From Elegant Qipaos To Luxe Co-Ords: Statement-Making Outfits For CNY
Shanghai Tang’s signature melding of East-meets-West design gets an auspicious reimagination, just in time for your festive soirees
There is an art to selecting the perfect Chinese New Year outfit.
Dressing up for this auspicious occasion isn’t just about picking out something red and calling it a day. You want something that references tradition, yet leaves room for modernity to keep you looking fashionable. It needs to appear effortless yet it also needs to be comfortable enough to be worn all night. After all, who wants to spend their entire Chinese New Year party constantly fussing over their frock?
Beyond shimmer and sparkle, it has to let you feel your most glamorous self, without sacrificing comfort – something that contemporary Chinese luxury fashion house Shanghai Tang certainly knows a thing or two about.
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If you haven’t found your perfect look to welcome the Year of the Rabbit, the brand’s latest Chinese New Year collection has plenty for you to discover. Founded by Sir David Tang and built on the ethos that Shanghai Tang’s customer isn’t just a regular party-goer, but one who knows how to ‘make life a party’, the brand is known for its ability to meld Eastern and Western design references seamlessly.
It is reverent and respectful of culture, yet forgoes that feeling of stuffy conservativeness as it serves up playful and contemporary details that make each piece – and wearer – feel special. As such, the collection features a wardrobe of classic cuts and lush colours that are calling out to be worn – here are key pieces to check out:
One of the stars of the collection is this qipao, which is available in vermillion and black. Don this, and you might look like you’ve just stepped off the set of a Wong Kar Wai movie, thanks to its opulent burnt velvet fabric and classic cut.
While appearing deceptively simple, the ingenuity of the design lies in the way it is tailored. Waist darts are removed, so as to draw attention to the side curves of your silhouette, and elastic pleats are incorporated in the back for ease and comfort.
In both colourways, it features a lively motif that blends butterflies and ginger flowers – named the “Butterfly Soul” pattern – harking to the welcoming of the Spring season that is often celebrated with Chinese New Year.
Short-sleeved Qipao with Small Stand-up Collar (available in vermillion and black), $1,685
Here, tailoring takes the spotlight in this beautifully-cut Tang style jacket. A classic hallmark of Shanghai Tang’s design history, this timeless outerwear is given an auspicious update with a traditional rhombus jacquard silk-blended fabric in a rich persimmon hue.
The geometric pattern adds a contemporary feel to the look, whilst the Chinese stand-up collar and satin handmade buttons recall the traditional details. A wider cut also promises ease of movement, and plush silk lining makes this a perfect choice for those spending the festive season visiting loved ones in cooler climes.
Quilted Five-Button Tang Suit Jacket, $1,330
With all that’s going on during Chinese New Year, the last thing you’d want is to fret over what to wear. In those moments, we recommend this twinset. It’s an outfit you can throw on before the relatives arrive, and you’ll find plenty of wear in it post-celebrations.
Sporting the same rich burnt velvet as the qipao earlier, the suit is enlivened by the “Butterfly Soul” pattern series – a design that Shanghai Tang’s team has developed by fusing certain elements of traditional butterfly illustrations with the exuberant lines of the ginger flower.
With straight-cut trousers that come with a drawstring waistband, this is cosy, low-key luxury done right.
Burnout Velvet Tang Jacket $1,495, and Destroyed Velvet Trousers (available in vermillion and black), $1,115
As the parties stretch into the evening and the dress code veers along with it, it’s time to slip into one of Shanghai Tang’s most iconic styles: the classic five-button Tang jacket.
Make a stylish entrance in a piece that is decorated with signature silk frog buttons, and flip the cuffs up for a surprising pop of colour. Choose to wear it buttoned up, or leave the front open to reveal a contemporary pattern done specially for the Year of the Rabbit and named “Happy Rabbit in Spring”. It’s cut loose and louche but never lazy, delivering both comfort and chicness.
Velvet Tang Jacket with Year of the Rabbit Silk Lining, $1,875
No Chinese New Year outfit is complete without a festive little accessory. This year, look no further than this silk square. Featuring the ebullient “Happy Rabbit in Spring” motif, the scarf sees several hares bounce all over some of Shanghai’s most iconic buildings – each one recognised by its distinctive art deco-inspired architecture.
It’s a riotous mix of colours that juxtaposes organic and geometric lines and promises to look fabulous worn around your neck, tied around your bag handle or boxed up as a blessing of joy and luck to others.
"Happy Rabbit in Spring" New Year's Silk Foulard 90 (available in red and pink), $440
To try on the collection, visit the Shanghai Tang boutiques at Takashimaya Shopping Centre, #03-05/06, Tel: 6737 3537; The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, B2M-232, Tel: 6688 7181; or Raffles City Shopping Centre, #01-27A, Tel: 6338 6628.
You can also shop online at www.shanghaitang.com.