Cover Snake motifs, both striking and subtle, are big this year, as seen here at Fauré Le Page (Photo: Fauré Le Page)
Snake motifs, both striking and subtle, are big this year, as seen here at Fauré Le Page (Photo: Fauré Le Page)
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The joy of dressing for Chinese New Year is that each piece is packed with significance—and now brands across the world are appreciating and honouring those layers of symbolism in their collections
As the significance and joy of Chinese New Year grows in recognition across the world, designer capsule collections for the celebration are no longer an afterthought or between-season add-on. Brands across the spectrum have embraced the beauty and symbolism of Chinese New Year, from the obvious markers—zodiac animals and bold shades of red, to the emotive––themes of celebration, luck, togetherness and family.
These Chinese New Year collections for the Year of the Snake take inspiration from the festival’s rich culture and history, so whether you want to subtly nod to the season or go all-out with an auspicious outfit, the fashion choices are abundant.
Read more: A guide to the best watch matches for your zodiac sign
Honouring the zodiac
The Lunar New Year, dictated as it is by the cycles of the moon, is a perfect fit for Maria Grazia Chiuri’s Dior. The creative director’s love of a celestial theme made itself known sprinkled across the Lunar New Year capsule collection of ready to wear, embellishing handbags and starring on fine jewellery.
Above Christian Dior ready-to-wear featured celestial snake motifs
Above Bulgari's iconic Serpenti made an appearance on a novel heart-shaped bag
Christian Dior ready-to-wear featured celestial snake motifs
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At Fauré Le Page we saw discreet snake emblems appearing across the brand’s signature motif, and popping up on tongue-in-cheek strap details. And of course, it’s was Bulgari’s time to shine—their Serpenti emblem made itself known in both new and familiar ways, as the faceted handle to a heart-shaped bag, and the sinuous wraparound strap of the Serpenti Tubogas watch.
Above Fauré Le Page's lineup featured subtle snake motifs
Fauré Le Page's lineup featured subtle snake motifs
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The colour of prosperity
There is no escaping red at this time of year, so brands embraced every shade of the colour. At Max Mara we saw impactful outfits in full red, with details picked out in monochromatic beading and embroidery. MCM went for a playful shade of pink splashed across their instantly recognisable bags, while ADLV kept things casual with relaxed graphic t-shirts.
Above Max Mara's impactful monochromatic red looks
Above ADLV went for playful, relaxed colour this Chinese New Year
Max Mara's impactful monochromatic red looks
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Timeless glamour
Screen icon Shu Qi shines in Bottega Veneta for Chinese New Year. For those who prefer to mark the festivities with elegance rather than overt markers, this is the look to go for: lustrous materials and beautiful patterns in bold colours. At Valentino, iconic Jolin Tsai and Sun Li bring the house codes of feminine shapes and flowing lines into the season.
Above Shu Qi in Bottega Veneta is a lesson in restrained elegance
Shu Qi in Bottega Veneta is a lesson in restrained elegance
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Symbols of luck
It wouldn’t be Chinese New Year without a scattering of lucky charms about your person. Fred’s Force 10 collection features red cables woven through gold buckles, symbolising fortune and prosperity. At Tumi, bold calligraphic snake-like strokes take centre stage, while at Aigner leather snake bag charms, reminiscent of traditional paper chains, bring a pop of colour and reminder of the season.
Above Fred's Force 10 collection
Above Playful snake bag charms at Aigner
Fred's Force 10 collection
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Credits
Photography: Courtesy of brands
Emma Chong is the Managing Editor of Tatler Malaysia, overseeing the editorial direction and vision for the print, digital and social media arms of the title. She has over 15 years experience in fashion and lifestyle publishing, and has led print and digital editorial teams at ELLE Malaysia, Time Out Kuala Lumpur, The Luxe Nomad and more.
Outside of work, Emma spends her time wrangling children (only her own) and boosting the Malaysian economy through her support of local fashion and homeware brands.
