A new beginning, an auspicious new print to herald good luck and prosperity, and striking new handcrafted silhouettes to discover.
With each Lunar New Year comes a chance for new beginnings. As we eagerly await the Year of the Dragon and all the festivities to come, we celebrate the significance of Lunar New Year and pay homage to The Year of the Dragon with an auspicious new print: The Summer Palace.
The Summer Palace
The Summer Palace is a mesmerizing scarlet floral print, woven with all the wonder of a Netherlands palace garden. In true CAMILLA style, a limited number of signature styles have been lavishly adorned and meticulously embellished with dragon motifs to herald good luck and prosperity in the new year.
2024
Each Lunar New Year celebration signifies the beginning of a new year in the Chinese lunisolar calendar. With origins dating back thousands of years, the festival – which was once a time to honour deities and ancestors – is now an occasion for seeing loved ones and (of course) eating to your heart’s content.
This Lunar New Year pays homage to the fifth animal in the recurring twelve-year Chinese zodiac cycle - the dragon. Previous Years of the Dragon also fell in 2024, 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952, 1940, 1928, and 1916. In Chinese culture, dragons are said to represent power, success, honor and luck.
The Year of the Dragon – or ‘wood dragon’ to be precise – officially begins on February 10 and ends on January 29, 2025. Along with preparing food to represent wishes for health, longevity and prosperity, it’s traditional to wear red, which is a lucky colour.
Why Do We Wear Red For Lunar New Year?
Understanding the symbolism behind colours is key to dressing for the Lunar New Year. Red, representing good fortune and joy, is the quintessential colour for this celebration.
The significance of red during Chinese New Year goes beyond aesthetics. Red is believed to ward off spirits and bring abundance and prosperity. Red signifies life, passion and innately holds deep cultural and historical importance beyond its visual allure.
What To Wear This Lunar New Year
When it comes to choosing a Chinese New Year outfit, consider blending traditional elements with contemporary flair. To create a look that’s a unique blend of cultural reverence and personal style, look for sophisticated silhouettes that incorporate auspicious symbols and motifs.
CAMILLA bespoke prints are designed in-house and inspired by Founder & Creative Director Camilla Franks’ travels. In this case, through The Netherlands and Belgium. Each print transforms into a handcrafted wearable work of art, spun in luscious silks, lavish linens and buttery soft jerseys that drape beautifully across the body. Each piece is then luxuriously finished with breathtaking beadwork, captivating, customised embroidery, tassels and finishing touches in signature CAMILLA iconography.
Among the pieces customised with a dragon motif for The Year of the Dragon are a round neck kaftan, relaxed bomber jacket and slim fit tee. Alongside these customised pieces, there are myriad other Lunar New Year pieces in lucky red colourways, with styles as diverse as the celebrations themselves: from a bright floral romper, flared sleeve double breasted jacket and minimal wide leg pant, to an elegant midi length silk dress.
Chinese New Year Dresses
A stunning Chinese New Year dress can be the centrepiece of your celebration ensemble. Nothing says ‘Lunar New Year’ like a lucky red dress of scarlet silk, woven with flurries of blooms. Whether you choose a softly tailored matching set adorned with bold florals, a silk playsuit with a chic high neck and bold tie details, or a vibrant red maxi dress cascading with ruffles.
The ideal Lunar New Year outfit to welcome in the Year of the Dragon is vibrant in its own ‘uniquely you’ way. Embrace tradition, but don’t discount your own sense of style. The perfect piece will express joy, prosperity and honour the occasion as a cultural celebration.
May your Lunar New Year be filled with great happiness and an abundance of good fortune.
