January 29 marks the first new moon of the lunar calendar in Chinese culture and this year it’s all about the snake.
Every fashion lover knows that snake print on a whole is by far one of the chicest designs to ever grace the industry, H! Fashion’s Tania Leslau explains: “While many look back in nostalgia at what the past twelve months had in store, others look forward. One trend we’ve noticed on the tip of the industry’s tongue? Snake print - and all thanks to Chinese New Year.”
Each year fashion’s most notable brands go all out for the occasion, crafting and creating limited-edition collections and keepsakes inspired by the Chinese zodiac symbol of the year.
This year, Bulgari have created a blush pink diamond-set bezel watch while Gucci has overhauled their iconic monogram puffer jacket. All in all, the Year of the Snake is strong in the fashion sphere and these designer collections are an example of just that.
What does the year of the snake mean?
The snake holds a significant place in Chinese culture that symbolises wisdom, intuition, transformation and stealth. It’s said that in Chinese tradition, people born in the spring and summer of a Snake year are the most powerful and positive while those born in the winter period are seen as relatively quiet and submissive.
Lunar New Year Embroidered Jumper
Kenzo
Each and every year Kenzo go all out to create an entire capsule capsule dedicated to the Lunar New Year and this year is no different. A favourite this time round has to be the red texture crew neck appliquéd with a snake embellished in gold beads on the front.
Embroidered GG Canvas Padded Jacket
Gucci
Putting a reptile twist on a winter classic, Gucci has overhauled their iconic monogram puffer jacket for the Lunar occasion, adding a pop of colour in the form of tiny red embroidered snake motifs.
Embellished Snake Cardigan
Tory Burch
Launching a limited edition 100% wool cardigan adorned with a large beaded snake wrapping around the entire garment, Tory Burch is paying homage to this year's zodaic sign in sartorial style.
Bulgari: Serpenti Seduttori Watch
Bulgari
Celebrating in true Bulgari style, the famed Italian fashion house has called on their iconic Serpenti motif to create a limited edition Serpenti Seduttori watch in polished stainless steel with a diamond-set bezel and pink mother-of-pearl dial.
New Year Cargo Tote Bag 26
Coach
Coach has given their much-loved canvas tote a ruby red makeover, a colour which symbolises joy, good fortune, and prosperity in Chinese culture. To complete the new iteration, the brand's iconic logo is embroidered across the front in a snake motif.
Fortune Knotted Bag Charm
COS
Crafted out of luxe leather and a Yellow Jade stone that symbolises long life, Cos has introduced a new bag charm inspired to bring good fortune, prosperity and new beginnings.
Rouge Dior
Dior
Complete with limited edition packaging in gold and red, Dior's iconic velvet lipstick in shade Rouge Dior is the ultimate accessory to any Lunar New Year outfit.
Medusa Snake Necklace
Soru
Taking the theme literally, jewellery favourite Soru has launched a limited edition, handcrafted snake necklace from 18k gold-plated silver. The dreamy statement piece is perfect for jewellery lovers and beyond and would make for a the perfect addition to any collection.
How we chose the pieces:
Price: The majority of the items in this list are from either a designer brand or mid-luxury brands.
Occasion: Each item in this list is from a specially designed for the Year of the Snake.
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.
