As we enter the Year of the Dragon this February, why not indulge in the most luxurious and stylish gifts brands have to offer? The Lunar New Year is one of the most celebrated festivals in Asian culture, signaling a clean slate from the past and good fortune in the future. Unlike gifts given on birthdays or holidays like Christmas, the ones bought and exchanged for Lunar New Year are seen more as tokens and trinkets to ensure prosperity and good fortune, which is why colors, iconography, and intention are important when it comes to selecting the perfect gift.
While many families who celebrate the Lunar New Year will never forgo the traditional exchange of red money envelopes and bounties of food, there is a sense of more is more when it comes to gift-giving this upcoming new year, and families intend to celebrate in style just like a Crazy Rich Asian would. Luxury brands certainly got the memo, as the 2024 Lunar New Year proved to be a perfect opportunity for many designers to flex their creative chops. After all, the dragon is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and meaningful symbols in not only the Chinese zodiac but Asian culture as a whole, granting them a bevy of opportunities to play and reinterpret its design.
Clothing and accessories from the likes of Alexander McQueen, Coach, Valentino, and more have been specially rendered in ravishing reds, gilded golds, and of course, plenty of daring dragon motifs to usher in the Year of the Dragon. See ahead for our picks for the most luxurious Year of the Dragon-inspired gifts to give this Lunar New Year.
Alexander McQueen
Courtesy of Alexander McQueen
To celebrate the Year of the Dragon, British design house Alexander McQueen has designed a special new dragon flower print inspired by the antirrhinum flower—named the ‘snapdragon’ in English—in vibrant red and pink. Traditional bags and wallets have been enriched with the lucky color red.
Bottega Veneta
Courtesy of Bottega Veneta
To celebrate the Lunar New Year’s themes of unapologetic confidence, Bottega Veneta is offering accessories to enter the new year’s dawn with impeccable and dramatic flair. Take, for instance, a necklace with dragon scale shapes meticulously crafted from hand-enameled 18k gold-finished.
Brilliant Earth
Courtesy of Brilliant Earth
Crafted to celebrate the Lunar New Year, jewelry brand Brilliant Earth’s limited-edition disc medallion showcases a glorious gold dragon surrounded by starburst diamonds, which will surely make you beam with confidence.
Burberry
Courtesy of Burberry
Burberry’s Lunar New Year capsule collection focused on marrying wardrobe archetypes with vibrant red hues—the color traditionally associated with good luck and prosperity for the celebration. Classic elements like houndstooth check, Chelsea boots, and their renowned rose print feel fresh for the new year.
Chopard
Courtesy of Chopard
Inspired by Chinese traditions, Chopard’s Urushi Year of the Dragon watch is a piece of art, skilfully decorated with lavish lacquer, shimmering gold powder, and marvelous mother-of-pearl inlays.
Coach
Courtesy of Coach
For the Lunar New Year, Coach celebrated the Year of the Dragon with a special collaboration with rising Beijing-based artist Lian Yang. Known for her use of ancient and contemporary techniques, Yang creates breathtakingly beautiful (and original) works of art.
Loewe
Courtesy of Loewe
Priced at a whopping $14,000, these hand-carved jade pendants were specially commissioned by Loewe to celebrate the prosperity and luck of the Lunar New Year.
This item will be available for special order and at Casa Loewe concept stores across Asia.
Fendi
Courtesy of Fendi
Fendi partnered with artist Hiroshi Fujiwara on a cheeky Pokémon collaboration featuring dragon-type Pokémon such as Dragonite. Emblazoned on bags and clothing by the expert hands of leather artisans, the collection further displays the brand’s savoir-faire and playful side.
John Hardy
Courtesy of John Hardy
John Hardy’s Naga Dragon collection designed by Reed Krakoff isn’t merely an accessory; rather it is a bridge between ancient mythical dragons and contemporary fashion, inviting wearers to connect with their confidence and power this Lunar New Year.
Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
Hand-crafted in yellow and white gold, this playful dragon pendant from Louis Vuitton is framed by Monogram Flower petals in fiery red lacquer bedazzled with diamonds. With its removable chain, this exquisite jewel can be worn as a brooch or displayed as a precious conversation piece.
Courtesy of Prada
Bold gold jewelry is a splendid way to celebrate one’s prosperity in the Lunar New Year, and Prada has a fabulous selection of options that will pair perfectly with your red attire.
Courtesy of Sandro
With its crimson color and leather dragon patch, this unisex hoodie from Sandro is an effortlessly chic piece to wear while to celebrating the Lunar New Year.
Courtesy of Swarovski
Swarovski encourages you to amp up your style this Lunar New Year with these ritzy Year of the Dragon earrings. Each rose gold-tone plated piece features a powerful dragon’s claw, which grasps tightly to a lucky coin-adorned pavé with clear crystals.
Courtesy of Tory Burch
Associated with clothing and accessories that epitomize classic American style, Tory Burch took a fun spin on their Eleanor Rectangle Bag and emblazoned it with the mythical creature in pavé crystal.
