After the hubbub of Chinese New Year, Valentine's Day come rolling after. Bacha Coffee launches their signature brews to celebrate the occasions. We start with something that isn't edible but from the aroma, it's kinda tempting though. It's the Fleur du Maroc Scented Candle, a sweet seduction of orange blossoms, a cheeky kick of zesty citrus, and a grounding touch of cracked cocoa. It's like capturing the Moroccan sunshine in a jar.
Housed in a pink glass so chic it deserves its own Instagram post. Whether you're celebrating with friends or enjoying a romantic evening in, just pair it with your favourite brew and you've got a recipe for the ultimate cooosy vibes.
For that person who's always that indecisive (or just plain indulgent), there's the Coffee Hour Candle Gift Set. This is a trio of candles—Fleur du Maroc, Song of Saba, and Out of Africa—offers a scent for every mood. Need some zest? Go with Fleur du Maroc. Craving richness? Song of Saba's Arabica coffee and vanilla notes got you sorted. While Out of Africa's salted caramel and forest nuts will do the nutty trick. Packed in a stunning gift box, it's practically begging to be unwrapped.
Now we come to the coffee. Here we have the Coffee Trails Taster that consists of six exceptional brews with Raw Sugar Candy Sticks for a touch of sweetness, while the Coffee Crossroads Gift Set brings a refined selection of Single Origin coffees.
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For the "coffee connoisseurs," there's the Coffee Discovery Gift Set and Coffee Route Gift Set offering Single Origin coffee options.
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If you've got that lucky person to spoil, the Twins Hills Taster ups the ante with Ethiopia's Sidamo Mountain Coffee, Caramelo Morning Coffee, Coffee Blossom Honey, and Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans. It's indulgence in a box—no barista required.
Bacha is available in-store and online
We did a dragon-themed spirits post last year, didja think we would neglect the SEO gods and not do one for the Year of the Snake? Chinese New Year is a season for brands to come in with their own special editions; like Glenfiddich, who made its presence known in the Chinese market 17 years ago and is riding high on the Chinese's appreciation for Scotch whisky. From the exclusive to the beguiling packaging, we present the snake-themed spirits that tickled our fancies.
First up, we have Martell paying homage to the Year of the Snake. Continuing L’Or de Jean Martell Zodiac Edition series, the star of the hour (or the year) takes the limelight in a crystal decanter crafted by Baccarat. Limited to just 500 individually numbered bottles, this rare release captures the mysticism of the serpent with Martell Cellar Master Christophe Valtaud taking inspiration from the Chinese legend of Nüwa, the goddess who mended the heavens and shaped humanity.
Valtaud selected eaux-de-vie from past Years of the Snake editions and blended them with the original L’Or de Jean Martell, which consists of over 1,400 eaux-de-vie from Cognac’s finest terroirs. With light amber with mahogany undertones, the Assemblage du Serpent reveals itself in layers. The nose picks up citrus and soft spices, followed by the aromas of cedar, tobacco, and walnuts before it evolves into candied fruits, blackcurrant, and quince marmalade. On the palate, we have bold citrus and roasted wood.
The decanter is shaped like a single, pure drop of cognac. Crowned with a red crystal stopper sculpted into a serpent’s head, the neck is sheathed in 19-carat gold and engraved with a snakeskin motif (that's where the edition number is found). Resting on a gold-tone pedestal etched with tiny scales, the ensemble is a triumph of craftsmanship.
If you've SGD14,888 lying about, you can use that to get the L’Or de Jean Martell Zodiac Edition – Assemblage du Serpent. Purchase can be made at Pernod Ricard Singapore’s members club, Le Cercle or via e-mail at hello@le-cercle.sg
Once more, for this year, Glenfiddich, roped in another collaborator—contemporary ink artist Zhang Yu—for another round of exclusive gift sets. Titled A Gift for Great Encounters (福鹿双至), this series toasts the intersection of two storied cultures. Drawing inspiration from the imagined meeting of the Glenfiddich Stag and the mythical Nine-Coloured Deer (a legendary creature from Chinese lore), we get a stunning tableau of the encounter that's brought to life through Zhang Yu's brush strokes.
At the heart of this limited-edition series is the Glenfiddich Gran Reserva Rum Cask Finish 21-Year-Old, a whisky that embodies time, craft, and a touch of tropical indulgence. Complementing it are special gift packs featuring the core range—12-, 15-, and 18-Year-Old variants—each paired with whisky-nosing glasses. (If you're interested in the 21-Year-Old Gran Reserva, you can find it at Changi Airport’s Lotte Duty Free stores.)
Until 28 February, purchases of these gift packs come with Glenfiddich red packets. These limited-edition releases can be found at selected retailers like Paneco, and Changi Airport’s Lotte Duty Free stores. For more details, click here
Carlsberg trades in its usual visuals for something new to mark its 178th anniversary. This Chinese New Year, the iconic Danish brewer partners with creative duo 1983ASIA (Yao & Su Su) for a limited-edition packaging as part of its Carlsberg 一起發 campaign.
Yao and Su Su took Carlsberg’s iconic Hop Leaf motif and turned it into a symbol of vitality and good fortune—a golden snake crowned with hops, its body adorned with blossoming flowers; a vision of renewal, crowned with legacy.
The campaign, Carlsberg 一起發, carries a deeper meaning. In Chinese, the phrase sounds like "one," "seven," and "eight," a homonym for unity, success, and prosperity; a nod to Carlsberg’s milestone year, connecting nearly 200 years (okay, so we rounded up a bit) of brewing expertise to the promise of a flourishing future.
Carlsberg 一起發 is available at FairPrice, Sheng Siong, Giant and Cold Storage; each purchase can net a free limited-edition Prosperity Poker Set. For more information, click here.
Every Saint Patrick’s Day, we hear about the missionary who drove snakes out of Ireland. But while Ireland shunned reptiles, The GlenAllachie has embraced them with its first Chinese Zodiac-themed release: The Year of the Snake Edition—an 11-Year-Old Single Malt finished in Pedro Ximénez, Oloroso, and Virgin Oak casks.
Master Distiller Billy Walker, a true virtuoso of whisky, helms this release. This Zodiac-inspired whisky caters to Asia’s growing demand for Scotch. “Having travelled to numerous Asian countries this year,” Walker says, “I’ve witnessed first-hand the appreciation for Scotch whisky in the region. This expression is a toast to that moment.” At 48 per cent ABV, the whisky offers a symphony of flavours: orange peel, caramelised ginger, and brandied cherries on the nose; butterscotch, blood orange, and cinnamon butter on the palate. It’s a dram born from a triad of wood finishes—Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks paired with charred Virgin Oak barrels.
Its presentation is equally striking. Wrapped in auspicious green, the packaging features hand-drawn illustrations and embossed gold accents, with a snake charm hanging from the neck—more talisman than ornament.
Purchase The GlenAllachie’s Year of the Snake Edition here
If you're a fan of Tamiya Racing cars, you might dig Asahi Super Dry's newest limited-edition cans. The Japanese beer company teamed with TERADAMOKEI for a limited-edition model kit-designed cans and packaging to elevate the season into a playground of creativity.
Founded in 2011 by architect and designer Naoki Terada, TERADAMOKEI began with small paper model kits for architectural dioramas. Soon, Terada and his team redefined the genre by swapping machinery motifs for intimate human scenes and replacing plastic with paper. It’s craft with character, as much about storytelling as it is about design.
For the Asahi Super Dry TERADAMOKEI editions, the cans are a 1:100 scale masterpiece—TERADAMOKEI's signature—with a design that captures a bustling Lunar New Year scene in miniature: tables set with Asahi Super Dry glassware, laughter in the air, and decorations lending a celebratory glow. Barley and hops take centre stage in vibrant yellow as speech bubbles dance across the design, symbolising the connections we make during this time of year. Wrapped in Lunar New Year red with Asahi’s iconic silver, the cans strike a perfect balance between tradition and modernity.
Asahi Super Dry TERADAMOKEI Edition is out now and comes with an exclusive red packet set. Each pack of six (330ml) cans also comes with a unique model kit sticker pack and is available at major supermarkets islandwide as well as online at RedMart and Shopee
Chinese New Year is right around the corner, and it often presents two dilemmas: escaping the annual interrogation from the aunties or ponder the age-old conundrum of what to wear. While we can't help with the former, we definitely got you covered for the latter. This guide is your go-to for stepping into the Lunar New Year with style.
If a sleek, refined look is on your agenda this year—you're on the right page. TOM FORD's ivory cashmere and silk polo shirt is a staple piece, accentuated with mother-of-pearl buttons for that subtle sheen. Finished with their signature gold TOM FORD embroidered label, it's the epitome of understated sophistication for this Chinese New Year.
The collection is available in stores.
Loro Piana reimagines its iconic Bomber jacket to celebrate the Year of the Snake. Originally designed in 2003, the Bomber combines the Maison’s signature craftsmanship with refined practicality, perfect for a polished look on a chilly day.
The collection is available in stores and online.
Golden Goose's global brand ambassador Jackson Yee struts the genderless round-neck sweatshirt adorned with hand-embroidered red floral motifs, paired effortlessly with medium-wash denim. The jeans feature intricate snake embroidery on the back pockets—a subtle yet festive nod to the occasion.
When it comes to Golden Goose, its iconic Ball Star trainers take centrestage, reimagined in crisp white leather with snake-print details, bold red stitching, and matching lace for a fresh, festive twist.
The Golden Goose collection is available in stores and online.
Fendi ushers in the season with a bold collection—key pieces include the Peekaboo ISeeU Small and Baguette Soft Trunk bags, crafted from black Cuoio Romano leather. Adding to the allure, the Fendi Eyes motif receives a sophisticated makeover, adorning ready-to-wear pieces and the Fendi Flow sneakers.
The Fendi Lunar New Year collection is available in stores and online.
Kenzo's artistic director Nigo reimagines the House's signature collection with contemporary flair. The iconic Boke Flower has been reintepretated as a golden snake graphic, symbolising prosperity and abundance. The gold and red tones dominate for a vibrant yet sophisticated palette.
The Kenzo Lunar New Year collection is available in stores and online.
This collection proves that Giorgio Armani owns the sophisticated look with its delicate yet intricate snake embroideries on their timeless pieces as seen on Chinese celebrity Hu Ge. The ready-to-wear pieces are perfect for both special occasion and everyday wear.
The collection is available in stores.
Global ambassador Xiao Zhan models the captivating selection of ready-to-wear pieces featuring the snake motif woven seamlessly into each design. The collection exudes effortless style, brought to life with exquisite attention to detail.
Meanwhile, the iconic Gucci Re-Webb sneakers are crafted from beige and ebony Original GG canvas, and adorned with intricate snake details around the silhouette.
The collection is available in stores and online.
Let's not forget about travel and lifestyle accessories that are both practical and stylish. TUMI delivers a limited-edition capsule featuring a glided snake graphic inspired by calligraphy brushstrokes. Each piece is covered in gold detailing, symbolising good fortune and abundance for the year ahead.
And to spice things up, receive a limited-edition luggage tag available only with purchases, while stocks last.
The collection is available in stores and online.
When seeking chic, timeless essentials, the Lunar New Year Capsule from Ralph Lauren is the collection you can trust. This year's offering features the Polo Ralph Lauren corduroy shirt, crafted with fine-wale corduroy and adorned with the signature embroidered Pony. The brand's iconic cable-knit sweaters also come into play, made from luxurious wool and cashmere yarn sourced from Italy.
The collection is available in store and online.
Burberry introduces a capsule featuring a seasonal iteration of the Burberry Check, as well as a B snake on a wide array of garments.
The distinctive design of Burberry's Bubble sneaker exudes a playful charm with its rounded silhouette and enhanced by the subtle B snake detail.
The collection is available in stores and online.
This collection brings together some of Tod's most iconic designs, including the timeless Gommino and the sleek T Vintage Sneakers. Each piece is reimagined in a vibrant colour palette that honours the spirit of the season, in shades of red—a nod to the colour's significance in Chinese culture as a symbol of luck and prosperity.
The collection is available in stores and online.
Creative director Adrian Appiolaza takes inspiration from a painting by Franco Moschino, back in the late '80s, where a three-dimensional stuffed snake framed the artwork. Reimagining this piece for the Chinese New Year, he infuses it with signature Moschino symbols, reinterpreted with a snake motif. Emblems like the peace sign and question mark are given a playful, serpentine twist.
The collection is available in stores and online.
Ah, yes. Chinese New Year—the time where tossing grated carrots and radish into the air while shouting auspicious phrases (that sometimes feel just shy of expletives) is only rivalled by the act of gathering with loved ones around a roundtable, bound together by the dizzying charm of a lazy susan. For those looking to experience this (and then some), here's an intimate list of restaurants we'd actually bring our families to this CNY.
Madame Fan celebrates Chinese New Year with a festive menu that retains its Cantonese roots while embracing the artistry of modern culinary. Traditional favourites anchor the menu: Halibut Yu Sheng, abundant Poon Choi, Premium Bird’s Nest in Superior Broth with Crab Meat and Crab Roe, Steamed Red Grouper perfumed with Preserved Black Bean and Chilli, and Pipa Prawn bathed in Chicken Broth.
While some dishes remain reassured in their essence, others emerge transformed through subtle and contemporary touches. Take the Cantonese-style Kampong Chicken that’s elevated by crunchy ribbons of parma ham. But it’s the intersection between the silky, subtle flavours of chicken and the ham’s rich umami depths that intrigue. The Steamed Flower Crab with egg white is aromatised by Chinese Yellow Wine and spring onions to create a wonderfully sweet and savoury bite that intensifies with every chew. And then there’s the Caviar Fried Rice with Conpoy, Crab Meat, and Egg White—a dish that tastes just as indulgent as it sounds.
Price: From SGD108 per pax
When: Until 16 February
Where: The NCO Club, 32 Beach Road, Singapore 189764
With over two decades of serving up authentic Shanghainese cuisine under their belt, Grand Shanghai has earned its place as a trusted institution among Singapore's traditionalists. Grand Shanghai sets a high standard with its Yu Sheng, featuring salmon, abalone, fried silverfish, and a medley of auspicious “huat” ingredients. The result? One of the most memorable Yu Shengs we’ve had. Is using a Chinese restaurant’s Yu Sheng as a barometer of its overall quality a thing? Maybe it should be, because this dish set a high standard for the courses ahead, which (spoiler alert) it upheld.
The Double-Boiled Abalone Soup was deeply satisfying, with a rich, umami-laden broth that avoided being overpowered by Chinese herbs. The Steamed Cod Fish with bamboo shoots was another standout, its creamy flesh perfectly balanced by the savoury soy sauce. Following this, the Crispy Roasted Chicken emerges fragrant with garlic, its skin well-roasted and flesh succulent. Other dishes include the Braised 6-Head Abalone with fish maw, dried oysters, and brown sauce; Stir-Fried Glutinous Rice; Pan-Fried Nian Gao; and the comforting Double-Boiled Peach Gum with red dates and lotus seeds.
Price: From SGD178 per pax
When: Until 12 February
Where: Level 1 King's Centre, Singapore 169662
Not that we're keeping track, but this little hole in the wall has been consistently paying homage to the lunar new year over the years. This year's pop-up is no different with time-tested favourites like the 算盤子 (Abacus Seeds); housemade yam gnocchi with Hokkaido baby scallops that's glazed and dusted. Also, fresh Year of the Snake additions like the 蛇窩 (Snake’s Nest); tiger prawn and lotus root balls dressed in mala mascarpone and fruit.
Cocktails are where you'll find the CNY goodies . From pineapple tart-inspired negroni 財源滾滾 (Rolling in Prosperity) and kueh bangkit rendition of clarified and foamy coconut and bourbon mix 八方來財 (Wealth All Around); to the occasion quintessential bak kwa sour 諸事順利 (Smooth Sailing Ahead).
Price: From SGD28
When: Until 8 Feburary
Where: 6 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069787
For an unconventional Yusheng, the longstanding Japanese omakase/steakhouse does a beefy special on tradition with their Signature Gyu Sheng. Good for up to five guests, the slices of marbled Toriyama Umami Wagyu takes centerstage amidst ikura, chuka kurage, wakame and more. The dish is available for dine-in only and with a pre-order of two days.
Price: From SGD68
When: Until 5 Feburary
Where: Camden Medical Centre #01-01/02, Singapore 248649
If you're looking for an array of textures for your goodies, Chatterbox (yes, that SGD25 Chicken Rice place) has added the savoury cripsy Chicken Biscuits to complement their buttery Pineapple Balls and gooey Molten Chocolate Cookies. Needless to say, perfect for gifting too.
Brands do this all the time. Collaborate with a fellow renowned brand or commission a notable person of interest. Nonetheless, if the brief here is not so much novelty but an apt fit for the occasion: Johnnie Walker clearly understood the assignment.
When you see the work of Taiwanese-American artist James Jean, you can’t think of a better mind to conceptualise what the Year of the Dragon could look like as a Blue Label skin. The vibrant, sinewy, yet altogether modern aesthetic wraps around the bottle in a playful, textural imprint.
According to Jean, the natural motifs prevalent in his work takes on the form of flowers and organic tendrils. These floral traits evoke the idea of roots; a connection. These are the bridges between respect for the past and looking ahead to the future with hope.
Plus, the most powerful creature in the Chinese Zodiac and the highest-grade whisky in the JW collection? Insert Epic Handshake meme. If you're familiar with the Blue Label, you'd know that the blend is made from unparalleled—a term not lightly used here—Johnnie Walker reserves of Scotch maturation.
Chiefly because only one in 10,000 make the cut. It's selected from 10 million casks; of which some irreplaceable ones are sourced from long-closed ‘ghost’ distilleries (Cambus, Pittyvaich, Brora, Port Ellen, for the whisky experts among you). A 12-strong blending team infuses these rarities from across all four regions of Scotland, and it’s these very complexities that the visual artist was inspired to interpret.
“There are hidden elements in the picture as well—layers to be discovered, just like the layers in this incredible whisky,” he says, “I want the viewer to peel back the layers and discover more about the image. I want my work to function from far away but reveal more details the more closely you explore the imagery.”
Now where better to witness it up close than in Depth of Blue Room. The brand’s first flagship bar in Southeast Asia sits at the Park Hyatt Bangkok penthouse. It enhances the launch experience with a multi-sensory tasting complete with dedicated cocktails, an immersive room and scented touches. It presented a truly extravagant, thematic dive into what makes Blue Label a big deal.
It’s far from the first time a brand has pulled out all the stops. But such a celebration is certainly a worthy altar for a release as limited edition as this.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label (James Jean edition) is out now.
Baccarat and MO BAR join forces to create an enchanting celebration for the Year of the Dragon. The partnership, a highlight of Baccarat's Cocktail World Tour, unfolds at MO BAR. Patrons will have an exclusive experience with dragon-inspired cocktails. MO BAR Singapore presents four signature cocktails as part of the "Ripples of Pleasure" collection. Each cocktail is a manifestation of the "joie à vivre," an ode to finding delight in life's little pleasures, symbolised by the elegance of crystal glassware. The cocktails will, of course, be served in Baccarat’s dazzling crystal barware.
First on the list, the "Blue Manhattan" pays homage to classic New York City vibes, blending Johnnie Walker Blue Label with the oaky finish of Hinoki Bitters.
Next, the "Walker Sour" challenges the line between dessert and cocktail, featuring Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Bourbon Oak Barrel Syrup, and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream in the elegant Baccarat Narcisse Coupe.
Meanwhile, the "Disaronno Expectations" in Baccarat Harmonie Highball unveils a tropical-meets-smoky fusion with mezcal, Disaronno Amaretto and Verjuice.
Closing the quartet is the "Insomniac" in Baccarat Beluga Tumbler, awakening the senses with Osmanthus Aged Rum, Mr. Black Coffee, and Coconut Water— a cool, sunrise-ready concoction.
Indulge in the artistry of Baccarat's "Ripples of Pleasure" cocktails and savour the harmonious fusion of crystal and creativity at MO BAR. Priced at SGD38++ each, these cocktails will be available until 29 February 2024. The Baccarat collection is also available at its two boutiques, the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and Takashimaya Department Store B1.
It's Chinese New Year and, of course, the brands will capitalise on the Year of the Dragon. We compiled several dragon-themed fashion pieces before and this time, we are showcasing spirits. From Martell to Asahi, here are some of our favourites.
In this collaborative effort, Martell worked with Vincent Darré. Known for his flamboyant creations Darré brings a contemporary vision to this exclusive release.
Darré delved into Martell's archival illustrations and accounts to immerse himself in the alchemy of the distillery. He evoked the grace of doves of peace; weaving an allegory where the Martell Swift becomes a universal messenger of warmth and generosity. The blue ribbon of Martell Cordon Bleu serves as the thread connecting the swifts, mirroring the cognac's ability to unite people with its generous taste. In Darré's vision, the Martell Swift is a cognac ambassador, traversing land and sea to deliver a message of hospitality to all corners of the world. The gift box is a cut-away masterpiece that tells the story of the bottle: the swifts, the globe and the blue ribbon create a portrayal of the Swift's voyage and the globally acclaimed Martell Cordon Bleu. True to Darré's signature style, both the box and the bottle exhibit a watercolour effect.
Another bottle that Vincent Darré tackled is the Martell Noblige. His animal of choice? The stately dragon. As this Lunar New Year's latest zodiac representative, the dragon pays tribute to the meeting of two cultures, represented by a magnificent, dazzling dragon and an elegant, stylised Swift, symbolising Maison Martell’s spirit of freedom. It also highlights the historic connection between China and Martell, thanks of their first shipment to the country in 1858.
The bottle and gift box depict ships laden with precious cognac are guided on their voyage. From France, its marked by flying swifts, while twin dragons welcome them on their arrival in China.
Royal Salute, the blended aged Scotch whisky brand unveils a special edition gift pack. The artwork is courtesy of Chinese-born creator Yunshu Li. Echoing the festivity's vibrancy, it cradles the regal elixir—the Royal Salute 21 Year Old Signature Blend.
With a dazzling swirl of details, Li weaves figurative cues, unleashing a cascade of colour that captures the spirit of celebration. The iconic "gun salute" is a shot fired from the Tower of London; the bouquets symbolises wishes of happiness, growth, prosperity and love. At its core, the 21 Year Old Signature Blend, is a sophisticated and opulent character. With notes of ripened fruits and delicate spice notes, making it the choice for the elevation of celebratory moments.
Glenfiddich's celebrates with "A Gift For Blossoming Futures." Collaborating with Raku Inoue, this limited edition collection symbolises the anticipation of new starts and a life in full bloom. Inspired by nature, Inoue's artistry breathes life into the fusion of the iconic Glenfiddich stag and the mythical Wood Dragon.
This limited edition series extends throughout Glenfiddich's core range— the Reserva Rum Cask 21 Year Old pack, the 12, 15 and 18 Year Old variants. Each gift pack comes with Glenfiddich-branded whisky glasses.
(Find an immersive Glenfiddich experience at the CNY Pop-Up at Suntec City Atrium Tower 3 & 4 until February 4, 2024.)
Macallan's "A Night on Earth," a single malt Scotch whisky that transcends the ordinary. It's about reuniting with a loved one and this limited-edition bottle is the product after the maturation in sherry-seasoned European and American oak casks with American ex-bourbon barrels.
Working with mixed-media artist Nini Sum from Shanghai, each layer of the pack becomes a canvas of meaning. Sum's vibrant illustrations adorn each "A Night on Earth" package. From the first glimpse to the final pour, every moment with "A Night on Earth" is designed to invoke a sense of awe.
Artist James Jean can do no wrong and he gives the Johnnie Walker Blue Label bottle a lovely festive facelift. In his reinterpretation of the Wood Dragon, the serpentine beast "springs from bountiful flora
and fauna, and bursts to life with auspicious ambition". Composed of flora elements, the dragon sits in a layered artwork that has nods to Johnnie Walker like the chrysanthemums that represents the liquid gold. "I want the viewer to peel back the layers and discover more about the image," Jean says. "I want my work to function from far away but reveal more details the more closely you explore the imagery.”
Roping in the talents of Chinese multimedia artist, Yang Yongliang, the "Dragon's Odyssey" collection takes the traditional dragon and breathes new life into it via a digital reworking. Hennessy has its bottles—Hennessy V.S.O.P; Paradis and Hennessy X.O—given a makeover that's inspired by Yang's "Dragon's Odyssey" piece. The V.S.O.P is a vibrant red hue to usher in CNY and the Paradis the porcelain decanter features hand-painted gold dragon motifs and is crafted by Bernardaud, a 160 year-old French heritage porcelain maker. The Paradis is limited in 485 numbered pieces. Lastly, the X.O is another limited edition that comes in a gold colourway.
From Speyside, Scotland, Benriach puts out its 2020 relaunch of its 12 year olds. Called The Twelve, the single malt was overseen by Master Blender Rachel Barrie as it mature in a troika of casks—sherry, bourbon, and Port. The results are dried fruit notes, coffee and spices. This limited edition is made even special thanks to the dragon edition; the taste is the same but the design gets a CNY treatment.
Asahi gives their Super Dry beer the pixelated once-over. Japanese pixel artist, Hermippe, gives his own spin of the dragon. Hermippe’s intricate design uses something called a “mixel”, which is a technique that combines several types of dot sizes to create the illustration. The final result is the dragon that reflects a future full of possibilities and with the collaboration, it gives the vibrancy of modern Japan.
As the Lunar New Year approaches, adidas sets the stage for a blazing start to the Year of the Dragon with the release of the SS24 Originals Key City Tee. Collaborating with local artist Erika Tay (@erikartoon), adidas brings forth a celebration of local culture and childhood nostalgia through her character inspired by a local icon.
In Chinese legends, the dragon symbolises power and authority, and Tay's artistic vision transforms the mythical beast into a contemporary streetwear masterpiece. Tay, who previously left her artistic mark on adidas' AW23 Performance Key City Tee "Ultraboost by the Bay," takes inspiration from the famed Dragon Playground for the latest design. Breathing new life into the dragon character, Tay's localised interpretation sports sleek adidas Originals gear, shoes, and accessories, while incorporating the vibrant mosaic tiles of the playground drawn on its head.
"The Dragon Playground at Ang Mo Kio, in particular, has held many cherished memories of my childhood spent at my grandparents' house. Those memories have sparked my inspiration to bring the Dragon character to life," shares Tay. This personal connection adds a layer of authenticity to the design, making it not just a piece of apparel but a nostalgic journey into the artist's own history.
The Dragon Key City Tee (SGD69) is now available at Brand Centre Orchard, Bugis+, Bugis Junction, Changi Terminal 1, ION Orchard, Jewel, Marina Bay Sands, Suntec City, VivoCity Originals, VivoCity Performance adidas stores.
And just like that, the Christmas decorations have gone down and we're on our way to celebrate a new Lunar Year. It's a rather special one too—the Year of the Dragon is arguably the most celebrated of the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac. It may not have topped the mythological race that determined the order of the Lunar Calendar (that honour goes to the Rat, for the uninitiated) but the Dragon's powerful stature and connotations confer it the most favoured Zodiac.
It's a given then that the Year of the Dragon capsule collections this year have been amped up in line with the Dragon's popularity as well as its sought-after traits of power, nobility, success, and luck.
We can't guarantee that your year will be for the better wearing even just one of these new threads. But at the very least, you're taking some ownership of it and that's something even the most skeptic of persons could get behind.
Kenzo's capsule collection features motifs that you're already familiar with from the brand. The Kenzo tiger remains a key insignia that's apparent in the collection's ready-to-wear range, with a dragon motif making its appearance. On Kenzo bombers, souvenir jackets, hoodies and more, the dragon takes a figure-eight formation, while a more stylised interpretation is fitted onto back pockets of denims and a slew of lightweight jerseys and tracksuits.
The Kenzo Lunar New Year capsule is now available in Kenzo boutiques.
Newly crowned Bottega Veneta brand ambassador Shu Qi stars in The First Sunrise with You, a campaign short by director Jess Jing Zou. The film depicts scenes of Shu Qi and a host of other individuals—friends, romantic partners, and families—venturing out and watching the sun rise in anticipation of a new year. Accompanying them are a number of pieces specially crafted to the Year of the Dragon. The Orbit sneakers are rendered in new colours (including a rather soothing orange), a dragon motif is interwoven as part if the House's Intrecciato technique on a tote, and the beloved Jodie is trimmed with a handle inspired by a dragon's tail.
Dior Men's version of the Dragon is perhaps the most adorable of the lot. In collaboration with Japanese artist Otani Workshop, Tanilla the green monster is the central character that's featured in a myriad of ways throughout the capsule collection. The dragon-like creature is prominent on a number of ready-to-wear pieces, including on the Dior Oblique in Lunar New Year appropriate burgundy and pink hues. Splashes of red run rampant throughout too—both as a nod to one of Monsieur Dior's favourite colours as well as the festivities.
The Dior & Otani Workshop capsule collection is now available in Dior Men boutiques and on dior.com.
Emporio Armani taps on its global ambassador Jackson Yee to be the face of its Year of the Dragon collection. The colour palette of the collection is kept relatively simple and wearable with black and red. The Emporio Armani logo is then paired with an embroidered dragon motif—both done largely in gold—to pile on the symbols of prosperity and fortune. Opt for just one single piece from the collection and you're good to go.
Like many others in this edit, Polo Ralph Lauren's latest Lunar New Year collection sees its very own interpretation of the dragon. The brand takes a more traditional slant with a multicoloured version placed front and centre on clasic Polo Ralph Lauren staples. But what the brand captured exceptionally well is the shade of red—a tasteful hue that's not too bright and not too muted. It's beautifully executed on a reworked Oxford shirt decorated with frog fastenings, and even a classic jumper.
The Polo Ralph Lauren Lunar New Year collection is now available in stores and online.
Trust Loewe to commission master craftsmen as part of its Lunar New Year capsule collection. Simply referred to as the Jade collection, master jade carvers Xiaojin Yin, Qijing Qiu, and Lei Cheng each created a series of five limited edition pendants mounted onto gold chains. In addition to the limited edition pieces, Loewe expands its Flamenco series with the Purse Mini bags in colours inspired by antique jade carvings, with each bag containing an attached ring of jade in its corresponding colour on the inside. Charms and key chains are also part of the mix—each combined with signature Loewe motifs.
The Loewe Jade collection is now available in boutiques and online.
MCM and BAPE® return for another capsule collection. This time, the BAPE® logo is entwined with a dragon and is featured on every piece in the collection, including a Visetos-decorated Shark hoodie. MCM's signature silhouettes the likes of its Backpack, Belt Bag, Crossbody, Boston and more, have been transformed even further with the inclusion of a transparent version of BAPE®'s camouflage pattern. This is definitely not a collection for anyone with minimalist leanings.
The MCM and BAPE® collaboration is now available in select MCM and BAPE® stores.
Burberry does things the Burberry way. Building on British wardrobe archetypes and Burberry signatures, its Lunar New Year collection refreshes classic checks and house motifs in vibrant hues of red. The seasonal rose motif is also seen in full bloom, perfectly matching new eyewear styles. And if you need a reference of how to pull off the collection's patterns, you'd only need to look to brand ambassador Chen Kun for inspiration.
The Burberry Lunar New Year collection is now available in boutiques and online.
The Moncler logo has been reimagined specifically for its latest Lunar New Year collection. The outline has been replaced with the head of a dragon. Three looks for men have been created for the collection, with quilting designed to resemble the scales of a dragon and body armour. So if you've already made plans for the last remnants of snow on the slopes or just a winter holiday over Lunar New Year, there's no better collection than this.
The Moncler Year of the Dragon collection is now available in select Moncler boutiques.
The OG dragon of the Pokémon series, Dragonite, together with its pre-evolutions take centrestage in a three-way collaboration with Fendi, Hiroshi Fujiwara's Fragment, and Pokémon. The collaboration goes as simple as a tee and hoodie printed with the charismatic dragon Pokémon to leather marquetry of Dratini and Dragonite on Mini Baguette and Baguette bags respectively. Galvanised brass jewellery combines the FF logo with Pokémon signatures such as a Poké Ball (that opens up to reveal the FF logo) as well as Dratini and Dragonair.
The Fendi x FRGMT x Pokémon collection is now available in select Fendi boutiques and online.
