On Sunday, as Asian-Americans across the country were observing the Lunar New Year, news broke of a tragic shooting in the Asian community of Monterey Park, California. The following day, reports of another California shooting emerged, this time among agriculture workers (many of them Chinese) in Half Moon Bay. For many, the back-to-back incidents felt like a reminder that the recent rise in violence and racism against Asians in America hasn’t gone away. The shock felt especially deep in contrast to the overwhelming sense of joy and excitement seen earlier in the week in celebrations meant to welcome an auspicious new year.
2023 is the Year of the Rabbit, or Cat in Vietnam. Both animals signify peace, hope, and community, sentiments reflected in the large-scale celebrations from lion dances to fireworks displays held across the world. Perhaps designer Phillip Lim described the emotional disconnect best in a recent Instagram post about how to reconcile grief with this joyous time. “Reminder: while we are processing this tragedy, we must also do our best to celebrate life, love, and community. Now is the time to pull up and LOVE even more!” he wrote.
And indeed, it felt like traditions were embraced more enthusiastically this year. Houses were cleaned, new — preferably red — clothes were bought for the occasion, and family- and friend-filled parties and dinners, the most important aspect of the holiday, were back and bigger than ever.
Togetherness was a big topic among the designers, stylists, and fashion people of Asian descent that Harper’s Bazaar spoke with last week. Everyone was eager to reconnect, as reflected in their plans for dinners and parties complete with special, lucky outfits chosen for the occasion. In the spirit of celebrating life, love, and community, read on to hear how they rang in the Year of the Rabbit/Cat.