Lunar New Year takes place today on February 12 as we usher in the Year of the Ox, and as festivities overlap with Valentine’s Day this year, why not welcome the opportunity to celebrate in style. Wearing new clothing during this festive period symbolises new beginnings and red is often the favoured hue. In Chinese culture the colour red represents happiness, luck and good fortune and is thought to ward off bad luck, gold also features prominently, and it represents wealth. While new clothes are believed to garner good luck in the new year, superstitiously new shoes are not! As the word “shoes” in Cantonese sounds very similar to the word “rough”, it is advised to not purchase new shoes in the first few days of the new year to avoid a rough start.
Karen Walker Scarlet Skating Dress, $595 (left), Country Road Gathered Top, $229 (centre), Tiered Ruffle Maxi Skirt, $349, Bendon Freesia Dreams Underwire Bra, $69.95 (right).
A few of our top fashionable picks include this Karen Walker skater dress, a truly timeless design that has been re-released after first debuting in a collection 16 years ago. Or consider this super fun (and very date worthy) ensemble from Country Road, comprised of a silk halter top and a dramatic tiered skirt. Red undergarments are another popular way of incorporating the colour into or rather under your outfit, check out this striking bra by Bendon in the aptly named shade of Chinese Red.
Generally other bright colours are embraced also to keep in line with the upbeat and joyful mood, though black and white are considered no-no’s as the two shades are associated with death and mourning.
Pandora Shining Ox Charm, $89 (left), Louis Vuitton Chinese New Year Bag Charm and Key Holder (right).
Jewellery brand Pandora have launched a charming range of Lunar New Year themed jewellery in the form of necklaces, bracelets, rings and charms which would make a sweet gift for a loved one or yourself if you so fancy. If your pockets run deep enough, then there is this very aspirational ox shaped bag charm by Louis Vuitton.
Limited Edition Clinique ID™ Base: Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+, $59 (left), Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream, Lunar New Year Edition, $98 (centre), Bobbi Brown Stroke of Luck Eye Palette, $80 (right).
Many beauty brands have embraced Lunar New Year, with brands like Clinique, Kiehl’s and Bobbi Brown just a select few who have released beautiful, vibrant themed packaging into their offerings. Our top pick is this gorgeous Clinique lotion with its ox shaped cap, a bottle so delightful that this particular writer is actually going to purchase one. Happy Lunar New Year everyone!
Images supplied.