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The Year of the Snake: How Luxury Brands Embrace the Serpentine Aesthetic


It's time to shed the skin of the past, as the year of the snake is upon us. The luxury industry is unveiling captivating collections that embody this zodiac sign's elegance and wisdom. The serpentine Lunar New Year calls for transformation, and the luxury industry, always in tune with the zeitgeist, responds with gifting collections that glow with sophistication and mystery.


By Daphne Bennett

January 2025

 

As the Lunar New Year approaches, the fashion world eagerly anticipates the arrival of the Year of the Snake in 2025. This zodiac sign, celebrated for its wisdom, transformation, and timeless elegance, invites luxury brands to creatively interpret its significance through exclusive collections.


A Love Knot for the Year of the Snake


Tiffany & Co. is leading the charge with a collaboration with multidisciplinary artist Oscar Wang, merging Tiffany’s iconic elements with Wang’s unique design language to create a distinct motif that resonates with contemporary sensibilities. Wang's inspiration from ceramics culminates in a signature motif that combines the symbology of the snake with the infinite loops of the figure-eight knot. The central design features a heart-shaped infinity sign with serpentine curves, paying homage to Tiffany’s famed Open Heart design, which embodies the spirit of love. This mirrored pattern, symbolizing two hearts coming together, reflects the number eight, which is synonymous with wealth and fortune in Chinese culture. The centerpiece of this collaboration is a jewelry case crafted from Blanc de Chine porcelain, elegantly finished with a Tiffany blue glaze and adorned with a Chinese knot symbolizing luck and unity.



Tiffany & Co. Taps Oscar Wang for Chinese New Year Collaboration
Tiffany & Co. Taps Oscar Wang for Chinese New Year Collaboration


Eyes of the Serpent: Playful Elegance for the Year of the Snake


As the celebrations for the Lunar New Year commence on January 29, it’s a time for gifting, a tradition that symbolizes good wishes, gratitude, and the hope for prosperity in the coming year. Luxury brands are seizing this opportunity to unveil exclusive collections inspired by the serpentine elegance of the snake. Fendi, marking its centenary, celebrates with the vibrant Fendi Eyes capsule, blending bold creativity with timeless elegance through its iconic “monster eye” motif. The collection features vibrant bags and accessories for both men and women, capturing the festive charm of the season.


Fendi Eyes: Lunar New Year Collection
Fendi Eyes: Lunar New Year Collection


Cloud Serpents: A Whimsical Lunar New Year Collection

Loewe Lunar New Year Capsule Collection
Loewe Lunar New Year Capsule Collection

Loewe also embraces the Year of the Snake with a special collection that includes ready-to-wear and leather goods adorned with elegant snake-inspired details, complemented by cloud motifs that symbolize luck and prosperity. Meanwhile, Miu Miu rings in the New Year with a charming short film titled "The Encounter," showcasing brand ambassadors Liu Haocun and Zhao Jinmai in a magical dreamscape. The collection features oversized sweaters, preppy tweeds, and playful accessories, including exclusive designs and personalized Chinese knots.






Miu Miu's Enchanting Tribute to the Year of the Snake: A Cinematic Celebration


The Encounter: Miu Miu Chinese New Year 2025
The Encounter: Miu Miu Chinese New Year 2025

Miu Miu ushers in the Year of the Snake with "The Encounter" (如期而遇), a delightful short film directed by the renowned filmmaker Shujun Wei. The narrative stars brand ambassadors Liu Haocun and Zhao Jinmai, unfolding within the vibrant atmosphere of Yi Lau Yi, a lively Cantonese tea house in Beijing. As the pair revels in a spirited performance by a local band, the scene takes a whimsical turn when the musicians and patrons mysteriously disappear, leaving them to explore a fantastical dreamscape brimming with music, dance, and enchanting discoveries.


This festive essence is beautifully reflected in Miu Miu's latest collection, showcasing a blend of joyful and sophisticated pieces. The lineup features oversized sweaters, preppy tweeds, jewel-encrusted denim, and blouson jackets, all elegantly paired with signature ballerinas, strappy kitten heels, and the exclusive Plume and New Balance X Miu Miu sneakers. Accessories further enhance the collection, including the Penny, Wander, and Arcadie bags in unique designs, whimsical bag charms like crochet-knit serpents, and personalized Chinese knots available at select locations. Completing the collection are logoed hoodies, T-shirts, and cotton underwear in auspicious red, embodying the spirit of celebration.




A Serpentine Check: Burberry Embraces the Year of the Snake


Burberry Year of the Snake Capsule Collection
Burberry Year of the Snake Capsule Collection

Burberry contributes to the festivities with a capsule collection that reimagines the Burberry Check with a “B Snake” motif, centered around the color red, a symbol of luck and prosperity. This collection starring Brand Ambassador Zhang Jingyi, showcases outerwear, jersey separates, and accessories, while also featuring a collaboration with Chinese bamboo-weaving artist Qian Lihuai, whose sculptures highlight family bonds and serpentine forms.








Timeless Treasures: Serpents Guarding Precious Moments


Lastly, Harry Winston honors the Year of the Snake with two limited-edition timepieces in rose and white gold, adorned with lacquered snakes and diamonds. These watches celebrate the snake as a symbol of wealth, wisdom, and guardianship of treasures, underscoring the tradition of interpreting the zodiac through designs inspired by Chinese culture.


 Harry Winston Chinese New Year Automatic 36mm. Photography courtesy of Harry Winston.
Harry Winston Chinese New Year Automatic 36mm. Photography courtesy of Harry Winston.



As we prepare to welcome the Year of the Snake, luxury brands are not only celebrating the elegance and sophistication of this zodiac sign but also reinforcing the significance of cultural heritage through their exquisite collections. The fusion of modern artistry with traditional symbolism creates a rich tapestry of creativity, making this Lunar New Year a truly remarkable celebration.

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