Year of the Snake: Stylish red packets with attention to detail
Special textures, finishes and printing techniques elevate the once-humble hongbao
ACCORDING to the Chinese zodiac, this is the Year of the Wood Snake, which symbolises growth, creativity and transformation.
Indeed, inventiveness is very much at play when it comes to red packet designs this year. Snakes make a mandatory appearance on some hongbao, while others feature the logos of luxury brands – seen as carrying a lot more cachet.
We check out the high quality options this Chinese New Year:
JW Marriott
The red packets from JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach are a fine example of how snake elements can be incorporated without being tacky. Made from card stock, the scaly paper texture resembles the skin of the snake, and is further elevated with red foil stamping in a snake skin pattern. Two versions exist – one in red and the other, a sophisticated, mocha brown hue. They subtly yet perfectly capture the Year of the Snake in a simple, classy design.
Gucci
The snake is a familiar motif used by Gucci, so no surprises that it should play a significant role in this year’s red packet design. Here, a golden serpent wraps around the brand’s iconic double G symbol. The envelope feels suitably sturdy and the Italian luxury fashion house’s name and logo do not appear anywhere else. It’s a case of “if you know, you know”.
Bvlgari
As Bvlgari’s most successful icon, the Serpenti is expected to boldly go where no snake has gone before. And indeed, the Serpenti name and logo – in the auspicious figure of eight – along with the Italian jeweller’s brand are gold foil-stamped on its red packets this year. But what takes the envelope to another level is the sumptuous snake skin pattern embossed on thick, soft-feel paper. Top marks to Bvlgari for delivering such a luxurious, tactile experience.
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Chopard
This year, the Swiss luxury watchmaker brings a snake to life, dancing among flowers. The gold foil-stamped design also bears the brand’s name on the front and back, so you know this isn’t just any old snake-themed red packet.
Pictet
Who cares if it’s the Year of the Snake? The Swiss investment group has picked a slightly stunned-looking goldfish to front its red packets. Outlined in gold foil stamping, the little creature swims between two peonies with fibres added to their petals to create a velvety texture on a matte, soft-feel envelope. Shiny bubbles of air complete the picture that scores on its combination of textures and symbolism – goldfish sounds like “abundance of gold” (that is, wealth) in Chinese.
Van Cleef & Arpels
Elegant, understated and sweet is one way you could describe Van Cleef & Arpels’ red packets. A butterfly floats above flowers against a background of what looks like mountains and sea, printed on a matte envelope with varied textured treatments. Gold foil stamping on the French luxury jeweller’s name as well as parts of the butterfly and flowers provides a lift to the overall look. The red packets are discreet and perfect for gifting beyond Chinese New Year.
Louis Vuitton
This year, signature motifs from the French luxury label’s monogram – namely, a four-petal flower and four-point star – are printed in green against stylised snakes in a textured treatment outlined in gold. As before, the maison’s brand name is then hot-stamped at the bottom of the XXL-sized red envelope, making it a hongbao that’s unmistakably Louis Vuitton.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Posh car manufacturers make posh red packets, and the British luxury automobile maker’s hongbao are proof. Using the graphic from the marque’s recently launched Duality Twill bamboo fabric upholstery, the abstract, nautical-tinged interpretation of Rolls-Royce’s two interlinked “R” is debossed on a plush, polyurethane leather envelope. For avoidance of doubt, its famous logo is also hot-stamped in gold. Post festivities, these good-sized red wallets with a velvet-lined interior can be reused to hold cash or other bits of paper. In short, this one’s a keeper.
Citi Private Bank
Who can resist the beauty of flowers in full bloom? The ones embossed all over Citi Private Bank’s hongbao come in various shades of pink, orange and yellow on red or gold shimmery pearl paper. Not only are the flowers beautifully illustrated, there are no wordings on the envelopes and even the bank’s name only appears discreetly on the back. Bearing a distinctly cheerful vibe, these are ideal for any happy occasion.
Ferrari
You can always expect something luxe from Ferrari. This year, we’re looking at a solid envelope made from recycled paper with a matte, luxurious feel. There’s nothing on the front but the Italian luxury carmaker’s logo foil-stamped with three-dimensional embossing. Inside is a camouflage print of its iconic Prancing Horse with spot UV varnish for a touch of shine. This year’s star animal may be the snake, but who’s gonna say “no” to Ferrari’s famous stallion?
Ode to Art
Another year, another delightful red packet design from this contemporary art gallery. An explosion of colours and meaningful Chinese symbols decorate this 2025 edition. Kudos to its designer for being able to combine cherry blossoms, a large fish, peony, longevity peach, mandarin orange, pineapple, oriental magpies, gold coins and ingots and the words “HUAT! HUAT! HUAT!” without the whole thing looking like a mess. Not only that, the red packet also incorporates scanimation – or barrier grid animation – to add movement and dynamism. Pull the underlying envelope out of the sleeve slowly and watch the fish swim away, revealing a large ingot underneath. This is a red packet for maximalists. Huat more could they ask for?
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