SINGAPORE – After a bountiful year of dragon-themed fashion and beauty collections in 2024, global brands have opted for a less in-your-face approach with their zodiac-themed products this Year of the Snake.

In the Chinese zodiac, the snake is said to represent wisdom, intuition and transformation. In many interpretations, people born under this animal sign are also described as having a rich inner world and possessing an air of mystery.

When it comes to fashion, the slinky serpent is tougher to portray than the auspicious dragon as it can appear sinister. But brands have got creative with their treatment, with many leaning heavily into python print and serpent motifs.

From coiled jewellery to reptilian-print ready-to-wear, The Straits Times rounds up some of the most noteworthy collections.

& Other Stories

For Chinese New Year, Swedish label & Other Stories goes flirty and feminine, with draped satin, oversized bows, floral appliques, and tones of cream and pink.

Adding edge to girlish pieces like the Bias-Cut Satin Midi Dress ($229) are novelty accessories such as the Crystal-Encrusted Snake Bracelet ($55) – a daring bit of arm candy that might just keep unwanted reunion questions at bay.

Info: Available at & Other Stories stores and zalora.sg

Acne Studios

The Swedish fashion brand has tapped brand ambassador and Chinese actress Sandra Ma to front its Year of the Snake collection.

Python-print clothing is the star of the capsule – appearing across a slinky satin dress ($960), printed denim trousers ($1,200), button-up printed shirts ($900) and a key Ruffle Strap Dress in auspicious crimson ($1,300) that Ma wears in the campaign.

If you are celebrating somewhere cold, pair your scaly pieces with the brand’s classic wool mohair scarf in a festive new dip-dye gradient red ($460).

Info: Available at B2-81/082/083 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Ave, and acnestudios.com

Birkenstock

Birkenstock 1774 – the German shoe brand’s more premium designer line – will have you walking on scales with its Lunar New Year collection.

The series features new variations on three Birkenstock classics. The double-strap Arizona ($605) and three-strap Florida ($570) are redesigned in deluxe Italian leather with all-over python embossing, while the Tokio ($745) is revisited in contrasting combinations of soft suede with python-embossed leather details.

The lifelike scales of the python pop in beige and red – yet can easily carry well past 2025. For a final luxurious touch, each pair is adorned with 1774’s distinctive buckles in gold or silver finishes.

Info: Available at the House of Birkenstock at 79 Duxton Road, and birkenstock.com/sg

Burberry

The British luxury fashion house is seeing red this season, with a crimson-hued capsule introducing a seasonal iteration of the Burberry Check and B snake motif, that reimagines the Burberry “B” logo as a snake.

The collection spans hoodies ($1,350), small leather goods (from $480) and jersey separates (from $770), as well as Bubble Sneakers ($1,150) and a Reversible Check Cashmere Scarf ($1,050) – all sporting the seasonal B snake motif.

To celebrate the collection, Burberry also tapped Qian Lihuai, an influential bamboo-weaving artist from China, to craft nine bamboo art sculptures that features in a campaign starring Chinese actress and brand ambassador Zhang Jingyi.

Info: Available at Burberry stores and burberry.com

Chloe

The French luxury house celebrates the Year of the Snake with classic silhouettes refreshed in bold shades of red and black.

The ready-to-wear pieces feature daring gold snake motifs, seen on the Embroidered Bomber Jacket ($4,690) and Embroidered Mock Neck Fitted Sweater ($1,680).

Fashion history buffs will recognise that these were inspired by legendary German fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld’s design of a snake-embroidered dress for Summer 1969 during his first stint at the house as a designer from 1963 to 1983.

The Small Bracelet Hobo Bag ($4,470) has also received the same treatment, now with a gilded gold serpent coiled somewhat menacingly around one end of the bag. The snake also appears among necklaces, bracelets, earrings, scarfs and hats in the capsule.

Info: Available at B1-118, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands

Diesel

Trust Diesel to make snakes punk rock.

The Italian brand known for its luxury denim and almost grungy street-chic aesthetic celebrates Chinese New Year with a 12-piece unisex capsule espousing Diesel’s values of freedom, self-expression and non-conformity.

Comprising denim ready-to-wear bags and accessories, the collection is not for the faint of heart. The asp takes form in a range of treatments – including patchworks and prints of retro Year of the Snake posters, photorealistic snake prints and a scale-like laser treatment.

In line with Diesel’s signature peel-off layering style, oversized T-shirts ($960) and the standout Destroyed snake-print slip dress ($1,045) in utilitarian green devore jersey feature a “burned out” design to reveal poster prints beneath.

Or break out a subtle yet scaly Canadian Tuxedo in stonewash denim moto jackets ($960) and jeans ($845) treated with an all-over snake print laser.

To accessorise, key Diesel pieces such as the Play bag ($630) and belt ($320) are upgraded in full hyperreal snake print.

Info: Available at B1-26/27/27A Ion Orchard and sg.diesel.com

Dior

Just in time for the festivities is the French maison’s new capsule collection in collaboration with American pop artist Kaws. This marks the second time Kaws and Dior Homme creative director Kim Jones have teamed up since their debut collaboration in 2019.

Think sporty street looks in a palette of red, black and white, with vibrant pops of neon yellow and green.

In an ode to pop art, the Dior logo has been playfully reconceived as a majestic snake that spells out “Dior”. It slithers across T-shirts ($2,250), bags from the Rider 2.0 line (from $2,800), the B33 sneakers ($1,650), among others.

You can also find the snake coiled into the brand’s iconic “CD”, adorning jackets, sports ensembles and varsity jackets.

Info: Available at Dior boutiques

Evisu

Japanese denim specialist Evisu goes big on oriental elements with a specially designed lunar zodiac emblem incorporating the traditional Japanese totems it is known for.

There are four elements to the festive emblem. First, the Lunar New Year Wreath or Shimenawa, a traditional Japanese wreath found in Shinto shrines to chase away evil spirits. It symbolises protection and luck.

Second is the Gold Dragon to Red Snake, a majestic dragon transitioning into a snake adorned with peony patterns for wealth – representing the shift from the Year of the Dragon to the Year of the Snake.

Lastly, there is Ema, a wooden block for writing wishes, encouraging personal reflection and hope for the new year; and a decorative fan embroidered with “2025”. Using Japanese Sashiko embroidery and snakeskin texture pattern, the design also features a unique print effect that mimics denim fabric.

The emblem graces Evisu’s classic denim jackets and jeans, which include a Godhead snake leather patch and a snake pattern on the coin pocket.

The piece de resistance is a stylish Reversible Souvenir Jacket (from $515 for kids’ size) available in red or black, with the emblem on the back. When turned inside out, the jacket reveals a monogram of snake patterns and faux denim print intertwined with traditional Japanese designs.

Info: Available at Evisu stores and evisu.com

Guerlain

Right on schedule, the French beauty brand has drawn upon Parisian jewellery studio L’Atelier Truscelli’s fine-jewellery expertise once more to dress its ultra-luxurious Bee Bottle perfume in honour of the year’s Chinese zodiac.

The show-stopping topper is a sumptuous snake-shaped jewel gilded in fine gold and set with Swarovski rhinestones. Titled Rouge Bonheur ($1,300), the perfume is a spicy and sparkling floral fragrance.

Accompanying it is a tight make-up collection designed around the Year of the Snake.

Inspired by the snake’s skin, Guerlain’s customisable lipstick Rouge G introduces a dazzling new case ($60) and marbled satin shade, N0669 Mystic Red ($56). The same design of red and gold thread covers a limited edition of the Parure Gold Cushion ($133) too.

Info: Available at Guerlain stores

Kate Spade New York

Eschewing subtleties, the American fashion brand has gone for a loud and proud snake-embossed print for its small Manhattan tote. The Manhattan Snake Print Embossed Leather Small Tote in Black Multi ($700) features snake-like scales and floral elements for the season. The print is also available on a sweater.

The snake slithers into a small jewellery line-up composed of pearl and black and gold stones – including the Shining Snake Statement Earrings ($290) that bites onto earlobes, and Shining Snake Statement Wrap Ring ($260) that coils seductively around the finger.

Info: Available at Kate Spade New York stores and singapore.katespade.com

Loewe

The Spanish luxury house has in recent years gained attention for its sincerity in paying homage to Chinese crafts during the festive season – by doing respectful research and working with Chinese artisans – in line with its reputation for being craftsmanship-centred.

Following previous years’ collections that spotlit the traditional art forms of monochrome ceramics and jade, 2025’s collection is inspired by the ancient art of Chinese cloisonne.

Traditionally used in the royal court, it is a decorative enamel technique characterised by its vibrant colours, intricate forms and unique manufacturing process, in which patterns and motifs are fashioned out of wires made from precious metals, and filled with coloured glass paste.

Loewe partnered Chinese third-generation enameller Xiong Songtao to create two sets of cloisonne works: a Nest bag with snake head and lotus cloisonne details, and necklaces with cloisonne pendants (price on request) featuring snake, monkey and cloud motifs.

Cloisonne also inspired a capsule collection of ready-to-wear, shoes, accessories and a series of special edition bags. The Snake Bag in Smooth Calfskin ($2,550), a variation on Loewe’s signature animal-shaped designs, depicts a green bean-hued snake coiled in rest.

Meanwhile, collectors will appreciate the limited-edition Mini Puzzle Bag in Nappa Calfskin ($3,990), animated with 3D-effect clouds, and the Snake Knot Charm in Classic Calfskin ($950) which can be used as an accessory.

Info: Available at Loewe stores

Loro Piana

There are no bright colours in the festive capsule collection from the Italian brand that the world has come to associate with the term quiet luxury.

Instead, Loro Piana reinterprets some of its signature pieces – including the Bomber jacket, Grande Unita scarf, Extra Pocket bag, White Sole shoes and silk accessories – with subtle snake motifs.

The Silk Cardo Snake Tie Band ($350) is embellished with prints of a concealed serpent hidden among Loro Piana’s fiore di cardo, or thistle flower. Meanwhile, the Grande Unita scarf – renamed the Cardo Snake Scarf ($2,020) for this capsule – gets a discreet update with a tonal snake motif that could pass for spring florals.

A whimsical bear plush toy wearing a scarf with a snake print ($2,930) completes the collection.

Info: Available at select Loro Piana boutiques and ii.loropiana.com/en

Marimekko

The Finnish print house is celebrating with a collection in collaboration with Chengdu-based illustrator Xuetong Wang, known for her dreamlike, free-flowing style and penchant for reimagining Chinese mythological creatures with a contemporary twist.

Expect bold, colourful prints that merge Wang’s imaginative depictions – namely The Lucky Snake, The Wishing Tree, The Fountain of Fortune and The Shooting Star – with Marimekko’s distinctive joyful aesthetic.

They adorn unisex T-shirts ($229), sweatshirts ($429) and matching accessories such as a coin purse ($45) and tote bag ($119).

Info: Available at B1-27/28 Takashimaya Shopping Centre, 391 Orchard Road

Moschino

The Italian fashion house’s distinctive symbols, the peace sign and question mark, get a serpentine twist in its Lunar New Year capsule. A custom denim label was designed combining the snake with carnations, and is featured in the Women’s Resort 2025 collection.

It is said that creative director Adrian Appiolaza drew inspiration from a painting created by the brand’s founder Franco Moschino in the late 1980s, where a stuffed 3D snake framed the picture.

Info: Available at 01-15 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands

Polene

The French accessories brand has debuted a new bag inspired by Chinese New Year traditions, with a unique design that pays homage to Chinese culture yet still retains Polene’s signature sculptural style.

The limited-edition Lopio bag ($690) comes in a garnet-red shade as a promise of good fortune and prosperity.

Inspired by the Lantern Festival, the bucket-shaped Lopio is formed by 12 leather panels – one for each sign of the zodiac – linked together by leather cords. The piece has two drawstrings to adjust and close the bag, and tucked inside is a small envelope in a nod to red packets.

To commemorate the Year of the Snake, the Polene symbol has been restyled into the animal and embossed on the bottom of the bag.

Info: Available at eng.polene-paris.com

Sulwhasoo

Collectors of the South Korean brand’s best-selling First Care Activating Serum can add another to their stash. Inspired by the snake shedding its skin, the Lunar New Year Edition ($210 for 120ml) keeps it elegant and minimalist with a luxurious gold pattern on the bottle mimicking snake scales.

Info: Available at Sulwhasoo stores, Lazada and Shopee

Swarovski

Swarovski’s tribute offers both abstract and literal takes on the creature.

Drawing inspiration from the snake as a symbol of inspiration, vitality and rebirth as it sheds its skin and embraces the new, the Austrian crystal maker’s capsule collection depicts the snake in motion – taking forms that coil, twist and transfix in the light.

There are pendants, bracelets, earrings and a brooch in gold-tone, rose gold-tone and rhodium plating. The standout piece is a gold-tone plated Snake pendant ($279) featuring a coiled snake embellished with Swarovski Zirconia, finished with its tail wrapped around a single Swarovski Crystal Pearl.

Fancy a dash of auspicious red in your jewellery? The selection also includes a rose gold-tone plated variation (also called the Snake pendant, $279), with a red dancing stone in the centre for extra luck.

Info: Available at Swarovski boutiques and swarovski.com/en-SG

Tiffany & Co.

Even luxury jewellers have jumped on the bandwagon, such as Tiffany & Co.’s new designs from its Elsa Peretti Snake collection.

The late Italian jewellery designer is best known for her long-standing partnership with the American luxury jewellery and speciality design house that began in 1974, for whom she created bold and sculptural designs that endeared Tiffany’s to a younger generation of shoppers.

The original collection includes the Snake necklace (which debuted in 1985 in Tiffany’s Blue Book collection), earrings, rings and bangles – inspired by a rattlesnake tail, an unexpected gift given to Peretti by a Texan as a good luck charm.

Commemorating her 50th anniversary with Tiffany’s, two new Elsa Peretti Snake designs are relaunched for Lunar New Year: an 18K rose gold bracelet ($11,900) and three-diamond ring ($4,750) that vividly depict the graceful curves of a serpent, with diamonds accentuating its tail.

Info: Available at Tiffany & Co. stores

Tory Burch

One to partake in launching annual Lunar New Year collections, the American fashion label has forgone its usual novelty bag in the shape of a zodiac animal. Instead, its festive capsule of handbags, footwear, ready-to-wear, jewellery and accessories nods to the Year of the Snake in more refined details.

Blink and you might miss the crystal-embellished serpent slithering discreetly through the metal clasp of the Small Eleanor Rectangular Bag ($1,150).

In the Satin Snake Handle Mini Tote ($1,350), the enamel handles have been expertly crafted to evoke the sinuous curves of the reptile, finishing in a rhinestone-embellished head and tail on the mint bag.

Info: Available at select Tory Burch boutiques and toryburch.sg

Tumi

The international travel and lifestyle brand pays tribute to the snake with striking gold brushstroke designs on a number of its key bags. The motif appears across the Alpha Bravo, Voyageur and Tumi+ collections, such as the Alpha Bravo Navigation Backpack ($1,080).

Each lightweight style also comes with a black snake head-shaped luggage tag, while select styles include a “Lucky Coin” tucked inside, inspired by the jade pendant. While stocks last, customers will receive a limited-edition gold-toned snake head luggage tag with purchases of $888 and above made in-store.

Info: Available at Tumi stores and tumi.sg

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