It’s definitely not easy to resist the urge of wanting to buy new things when festivities are near. Custom dictates that wearing something new (or an entirely new outfit) during Chinese New Year symbolises a hopeful, new start to the year—something we could all do with now and then.
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to buy something new, of course. But the smarter way of doing it is by buying pieces that you’d use after Chinese New Year.
Together with Raffles City Singapore, we’ve curated a number of fashion brands and their versatile pieces that’ll ensure you exude all that hopeful-new-year energy, while making smarter fashion investments this Year of the Rabbit.
A slew of cute accessories by Kate Spade
Rabbit-themed fashion items are (hopping) rampant, but these Kate Spade pieces stand out. Not only are they adorable (check out the fluffy faux fur bucket bag shaped like a bunny above) but they’re also artfully done such that they don’t appear cheesy. The brand’s small tote bag, for example, is decorated with a jacquard fabric that’s embellished with subtle rabbit motifs.
GinLee studios’s pleasant pleats
Local fashion brand Ginlee Studio is known for its pleated creations that it has constantly reworked and reinterpreted time and time again. For Chinese New Year, Ginlee Studio’s pleated series comes in a range of timeless cuts ranging from shift dresses to stylised apron dresses beautifully designed with pleats adorning the back. And yes, there are a number of red pieces too.
If it’s red you’re looking for
Red is always the safe, huat colour every grandparent will approve of for Chinese New Year. Sandro’s iteration is bold and strong while still retaining the French brand’s penchant for a Parisian chic aesthetic. Tone down the red post-Chinese New Year with black coordinates and accessories and you’re good to go.
For the home
Dressing the home up with new pieces is also just as advisable. These Shanghai Tang home decor accessories are designed with the brand’s modern oriental leanings with maximalist graphics that are artful in their own right. The Shanghai Tang Four Seasons Chinese Tea home fragrance collection features four fragrances inspired by classic teas that are housed within glass bases that come with porcelain lids. Or make use of the Rabbit Candy Box—emblazoned with an Art Deco-inspired graphic—to serve Chinese New Year sweets and your favourite Netflix snacks when the festivities are over.
Add a little bit of edge
Coach’s Lunar New Year 2023 collection is diverse with its interpretations of the Year of the Rabbit. The main feature of the collection is a graffiti-style rabbit motif that’s front and centre on a tote bag for a piece that’s not necessarily bound to the Zodiac. Then there’s a range of red-themed pieces done in both leather-trimmed canvas as well as full-leather styles. No matter which you choose, there’s no doubt that they’ll be used far more often than just for Chinese New Year.
Bunny up with the family
Onitsuka Tiger’s iconic Mexico 66 sneakers have been specially dressed for the occasion. Inspired by the rabbit, the brand’s stripes are trimmed with faux fur for a tactile design set against an all-white canvas. Best thing is, the design is replicated across both the adult and kid sizes so everyone can get in on the happy-feet action.
Oranges and more
Available in a range of colours, Bao Bao Issey Miyake’s Lucent Boxy series employs the brand’s signature tile design on roomy tote silhouettes. The series’ mini iterations are especially adorable—the perfect size to carry a number of oranges. What’s nifty about the design is that the side gussets can be folded inwards for a more compact shape and each mini tote bag comes with an additional fabric tote bag that fits easily in an interior pocket as an extra bag when the need arises.
