Chinese New Year is almost upon us, marking the Year of the Ox – the second animal in the 12-year cycle of Chinese zodiac signs. With the luxury world looking to China for their spending power, it’s not surprising that the top fashion houses are joining in the celebrations too.
Even if you’re staying at home this time around, who says you can’t still observe the tradition of wearing red for good luck? After all, it’s customary to wear new clothes, at least on the first day of the new year. Scroll on to explore Lunar New Year 2021 collections from Burberry, Dior, Louis Vuitton and more to sort out your ox-picious wardrobe.
Burberry
To commemorate the Year of the Ox, Burberry has launched a capsule collection featuring a refreshed Thomas Burberry Monogram motif overlapped with the Chinese zodiac sign that’s associated with the earth, power and calm. Modern and chic, the collection’s ready-to-wear clothing, bags, shoes and accessories are also characterised by signature Burberry checks in a palette of red, yellow, black and white. In conjunction with the launch, the British label has unveiled a film starring ambassadors Zhou Dongyu and Song Weilong – highlighting its heritage of exploration and the outdoors. W burberry.com
Christian Dior
Continuing its partnership with Shawn Stussy, Dior has unveiled an exclusive men’s capsule collection bearing the emblem of the ox alongside minimalist graffiti-style signatures of Dior and Shawn. The selection of sweaters, a jersey hoodie, an overshirt, vintage bombers and bags merge counterculture and the sportswear universe, while paying homage to the totem animal of the Chinese zodiac in 2021. Highlights of the capsule include a two-tone reversible T-shirt; the iconic Saddle bag in white, punctuated with the Dior logo; the B23 sneakers, adorned with a patch; and the B27 sneakers, reimagined with the Dior Oblique codes. W dior.com
Coach
Trust Coach to come up with a Lunar New Year capsule that’s equal parts stylish and youthful – defined by an adorable illustration of an ox jumping over the moon. The graphic is juxtaposed against the brand’s signature canvas emblazoned on both men’s and women’s collections, including T-shirts, hoodies, bags, a scarf and a bag charm. It goes without saying that most of the pieces come in the unmistakable festive red hue. W coach.com
Fendi
While you won’t find any ox motifs on Fendi’s Lunar New Year collection, the limited-edition pieces come in an auspicious red hue dotted with the FF logo monogram. A selection of accessories, including Pico Baguette charms and a face mask, feature floral prints of chrysanthemum and peonies that represent longevity and prosperity. Aside from apparel, bags and accessories, the Maison has also launched Forever Fendi watches to celebrate the occasion. W fendi.com
Giorgio Armani
If you look closely at the stylised graphics across selected pieces in Giorgio Armani’s CNY 2021 collection, you’ll realise that they actually resemble the ox. This appears on an array of sweaters, tote bags, polo tees and T-shirts in the men’s capsule, complete in either ruby red or navy blue. Meanwhile, the women’s collection comprises of carefully stitched blouses and dresses, a double-breasted coat and sweaters paired with slim trousers – all in vivid red hues. W armani.com
Gucci
In yet another collaboration, Gucci has tapped the well-loved Japanese manga character Doraemon for an exclusive CNY capsule under its Epilogue collection. Launching with over 50 ready-to-wear clothing, shoes, bags and accessories, the collection features the affable Doraemon in its original blue or festive golden hue (with horns resembling the Chinese zodiac animal), depicted in playful poses against a reinvented GG Supreme canvas. Each product is finished with an internal red leather tag with gold lettering detailing the ©Fujiko-Pro copyright stamp.
Related: Love manga? Wear it proud with the Gucci X Doraemon capsule
Kate Spade New York
Inspired by Disney’s Clarabelle & Friends, Kate Spade New York presents an exclusive Lunar New Year collection bringing the well-loved animated characters to life. The 6-piece collection encompasses the brand’s classic silhouettes, from a basic sweater to a large tote, which are reinterpreted with playful portrayals of Clarabelle (an anthropomorphic cow, aka a female ox), Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck. W katespade.com
Louis Vuitton
Instead of apparel, Louis Vuitton’s Chinese New Year capsule comprises of scarves, shawls and fashion jewellery pieces adorned with cute motifs of the ox. A cartoon illustration of the zodiac animal appears together with the iconic LV Monogram across the collection, elsewhere taking the form of a golden pendant with crystal studded ears or an engraving on a bracelet charm. W louisvuitton.com
Michael Kors
Given that many of us won’t be travelling back to our hometowns this holiday, Michael Kors wants to bring a sense of home back to you with its Chinese New Year campaign. Taking inspiration from classic Chinese cinema, the campaign features vibrant stills and video vignettes capturing a gathering around the dinner table with family and friends – with the brand’s sought after SoHo bags in full view, of course. Offered in a new, special edition Red or Black Tweed, it’s the perfect accessory to keep your red packets in – or splurge them on. W michaelkors.com
Moschino
Moschino Creative Director Jeremy Scott has released a 16-piece limited edition capsule collection to mark the festivities. Comprising of dresses, t-shirts, sweaters, trousers, as well as bags, scarves and iPhone cases, the pieces are highlighted by a cartoon-designed ox revived from the house’s design archives. Arriving in striking shades of red and gold, the collection embodies auspicious notions of happiness and good fortune for the new year. W moschino.com
Mulberry
Mulberry’s Year of the Ox capsule collection pays tribute to the traditional Chinese knotting techniques often used to create good luck charms for the new year – interpreted as an abstract print on a selection of its 100% sustainable Portobello Tote. Crafted with leather from environmentally accredited tanneries and stitched with recycled thread, the totes are offered in vibrant hues of red and blue. Complementing the bags are a range of small leather goods, including an ox key ring and envelope pouch, all of which are available exclusively via Tmall. W mulberry.com
Versace
Think Versace, think opulence for this Lunar New Year. Why? Its festive capsule collection features rolling Medusa discs in the shape of records which the brand says is inspired by the self-expression of young musicians (but they look a lot like gold bullion coins to us). Music highlights the theme of the collection, comprising of sportwear-style separates including sweatshirts, T-shirts and outerwear, as well as handbags, foulards, bracelets and exclusively redesigned Ilus sneakers. Actor Allen Ren and model Haowen Pan star in the campaign alongside elaborate motifs of the God of Wealth, photographed by Leslie Zhang. W versace.com
