laura Mercier has likewise embraced the season, decorating their bestselling powders with golden peonies. As this springtime bloom is thought to symbolize love and prosperity in Chinese culture, the collection is an ode to the blossoming of affection and ties right in to another upcoming celebration – Valentine’s Day.
Giving gifts is yet another new year tradition, with red packets or ang paos a welcome sight during this festive time. Dior’s take is perhaps a nod to this custom of generosity, transforming their beauty goodies into indulgent gifts through intricate red and gold packaging.
Clarins has likewise dressed up their Double Serum for the occasion. Formulated from a bevy of potent plant extracts, the serum helps combat the signs of aging to help create a more rejuvenated appearance. Meanwhile, Chanel’s N°1 de Chanel collection is another must-have for that radiant glow, perfect for the busy holiday season. The line is infused with red camellia extract, which helps boost the skin’s vitality and protect it from oxidative stress.
Auspicious Hues
No color symbolizes luck in Chinese tradition more than red, a fiery hue often associated with joyous celebrations. Get ready to party clothed in this intense, statement-making color. Glean inspiration from Alice & Olivia’s ladylike presentation, replete with 50’s-style tea length dresses and relaxed tailoring. Meanwhile, Ferragamo heads to the ‘70s with sensually draped ensembles that convey a lifestyle of effortless elegance.
On the other hand, Tommy Hilfiger debuts a new year collection modeled by their brand ambassador, Jisoo. The global superstar of Blackpink fame dons preppy classics infused with a fresh modernity, great for facing the year ahead with confident energy.
Elegant crimson pouts paired with fresh, dewy skin exemplify sophisticated and modern style. Go velvety with Laura Mercier’s Caviar Smoothing Matte lipstick, pairing high-impact color with a luxe hydrating formula. If you need more inspiration, look no further than Song Hye-Kyo who dons a bright glossy lip for Guerlain. The Korean superstar steps in as the French brand’s first Asia Pacific ambassador just in time for the dawn of the new year.
Gilded Age
Another quintessential symbol of prosperity amongst East Asian cultures is the color gold, making it a fitting addition to one’s new year fashion and beauty arsenal. Rabanne’s Million Gold for Her is a sensual blend of white flowers, with sparkling top notes of rose and pear amidst a musky vanilla base. Its faceted bottle is then adorned with a chain link motif, reminiscent of the French boat chains which have inspired both Monsieur Rabanne and the house’s current designer, Julien Dossena.
Bond No. 9’s Gold Street is another stellar scent, named after a small but famous street in New York’s Financial District. The leather-forward scent likewise combines gourmand, floral, and woody facets making for a layered olfactory experience.
Another honey-colored elixir we love is Maison Francis Kurkdijian’s Grand Soir. Inspired by the essence of Paris at night, this elegant Oriental scent marries Spanish labdanum and orange, with lavender and the sweet warmth of tonka bean and vanilla.
Meanwhile, expounding on the dichotomy of innocence and sensuality is Killian’s Good Girl Gone Bad. The fruity floral is a sophisticated blend of apricots and orange blossom, with grand blooms like jasmine, tuberose, neroli and rose. Make it even more indulgent with a matching clutch adorned with a gold snake, perfect for the season’s festive parties.
And if glitter is more your thing, Teviant’s Lip Glass adorns the lips with prismatic shine. The gloss works well on its own, but is also great over lipstick to give it crystalline dimension. Formulated with shea butter, macadamia seed and meadowfoam oil, the gloss feels comfortable on lips with its non-sticky finish. For the complexion, there is Korean brand Hince’s True Dimension Radiance Balm. The sheer balm works great as a highlighter giving cheeks a dewy glow.
BaereTeviant Lip Glass | Photo from the Teviant website
Banner photo courtesy of Laura Mercier.
