Welcome the Year of the Wood Dragon with fashion and beauty treats imbued with symbols of prosperity.
If January had been a blur, the Lunar New Year set to arrive on the 10th of February offers yet another chance at a fresh start. Headlined by the Wood Dragon, this year is believed to be ruled by the energies of a mythological creature that has long been a symbol of good luck, power and strength in Chinese culture. With such auspicious symbology, 2024 is hoped by many to be one of success and prosperity.
It is also a period of merriment with family and friends, making it the perfect time to spruce up one’s look as we come together for parties and reunions. Fortuitously, now is also the time when brands celebrate this auspicious occasion with limited edition drops and luxurious new collections. From pieces that fuse modernity with tradition, to opulent treats for ourselves and our loved ones, there truly is optimism, creativity, and jubilation in the air. Here, we take a look at this season’s crop of luxurious marvels and collectible goodies.
READ ALSO: The Era Of Vitality: The History Of The Lunar New Year And Traditions To Welcome The Wood Dragon
Enter the Dragon
This year’s legendary beast has inspired more than its fair share of exclusive collections, ranging from opulent and ornate to irreverent and playful. On the luxe end of the spectrum, one can hardly find a better representation of this iconic creature than in Bulgari’s Serpenti Dragoni. A necklace crafted with the brand’s signature coils, it features marquis diamonds in its crown amidst a diamond pave face, and a mesmerizing gaze of rubies for the most confident of women.
Straddling the realms of designer fashion and streetwear, Fendi’s collaboration with Fragment features beloved dragon-type Pokemons in the brand’s Peekaboo and Baguette bags. Yet another playful take comes courtesy of Bottega Veneta, whose Jodie hobo bags come with a spiked dragon tail handle, whilst its leather totes sport a pixelated dragon motif woven into its signature Intrecciato weave.
Additionally, Kenzo’s capsule collection also puts the dragon front and center, embroidering the iconic beast onto hoodies and jackets exemplifying an intersection of tradition with modernity. Boss, on the other hand, has tapped renowned calligrapher Feng Tang to create a striking dragon motif that marries the essence of Chinese characters and this ancient art with contemporary sensibilities.
On the beauty front, brands were likewise keen on celebrating the Chinese New Year with special drops. Anastasia Beverly Hills reinvents its Glow Seeker Highlighter with an embossed dragon, while Fresh’s Kombucha Facial Treatment comes in a special limited edition bottle. And to really indulge after a long day of celebrating, Lush has a special dragon-themed bath bomb just for the occasion.
Lush Inner Dragon Bath Bomb/Photo courtesy of Lush
Red Hot
Long considered a lucky color in Chinese tradition, red symbolizes joy, success, and vitality. This makes it a favorite for celebrations like the Lunar New Year, and even weddings and birthdays. It’s likewise a statement color that won’t go out of style, making it a wise addition to one’s wardrobe.
To get in the party mood, Furla’s cruise collection features a bevy of chic apparel and accessories in this fiery hue. Meanwhile, Burberry celebrates this festive time with a line of tartan ensembles and crimson accessories. And for just a touch of red that has maximum sartorial impact, nothing can be more adorable than Louis Vuitton’s Vivienne mascot playfully rendered in a gold and gemstone pendant, with a fetching dragon motif.
Finish off your look with a red lip that adds just the right touch of glamor and sophistication. One fave is Dior’s Rouge Dior, an intense and long-wearing lippie infused with red peony extract for hydration, ensconced in a chic refillable case. A spritz of Bulgari’s Omnia Coral will likewise get one in a vibrant mood, its fruity floral essence an incandescent marriage of hibiscus, pomegranate and waterlily.
Additionally, fans of Clé de Peau Beauté will love The Serum’s limited edition bottle, sporting a Chinese cloisonne design by Beijing-based artist Xi-Wen. The serum boosts the skin’s suppleness and hydration, and helps prepare the skin to absorb other moisturizing treatments.
Going for Gold
Gold has long been regarded as a symbol of nobility and prosperity in Chinese culture, as it is in the West. Given its connotations of prosperity, it is a color that is most apt for those wanting to manifest good luck and is also a key color in feng shui.
That said, why not finish off your look with a touch of this sundrenched hue, courtesy of golden South Sea pearls from Jewelmer? An elegant gold and diamond timepiece is a sophisticated accent that will ring in the new year in style, like Cartier’s classic Tank Française.
The coming year is also a reminder to indulge in more self-care, and what could be more nourishing than top tier skincare? Shiseido’s Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Advanced Cream Soft helps unveil a more radiant and lifted look with its cocktail of potent botanicals. Guerlain’s Abeille Royale Advanced Youth Watery Oil, on the other hand, harnesses the revitalization powers of honey to help create a plumper and more radiant complexion.
For eyes that sparkle, there is Laura Mercier’s Starlight Dreams eyeshadow palette, a mix of deep and scintillating hues. Lastly, a golden elixir will make you the sweetest-smelling guest at your new year soiree. Burberry’s Goddess is a warm gourmand with a trio of vanillas, touched with cacao, ginger and lavender to inspire one to embrace the coming year with confidence and verve.
Banner photo courtesy of Bulgari.
