In our weekly series, we bring you the latest in luxury news from around the world. This week’s highlights: Gucci reconnects with its emblematic snake motif for this Chinese New Year, Maison Martell releases a limited-edition cognac for the year of the snake, and more.
Gucci Revisits Its Symbolic Heritage of the Snake
This year, the Italian house fittingly unveils curated pieces featuring a deep-rooted motif of theirs, the serpent, while merging the brand’s archival codes with modern creativity. The snake is elegantly incorporated between blooming scenes on silk Flora scarves, intertwines with the GG Monogram on accessories and ready-to-wear ensembles, and appears as a captivating detail on the Gucci Re-Web sneakers. A standout piece is the Gucci Blondie bag in alluring Gucci Rosso Ancora red patent leather and finished with an enamel round interlocking G.
Maison Martell Introduces A Rare Cognac Zodiac Edition For The Year Of The Snake
To mark the 2025 Year of the Snake, Maison Martell unveils the L’Or de Jean Martell Zodiac Edition – Assemblage du Serpent. Inspired by the Chinese goddess Nüwa and the snake—symbols of courage, wisdom and intelligence—this cognac is meticulously crafted by cellar master Christophe Valtaud using more than 1,400 eaux-de-vie. This blend exudes both subtlety and distinction, mirroring the intrinsic nature of the snake. Each of the 500 pieces is uniquely numbered and presented in a magnificent Baccarat crystal decanter and stunning cabinet, making it a true collector’s keepsake.
Tiffany & Co.’s First Tourbillon Watch Is Inspired By One Of Its Iconic Jewellery Pieces
The Bird on a Flying Tourbillon is Tiffany & Co.’s first foray into high watchmaking. It is inspired by one of the jeweller’s more iconic pieces, the Bird on a Rock brooch, created for the house by Jean Schlumberger in 1965. Limited to 25 pieces, this watch is an ambitious confluence of mechanical and artistic watchmaking. The hand-wound flying tourbillon movement was developed by the boutique watch atelier Artime. The back of the movement, as seen through the display caseback, has two star- shaped bridges inspired by the six-pronged Tiffany Setting, and has two decorative plates snow-set with 143 diamonds. The backdrop on the dial side is in turquoise marquetry, featuring cloud-like sections of the stone undulating with different heights and imparting a three-dimensionality. A pair of birds, taking flight, are sculpted from white gold and set with 147 diamonds. The time subdial has 168 diamonds of its own, while the 39mm white gold case is set with a further 340.
Roberto Coin Brings Cobras to Life with Exquisite Gemstones
In Roberto Coin’s Animalier kingdom, each magnificent creature is individually crafted by jewellery artists from precious gemstones and metals. Naturally, their standout Cobra pieces will make you the star of the show at any reunion or gathering. Adorn your neck with a 18K white gold limited-edition snake necklace with 56.89 carats of black and white diamonds, as well as 23.71 carats of blue sapphires (US$210,000, available by special order). Pair this with a white gold bangle with colourless and black diamonds, natural green garnet, and rubies that will glitter from your wrist during the festive season.
Self-Portrait Unveils Its Spring/Summer 2025 Collection
At Club 21 in The Gardens Mall Kuala Lumpur, Self-Portrait showcased an exclusive preview of its Spring/Summer 2025 collection, introducing fresh silhouettes and new bag styles adorned with the brand’s signature bow, with detailing and glittering accents. The event also spotlighted Self-Portrait’s Residency collection, a captivating collection done in collaboration with renowned Scottish designer Christopher Kane. Influential personalities such as Azira Shafinaz, Alicia Amin, Christinna Kuan, Jestinna Kuan and more were in attendance, alongside a special appearance by Self-Portrait’s very own visionary designer, Han Chong.
The New Raffles Sentosa Singapore Is Open For Booking
Set to open on 1 March, Raffles Sentosa Singapore is introducing Singapore’s first all-villa property, spanning an impressive 100,000 square metres on the idyllic Sentosa island. The resort features 62 villas, each with its own private pool, outdoor terrace, and signature Raffles Butler service. Its spa is no short of extraordinary, boasting thirteen treatment rooms for relaxation and rejuvenation. Those interested in hosting events will be pleased to find two state-of-the-art ballrooms that can accommodate up to 400 guests. When it comes to dining, guests are spoiled for choice with five exquisite restaurants and lounges, ranging from authentic Italian cuisine to Japanese omakase experience.
2025 Updates By YTL Hotels
During a recent luncheon, YTL Hotels announced an exciting line-up of activities for 2025. From 23 to 25 May 2025, Pangkor Laut Resort will host its annual Chapman’s Challenge, featuring a 3.8km road run around the island, a 2.4km trek through a two-million-year-old rainforest, and a 1km swim in the waters of Emerald Bay. The resort has also confirmed the dates for its beloved Opera In Paradise event, set to enchant guests from 10 to 12 October. Across the seas in Niseko-Yo in Niseko Village, Hokkaido, YTL Hotels continues to expand its presence, with five stunning properties already in place but with more to anticipate soon. Meanwhile, at The Gainsborough Bath Spa in the United Kingdom, the historic city that captured the heart of writer Jane Austen, immersive events, guided tours, and themed activities will come alive in honour of the 250th anniversary of the iconic author. Spring celebrations will run from 7 to 12 April, while Autumn celebrations are available from 13 to 18 October.