FASHION INSPIRED BY THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON

Since working in Hong Kong and experiencing a Chinese New Year celebration along with my eyes on fashion, each year since participating in the celebration I look for fashions created for Chinese New Year. In a number of cases, those promoting fashions and other items refer to celebrating Lunar New Year. The term Lunar New Year is increasingly used to refer to celebrations in other countries that take place at the same time along with many of the same traditions as those in China.

This post covers:

• Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong

• The Mandarin Oriental Cake Shop

• Liberty of London

• David Yurman

• Paul Smith

• Versace

One of the nicest memories of being in Hong Kong leading up to the New Year (It was celebrating the Year of the Monkey when there) was seeing the placement of mandarin orange trees throughout building entrances and storefronts. It was a surprise seeing one for the first time!

My photo posted here is a tree at the hotel where I stayed, the inviting, luxurious and detail focused Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong. (MO_HKGT) This was just one of several thoughtful ways MO_HKGT celebrated Chinese New Year. The hotel's The Mandarin Cake Shop was another frequented venue during my stay and it had interesting specialties for the celebration. (The Shop's almond croissants continue to be the best croissants I've eaten.)

While researching the meaning of mandarin orange trees, learned tangerine trees are also used. (Maybe a reader could let me know the differences.) The Chinese word for mandarin is kam and it sounds similar to the word for “gold.” Therefore, having mandarin oranges at the New Year is believed to bring riches to one's life. The other custom I learned about and participated in is the tradition to give the gift of a red envelope filled with money. This gift represents good wishes and luck for the new year ahead.

Items produced for the ChineseNew Year often include the color red and the animal of one of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs. The dragon is the animal for 2024. I've come across a number of items with red and would like to share this attractive piece. This 100% silk scarf, by Liberty of London is named "Year Of The Dragon 45X45 Silk Scarf" This price is $130. The link is here:

http://tinyurl.com/mpw2ja39

Jewelry is another item adorned with the animal for the year being celebrated. David Yurman, as always is on top of things! (In previous posts I've written about David Yurman and my experiences with the brand. Links to theses posts are here: http://tinyurl.com/2r639c2e

http ://tinyurl.com/w4jp3btw )

Within the Amulets Collection for Women, David Yurman has a limited edition amulet hand carved from 18K yellow gold. The price is $1,950. The link is here: http://tinyurl.com/yejap9cs. This piece of jewelry includes a lovely packaged complimentary gift wrap, a red envelope embossed with the signature David Yurman cable motif.

Paul Smith, the British design company with locations in more than 60 countries has unique menswear products for the Year of the Dragon. In addition to cufflinks, and a billfold there is a selection of apparel including the one posted here, The Year of the Dragon Cotton T-Shirt It is fabulous! The price is $325.The link is here: http://tinyurl.com/bdhy3zem

As noted above, the color red is associated with the Chinese New Year. However, items for Year of the Dragon are at times offered in other colors. For instance, shown here is a Versace sweater. This pretty online exclusive sweater, a wool and cashmere blend is the The Year Dragon sweater is a light pink color. The price is $1,275.

The link is here: http://tinyurl.com/mpdbz366

Do you have any fashion favorites for the Year of the Dragon? Please let me know.