Even though cashless payment systems have become the norm, there’s still something special about receiving (and giving) red packets during the Lunar New Year. Each year, we look forward to seeing how our favourite luxury brands translate the zodiac animal of the forthcoming year, or other auspicious elements, into beautiful red-packet designs. Here are the some of the most creative ang pows from luxury brands this year.
At Chopard, two alert bunnies stand by in a field of flowers to welcome the new year.
Cortina Watch serves up a bouquet of classic Chinese blooms, comprising peonies, gladioluses, azaleas and camellias.
In these Franck Muller red packets, golden rabbits leap energetically across collages of vibrant prints and colours.
The adorably plump bunnies on Graff’s ang pows are ready to shake their tail feathers.
Across a series of illustrations, Hublot’s rabbits are up to various mischievous shenanigans. How very on brand.
IWC worked with colour specialist Pantone on some of its recent ceramic watches in specific shades like Woodland green. Its burgundy ang pows feature a hue that is just as alluring.
The rabbit on Loewe’s red packets features the unexpected proportions and craft-like details found in the fashion brand’s leather goods and apparel.
Kudos to the designer of Montblanc’s ang pows this year: We’re impressed by how a few skilfully placed calligraphic strokes depict both a bunny as well as the Chinese character for rabbit (兔 tu).
Less can absolutely be more. Piaget’s deceptively simple line drawing conveys the feeling of a bunny that’s all perked up while awaiting a treat.
Many Shanghai Tang accessories take inspiration from Art Deco. Its red packets continue that thread. One thing to note, however, is that these ang pows are double the size of regular ones — so expectations of the recipients might have to be managed beforehand. 😉
A pair of wee rabbits and a verdant setting make these Tiffany & Co red packets cute, but we must admit that we are partial to anything in a Tiffany Blue Box.
From the watch components decorating the ears of the rabbits on its red or gold envelopes, to the lattice panel of its ang-pow box, Vacheron Constantin demonstrates once again that it’s all about the details.
Van Cleef & Arpels keeps things appealingly simple with puffy clouds and a smattering of stars. A small detail we especially like is how the crescent moon cut-out on the box (left) helps to create a quasi-moon phase display.