OVER 4,000 years ago, the ancient Babylonians held one of the earliest known New Year celebrations. When the first new moon emerged after the spring equinox, they commemorated the dawning year. Originally, the Romans observed March 1st as the start of the new year according to their calendar at the time. However, when Julius Caesar instituted the Julian calendar in 45 BCE, January 1st became the standard. The month of January draws its name from Janus, the Roman god of gates and doors, who is depticted with two faces: one looking back at the old year and the other looking forward to the new. New Year’s Eve has since come to represent a time of contemplation and renewal, a time to consider the passing year while dreaming of the promise of beginnings yet unseen. As we set resolutions and hopes for the forthcoming chapters, the night carries an air of optimism and expectation, and is often celebrated with holiday parties and soirées. To us, these special nights are always black velvet and crimson lips; or silver sequins and lip gloss. But this year, for a change, why not long, flowing white silk satin?
