The Lunar New Year is the biggest date in the Chinese calendar, a time to press reset and start afresh. This year, February 10 officially marks the move into the Year of the Dragon, a zodiac sign that’s said to represent auspiciousness and imperial power since ancient times. From Bottega Veneta and Valentino to Burberry, luxury fashion houses have created limited-edition capsule collections to celebrate the occasion, incorporating traditional Chinese colours as well as the emblem of the dragon.
With ready-to-wear pieces and dragon-themed accessories in bright colour palettes of red and pink, floral elements and dragon symbolism, all typical of Chinese tradition, there’s enough to satisfy everyone’s taste.
Here, we round up a curation of pieces from the newest Chinese New Year fashion capsules.
Loro Piana
Loro Piana pays homage to the dragon with a capsule collection that ranges from lilac to pink and pale blue to aquamarine. The details are inspired by oriental culture – embroidered or stylised dragon motifs – adorn clothing and accessories made with the Maison’s exclusive yarns: baby cashmere, cashmere double, eco cashmere moulinè and Sea Island cotton jersey.
Burberry
Burberry rings in the Year of the Dragon with a new collection showcasing elements like the houndstooth check, a seasonal rose print and a vibrant red. It introduces fresh takes on classic checks, along with new eyewear styles – in colours traditionally associated with good luck and prosperity.
Moncler
Moncler has created a capsule collection that’s infused with subtle references to the lore of the mythological creature, focusing on its intrinsic characteristics to create a line that’s both distinctive and celebratory. Versatile ready-to-wear pieces consist of padded zipped cardigans and reinforced track pants and sweatshirts with the dragon logo imprinted throughout.
Bottega Veneta
Titled ‘The First Sunrise With You’, Bottega Veneta’s Lunar New Year 2024 campaign features themed takes on the Andiamo, Sardine and Orbit sneakers, while a bespoke Jodie adorned with a dragon-tail handle proves to be the pick of the bunch from the eclectic mix of leather goods.
Miu Miu
Miu Miu’s newest collection celebrates Chinese New Year by turning its attention to the first Upcycled handbags made from leather remnants and denim using a fabric-saving process in which outer seams are preserved before refashioning takes place by hand. It comprises wide-legged jeans, trucker jackets and bra tops, as well as accessories like baseball caps and headbands with flower embroidery inspired by 1950s haute couture.
Prada
Prada marks the festive occasion with a campaign reminiscent of arthouse cinema aesthetics, perfectly capturing the joy, festivity and optimism that the Year of the Dragon brings. The vast collection of pieces featured in the campaign is ultra-light organza skirts, fine knitwear, patent leather loafers, the new Prada Buckle Bag and Prada’s Re-Nylon shirts and trousers imbued with a deep colour palette.
Acne Studios
Acne Studios celebrates the Year of the Dragon with a curated selection of pieces ranging from garments and accessories, adorned with the emblematic dragon symbol crafted by London-based Chinese artist Lian Zhang. The pink and white pieces are adorned with Zhang’s dragon artwork, while a dragon-shaped pendant appears on vintage jewellery.
Valentino
Valentino’s Chinese New Year collection deepens the brand’s reverence for local culture. celebrating the harmony between the Maison’s classic Rosso hue – the symbolic red colour, and the Chinese tradition. Red-hued garments can be found on ready-to-wear pieces to Garavani shoes, accessories and classic bags.
Featured image: Valentino