ENTER THE DRAGON

BY MICHELLE DALTON TYREE

Celebrate Lunar New Year with Fiery Designer Capsule Collections

 

Chopard

Maybe it’s because we can’t resist the symbolism of a mighty, majestic and magical dragon. Or perhaps it’s because we can hardly wait for an official date for the return of House of the Dragon, the Game of Thrones prequel series. But whatever is driving it, we are more fired up than ever to celebrate this year’s Lunar New Year.

In case you’ve been holed up in a castle and haven’t noticed: It’s the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese Zodiac. And this year’s Lunar New Year — which officially begins on Feb 10 — is already off to an auspicious start. It’s a 15-day celebration that marks the beginning of the new year on the lunisolar calendar. It is a time for symbolic rituals that usher in good luck, abundance and good fortune — from house cleaning to giving (and receiving) little red envelopes with money, celebrating with feasts, festivals and much more.

Lunar New Year’s mainstream popularity has taken off in the U.S. over the past decade. California, which is home to the largest Asian American population in the U.S., began celebrating Lunar New Year as an official state holiday last year and store fronts, restaurants, chocolatiers and more have joined in with gusto to herald the holiday. 

South Coast Plaza, whose Year of the Dragon event runs from February 8-25, has long celebrated the holiday with elaborate installations, celebrations, exclusive products and more.  And in that time brands and luxury houses have also begun to celebrate the holiday in earnest. What started with small capsule collections has now mushroomed to major offerings with this year — dare we say it — scaling new heights showcasing bold dragon motifs on everything from clothes to luxury watches, bags, footwear and more!

Whether you have always celebrated the Lunar New Year with your family or just love the symbolism of it, why not invoke the strength and power of the mighty dragon and add a little something fierce to your wardrobe or home. And, as it happens, we just might have a few ideas that we think will slay. (We couldn’t resist!)

SOUTH COAST PLAZA

THE LUNAR NEW YEAR EDIT

BIG DRAGON ENERGY

This year, we love that brands went one step further to bring the motif to life with scales, sculptures and even a dragon egg clutch that would be the envy of any Targaryen.

BOTTEGA VENETTA

Jodie Bag

Level 2, between Jewel and Carousel Courts
714.540.9760

Take your dragon with you everywhere you go with a bespoke Jodie bag featuring a dragon-tail handle.


THE WEBSTER

Judith Leiber Dragon’s Egg Dragon Clutch Red

Level 2, Between Jewel and Carousel Courts
714.754.1366

This crystal-adorned beauty will hatch a thousand compliments.


BOTTEGA VENETA

Dragon Earrings

Level 2, Between Jewel and Carousel Courts
714.540.9760

A stunning pair of hand-enameled, 18-karat-gold finished earrings fit for the Mother of Dragons.


BUCCELLATI

Silver Dragon

Level 2, Nordstrom Wing
714.481.1130

We love the idea of putting this strong, silver dragon on our desk for good work energy.


BACCARAT

Zodiaque Dragon

Level 3, Penthouse
714.435.9600

Invoke the power of the dragon at home with this stunning, light-catching work of art.

BABY DRAGON ENERGY

Sometimes you want to lean into cuter, more cuddly dragon energy. Think more Puff and pokémon. And this year, designers were happy to oblige with adorable takes on the theme.

FENDI

Fendi X FRGMNT X POKÉMON Shopper

Level 1, Jewel Court
714.751.1111

This chic and lighthearted tote will be your new go-to.


MARNI

White-Wool Cashmere-Blend Cardigan with Jacquard Dragon

Level 1, Saks Fifth Avenue Wing
714.380.3155

Any dragon who reps Marni is a friend of ours!


WEEKEND Max Mara

Printed Jersey T-shirt

Level 1, Bloomingdale’s Wing
714.754.1876

We want to pair this adorable tee with embroidered dragon with everything from denim to leather!

CLASSIC DRAGON ENERGY

Breathe fire into your look with everything from classic dragon motifs to fiery colors evocative of the magical beast.

BERLUTI

Un Jour Leather Briefcase

Level 2, Nordstrom Wing
714.641.3582

The House’s Lunar New Year capsule collection is a powerful combo of craftsmanship and bold style.


CHOPARD

L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Dragon Watch

Level 2, Jewel Court
714.432.0963

This stunning timepiece is a fantastical fusion of artistic flair and technical savoir-faire.


ALEXANDER WANG

Dragon Hotfix Shirt in Velour

Level 2, Din Tai Fung Wing
714.677.3111

Enter the dragon. An iconic dragon motif is always a do!


BOTTEGA VENETA

Veneta Orbit Sneaker

Level 2, Between Jewel and Carousel Courts
714.540.9760

Take flight in this special, fiery Lunar New Year colorway of the Orbit sneaker.


February 8 – February 25

Enjoy a captivating cultural exhibit, unique Year of the Dragon collections, dazzling events and dining promotions to welcome the Lunar New Year.


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