No other colour can command the same attention and powerful appeal as red. Fearless gladiators were adorned in it; Givenchy’s homage to erstwhile creative director Riccardo Tisci’s were drowned in it; and the Chinese have long associated it with prosperity, wealth and power. Clearly, it’s an arresting hue that makes strong statements.
Indeed, there’s nothing particularly original about wearing red during Chinese New Year but it really depends on the combinations you pull from your closet, like pairing the little red dress with an exaggerated trompe-l’œil shades, or throwing a scarlet stole around your neck to mellow a structured top. And if all things fail, you can always count on some fire-engine crimson earrings to reinforce that fierce confidence. You don’t need extra chutzpah to pull off a colour this versatile and fetching. Here are 15 options to start with.
Alexander McQueen
V-neck pleated dress
Crafted from a luxurious silk blend, this number features a fitted waist and a flared design. £1,495
Bulgari
Divas’ Dream Tourbillon Phoenix
The hand-painted dial intricately depicts the phoenix in vivid, flamboyant colours. The legendary bird appears around the inner rim of the slim 18-karat pink gold case topped by a diamond-set bezel. (Price upon application)
Coach
Signature Metallic Stole
A stole isn’t necessarily something you’ll reach for during the torrid, Chinese New Year weather. But this slim scarf easily adds a cool element to plain summer dresses.
US$175.
Dolce & Gabbana
Vulcano Backpack in Printed Nylon with Appliqués
This rebel of the man’s bag is fun for the kids, and the kids-at-heart. €1,510.
Dior
Rose Des Vents Earrings
With a pair of conversation-starting earrings like these diamond-encrusted Rose Des Vents, no one will even notice you’re wearing last year’s dress. (Price upon application)
Fossil
Q Venture Touchscreen Smartwatch Red Leather
The smartwatch, with full round OLED display, gets a style upgrade with vibrant red straps. RM1,408
Gucci
Men’s sweatshirt with Orso patch
The Italian fashion heavyweight has created a special capsule collection inspired by Bosco and Orso, the Boston terriers of the brand’s creative director, Alessandro Michele. If you’re going to pick a sweater this festive season, make sure it comes in a bright, traffic-stopping hue like this one. €980
Christian Louboutin
Galaxtidude Flat
Chinese New Year is all about bright colours so you’d be remiss for not switching up your shoes to match. Festooned with a dusting of Swarovski crystals, this rougissime suede hightop is definitely made for walking. US$1,995
M.A.C
Lunar New Year collection
The bold red lipstick is universally flattering but M.A.C has designed five different shades with slightly peachy tones that could double as blush. As if the colour palette isn’t CNY-esque already, the lipsticks are named ‘Good Health’, ‘Peachy New Year’, ‘Prosperity’, ‘Pure Happiness’ and ‘To Luck!’. US$33 each
Mulberry
Orchid Red Small Amberley Satchel
Inspired by equestrian styling, this bag with a geometrical Rider’s Lock closure is a reinterpretation of the iconic Postman’s Lock. RM3,500
Prada
Prada Tapestry
Stand out with this pair of retro shades that has a trompe-l’œil effect. RM2,469
TUMI
Lexa Zip Flap Backpack
An eye-catching backpack with multiple compartments to keep you organised on the go. RM1,630
Bottega Veneta
China Red Nappa Zip-Around Wallet
Chic and functional go hand-in-hand in this starkly hued wallet with an embroidered poodle silhouette. US$840
Versace
Audrey Capsule Men’s t-shirt
This cotton round neck is emblazoned with Donatella Versace’s feisty Jack Russell with a 3D Medusa dog tag, framed by bold baroque accents. US$825
Salvatore Ferragamo
Dog Printed Tie
For the pet-loving gentleman who likes an extra dose of personality in his wardrobe, a tie with dog prints would do the trick. US$135
