When I worked in Hong Kong about a decade ago I experienced an authentic Lunar New Year celebration for the first time. Since then, and with my focus on fashion I continue looking at the the special fashions designed for the Lunar New Year.
One of my fondest memories of Hong Kong in the lead-up to Lunar New Year was the unexpected sight of mandarin orange trees. I first spotted one in the lobby near the doors of my hotel, The Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong. Link: https://tinyurl.com/jkbwpraa
The first tree I saw:
Later I saw these trees in many places, such as shops and office buildings in Central, TST and then really almost every other place I visited! Oranges and tangerines are popular symbols of luck and prosperity during Lunar New Year. The Chinese words for oranges and tangerines sound similar to words for 'luck' and 'wealth,' and their golden color is associated with gold and prosperity.
For the Lunar New Year, 2025 is the Year of the Snake, more specifically it is the the Year of the Wood Snake. The snake is the sixth sign in the Chinese zodiac sign and is associated with wisdom, elegance, charm, and transformation.
Items produced for the Lunar New Year often include the color red and the animal of one of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs.
So far the following items caught my eye: Burberry's reversible check scarf with fringe. It is 100% cashmere and has a leather B /snake logo. Isn't it interesting seeing the branding and snake combined? This scarf is made for this special occasion. Yet, like other Burberry fashion, I could
see this being worn for years to come.
Price: $690
As noted above, the color red is associated with the Lunar New Year. However, items for Lunar New Year are also offered in other colors. For instance, shown here is a Gucci silk printed scarf, Officially called "print silk carré" on the website, note that "carré" means "square" in French.
Furthermore, this striking fuchsia and ivory pattern, with the snakes is also available in a silk cardigan and a silk wrap skirt. Decisions will need to be made about which of the three to love most!
Price: $545
Known for its evening clutch styles, outstanding craftsmanship, and dazzling designs, Judith Leiber has created several exquisite bags to celebrate the Year of the Snake. The one shown here, with its intricate detailing and luxurious materials, could easily become a collector's item and even be featured in museum exhibitions, much like some of her other iconic creations.
This crystal clutch is named Long Slide Transformation. It is an intertwining snake pattern against a floral and denim blue background. Lined with gorgeous metallic leather it also has a short detachable shoulder strap.
While this beauty is beyond my budget, its exquisite design deserves to be admired!
Price: $4,295
Fendi has over 20 items in its Lunar New Year Collection including handbags, accessories, jewelry and clothing.
This playful Fendi Eyes Charm, crafted from fox fur and accented with a vibrant red leather lanyard is a wonderful option.
While some may say the charm trend has peaked, this cute piece transcends fleeting fads. The eyes and soft texture add a touch of personality to a bag, guaranteeing a smile with every glance!
Price: $890
Finding the perfect Lunar New Year fashion piece can be tricky, but don't forget the sweetest option of all: chocolate!
La Maison Du Chocolat offers a range of treats for Lunar New Year. This is the Year of the Snake Gift Box. Included in this collection, for the first time the Company, per its website "unveils two exclusive recipes: a puffed rice praline made with slow roasted short grain rice and a dark chocolate ganache featuring pure origin Haitian cocoa 72% with spicy and woody notes." All this sounds delicious to me.
Price: $88
It's early January, and with Lunar New Year starting on January 29th, 2025, I'm sure there will be even more fantastic Lunar New Year fashion finds. Have you come across any exciting pieces yourself?