It has become a ritual for most fashion brands to start the year with a Lunar New Year drop. More often than not, these CNY fashion collections come in festive colourways like red, a traditional colour associated with good fortune, auspiciousness, and celebrations. Perhaps the most exciting part of all is seeing how designers look into traditional handcrafts like Loewe‘s limited edition jade pendants, which tap into the craft of ancient jade sculptures with an awe-inspiring collaboration with Chinese jade carvers.
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It’s also fascinating to see how brands would incorporate the zodiac of the year (in this case, the dragon) into the designs. In the rich tapestry of Chinese culture, this mystical creature holds a place of unparalleled significance, strength, and abundance. As the Lunar New Year beckons, here are some of the collections that we have our eyes (and angpow money) on, for either ‘fit pics or keepsakes.
Burberry
Starring Burberry brand ambassadors Tang Wei and Cheng Kun, the London-based heritage brand rolls out a celebratory collection without steering away from its roots. British wardrobe archetypes such as the signature houndstooth print, trench coat and seasonal rose are reimagined in bright red colours emblazoned over a range of garments, shoes, and accessories.
Bottega Veneta
Bottega Veneta debuts its Lunar New Year campaign featuring award-winning actress Shu Qi, who was recently appointed the brand ambassador. Titled “The First Sunrise with You,” the campaign highlights the sense of togetherness; a value that is hugely significant for the culture. The collection includes some of the house’s signature designs such as the Andiamo, Sardine, Orbit sneakers or custom Jodie, weaving the Intrecciato pattern with design elements like dragon-tail handles. It’s a great gift for those who are born in the year of Dragon or for keepsakes.
Emporio Armani
Together with their global ambassador Jackson Yee, Emporio Armani steps into the Year of the Dragon with a meticulously crafted collection that features intricately embroidered dragon motifs in gold outline and black, capturing the essence of prosperity and fortune. While the celebratory vermillion hue is a staple for the Lunar New Year celebration, the black, on the other hand, is a versatile addition to your wardrobe even after the festive season.
Miu Miu
Red is no longer the sole colour for Lunar New Year. Denim, too, can be festive. As part of Miu Miu‘s Upcycled project, the brand unveiled a wide range of items including caps, trucker jackets, shorts, and also the house’s first-ever Upcycled handbags, made from leather remnants. While the ready-to-wear is ornated with embroidered flowers that draw inspiration from Miu Miu’s archives, the leather patchwork bags come in a cognac shade that will add a vintage hint to your look.
Prada
It’s the Lunar New Year, but make it cinematic. Prada’s unveils a campaign graced by Du Juan, a supermodel and actress who is currently making waves with her appearance in Blossoms Shanghai, a TV series directed by the cult-favourite Director Wong Kar Wai. Inspired by the arthouse cinematography, the Lunar New Year collection features a deep and nostalgic colour palette, spread over soft materials like ultra-light organza and wool. As for the bags, the lineup is just as luscious with the new Prada Buckle, Arqué, the Re-Nylon, and leather Re-Edition, all available in black, grey and beige hues.
Gucci
Vivid and bold are words associated with Gucci and it never fails us. The collection of ready-to-wear, shoes and accessories features a harmonious blend between the house codes and the festive dragon motifs as seen on actress Tian Xiwei and actor Zhou Yiran. The stars of the collection have to be the uplifted Dionysus bag, one with chain straps and one with a top handle, in red of course. The flap bags are now adorned with red chain prints along the edges, along with intertwined dragons that depict the interlocking G logo, drawn on the back of the bags.
Kenzo
Ask anyone of the Chinese descent and they will tell you that dragon is one of the most, if not the most well-loved zodiac in the culture for its auspiciousness and imperial power. It’s safe to say, Nigo, the artistic director at Kenzo, understands the assignment. The collection features not just the dragon, but also the Tiger, who shares the same level of prowess in Chinese folklore—dragon on the left, tiger on the right, they say. To top it, the number eight is also printed all over the garments. With all the lucky charms, let’s talk about good fortune!
Valentino
Maison Valentino is taking centre stage this season with its Chinese New Year Collection, especially since the colour red has been a forte and mainstay for the brand, namely the Rosso Valentino. Headlined by brand ambassadors Yang Yang and Yang Zi—both reputable actors, the collection is dipped in fiery red hues, showcased through monogrammed patterns and detailings like bows. Some of the house’s classics like Valentino Garavani VLogo Signature slingback, Garavani Locò mini bag, Garavani Locò bucket and Garavani VLogo Moon mini bag received a reiteration with the Rosso shade for a festive flair.
Moschino
Moschino is no stranger when it comes to making fashion fun. For their Chinese New Year collection, the Italian fashion house tapped the twin dragons, Bub and Bob, from the globally renowned arcade game in the ’80s for a limited-edition capsule. From dresses and sweatshirts to bags and shoes, the adorable and nostalgic collection is not only versatile as they can be worn on any other occasion, but also for collectors who are fans of arcade games.
Mulberry
Through the colourful lens of designer Mira Mikati, Mulberry reveals a spirited collection for the celebration. With leather goods and ready-to-wear all painted in a vivid shades of of Azure, candy pink, acid yellow, and bright green, the collection will, without a doubt, add a splash of vibrancy to your wardrobe. The bright tassels, beaded and braided straps too, add an animated touch to the pieces.