My family and I aren’t superstitious most of the year, but every time Lunar New Year rolls around, we uphold the Chinese traditions and keep them very close to heart. Why? Because the energy and care we put into preparing for Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival, is the energy and luck we’ll expect in the new year. So leading up to the big day, we’re buzzing around doing a big spring cleanup to dust the bad vibes away, putting up red decorations to ward off bad luck, making appointments at the hair salon and most importantly, shopping for all the lucky foods and new clothes to ring in the new year.
With Lunar New Year just around the corner, I’m in search of lucky new (red) things because not only is it a beautiful vibrant colour to wear this time of year, but it will also reel in happiness, success and good fortune for the Year of the Dragon. Below are some of the standout collections available now and the Chinese traditions that give them meaning.
Surrounding yourself with new things ahead of Lunar New Year is said to bring in luck and fortune because it’s considered bad luck to keep and wear old, tattered things on New Year’s. That’s why a new outfit in lucky hues like red and gold is in order. Make sure to shop for new pyjamas and undergarments beforehand, too, so you can enter the new year in a completely new outfit.
Wear your Lunar New Year excitement with this collab by Aritzia and Korean-American illustrator Min Heo. Modelled by elders from the community, her playful illustrations pay homage to traditional Chinese and Korean culture and symbolism for the Lunar New Year capsule collection, which also includes sweaters, sweatpants and a canvas tote
Every Lunar New Year is special, but this year is an especially exciting one because it’s the Year of the Dragon. As one of the strongest symbols in Chinese tradition (only the emperors were allowed to wear and carry this emblem), the revered zodiac animal is said to bring us strength, wealth and wisdom.
Stand out during the holiday season and the rest of winter in this water-resistant puffer vest lined with a print inspired by the auspicious dragon’s scales. For the limited-edition collection, Lululemon tapped Oscar-winning actor Michelle Yeoh and the Shenzhen Opera and Dance Theatre for a theatrical spring campaign to celebrate the season of rebirth and new beginnings.
Supplied The Star
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum Lunar New Year, $189, sephora.comSHOP HERE
Having a glowing complexion during this time of year is important because you want to enter the new year looking healthy and joyful to call in the good spirits. Since it’s a time where you gather with friends and family, you want to put your best face forward because the last thing you want is to look tired and dull at celebratory events.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
Face the new year with a healthier, brighter complexion courtesy of this prepping serum from luxe Korean skin care brand Sulwhasoo. For the Year of the Dragon, the brand tapped Korean tattoo artist Panta Choi to reinterpret the powerful zodiac animal for its limited-edition porcelain-inspired bottle, which will surely become a lucky talisman for your vanity table.
Traditionally, red is worn to fend off evil spirits and protect you from bad luck. It’s also a colour that is synonymous with happiness, success and good fortune, so it’s the main reason you see the vibrant shade everywhere. A pop of red on the lips not only signifies luck but also good health.
Ahead of Lunar New Year, U Beauty launched a vibrant red version of its beloved plumping lip treatment with peptides, shea butter and AHAs. Inspired by (and a tribute to) founder Tina Chen Craig’s grandmother, who wore little makeup except for her red lipstick, this tinted lip balm will make for the perfect pop of colour for the lucky season.
In Chinese, the word “hair” is a homonym for the word “prosperous,” so it’s tradition before Lunar New Year to get a haircut to get rid of last year’s bad luck and allow growth for the upcoming year. But remember not to wash or cut your hair on the day because you don’t want to wash that luck away when it has just arrived.
This shampoo and conditioner set will set you up for smooth, strong hair for the new year and beyond. Designed in collaboration with Australian-Chinese artist Chris Chun, the beautiful packaging features the prized peony and dancing wood dragon — both symbols to welcome wealth and prosperity.
When you make a purchase through the links in this article, we may earn a small commission. Our journalism is independent and not influenced by advertising. Learn more.
To join the conversation set a first and last name in your user profile.
Sign in or register for free to join the Conversation