A symbol of rebirth and power that inspires bespoke creations from Western brands: how the Snake of the Chinese New Year becomes a cultural bridge through fashion
Words DOMENICO COSTANTINI
灵蛇舞新春,祥气绕周身。2025将至,祝在新的一年里,生活,事业,家庭一切如意,所得皆所愿,蛇年行大运!
* The dance of the snake ushers in the new year, enveloping all in the energy of prosperity. With 2025’s arrival, we wish that the coming year brings fulfillment to life, career, and family, and that all dreams come true. Happy Year of the Snake!
Chinese New Year, an event that transcends time itself, embodies a celebration of rebirth and transformation. Each year, traditions intertwine with astronomy, mythology, and folklore, marking a new cycle. In 2025, the transition from the Year of the Rabbit to the Year of the Snake brings forth the essence of power, wisdom, and renewal. The Snake, in Chinese culture, symbolizes reflection, seriousness, and introspection: a sign that imbues both grace and caution, while also offering the ability to reinvent oneself through challenges.
But what happens when these ancient traditions collide with the aesthetics and logic of the Western world? The Year of the Snake, like every Chinese New Year, has become not only a time for spiritual reflection but also an opportunity for Western fashion houses to engage their audience in a visual, aesthetic, and cultural experience. The surge in globalization, coupled with the desire to appeal to an increasingly cosmopolitan clientele, has driven brands to explore Chinese iconography, creating limited-edition pieces that blend traditional symbolism with contemporary design.

Gucci celebrates with a collection rooted in the brand’s iconic imagery. Under the creative direction of Sabato De Sarno, the Florentine house has chosen to explore the emblematic Gucci Rosso Ancora color, pairing it with the snake, symbolizing elegance and transformation. The campaign, starring Chinese ambassadors Ni Ni and Xiao Zhan, merges modernity and tradition, celebrating the strength of a sign capable of transforming through its fluidity and grace.
Valentino, under the creative guidance of Alessandro Michele, also celebrates Chinese New Year with a campaign featuring Sun Li and Jolin Tsai. The collection, part of the Valentino Avant Les Débuts line, interprets tradition through an aesthetic that merges Chinese culture with the modernity of European design, as the protagonists gather to celebrate the beautiful convivial moments typical of this festive occasion.

Miu Miu, fosters a dialogue between Chinese culture and Western aesthetics through The Encounter (如期而遇), a short film that celebrates the Year of the Serpent in a Beijing tea house. The 2025 CNY collection reflects a carefree atmosphere, with oversized pieces and reinterpretations of denim and leather. The house enriches its accessories with details such as a cotton-knit serpent, introducing a symbol of power in a playful, modern context.
CANALI traverses eras and cultures, seamlessly blending discreet elegance with Eastern traditions. The house reinterprets the symbolism of the Snake with timeless mastery, enriching the wardrobe with creations that bridge East and West, infusing them with depth and refinement.

Acne Studios embraces its bold design ethos, dedicating its 2025 CNY collection to the symbolism of the Snake. The campaign, starring Chinese actress Sandra Ma, seamlessly blends vibrant red tones with serpent-inspired textures, crafting a fashion statement that exudes both elegance and empowerment.

Jil Sander imagines this dedicated collection as an amulet of energy, expressed through the softness of leather and an evocative palette of hues, transitioning from cream to brown and black, beautifully reinterpreting the snake’s iconography.

IWC Schaffhausen introduces its special edition Portofino Automatic Moon Phase 37 Year of the Snake, merging luxury and refinement with a tribute to the Chinese new year. Featuring a burgundy dial and a golden snake engraved on the back.

An intriguing connection between cultures and values has been made possible by Burberry through the concept of weaving. In collaboration with Qian Lihuai, one of China’s most influential bamboo-weaving artists, the new Burberry capsule collection pays tribute to the Chinese New Year.
