Year of the Dragon wish list

Whether or not you agree that the dragon is the most auspicious of all the Chinese zodiac signs, it’s difficult not to be captivated by the mystical creature. From tasty treats and exclusive fashions to sparkling jewels and spectacular timepieces, we present the can’t-miss items to add to your Year of the Dragon wish list

Chinese new year is always a dazzling affair, not least because of the significance of the colour gold. To celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Dragon, renowned Italian jewellery house Buccellati has curated a selection of captivating gold pieces from its Opera Tulle collection. Pictured, from top, are the bangle in yellow gold and mother of pearl, mini ring in yellow gold and blue enamel, and ring in yellow gold and red enamel with diamonds.

Home to the Michelin-starred Cantonese favourite Shang Palace, Kowloon Shangri-La is celebrating the “Dragon in Full Swing” with an array of Chinese New Year puddings, goodies, hampers and poon choi. The abundance of auspicious culinary treasures has been curated by executive Chinese chef Raymond Wong and his team with only the finest ingredients, from dry roasted nuts and 30-year tangerine peel to braised baby lobsters and whole abalone.

French jewellery brand Fred is honouring togetherness and sharing this holiday season with a special selection of gifts to welcome the Year of the Dragon. Add sparkle to any family reunion with the iconic Force 10 collection – including a vivid red cable paired with a gold buckle – or a Chance Infinie ring or bracelet with the infinity-inspired motif that also resembles the lucky number 8. Pretty Woman pieces, with their “heart within a heart” design, celebrate the many facets of love.

Gucci is embracing new beginnings with a Year of the Dragaon capsule collection complete with ready-to-wear, handbags, shoes and accessories for women and men. The colourful styles mix the house’s codes and iconic motifs with references to the dragon’s symbolism of harmony and prosperity. And it’s all captured in a new campaign starring actress Tian Xiwei and actor Zhou Yiran that celebrates the traditions that connect people and generations.

With an illustration of a dragon interpreted through the maison’s iconic savoir-faire to form a graphic decorative element, the Berluti Year of the Dragon capsule collection puts a unique spin on your holiday wardrobe. In addition to ready-to-wear, bags and small leather goods in classic shades such as Cacao Intenso and St. Emilion Red with abstract cloud-scroll patterns, the collection presents an exquisite selection of goods for the home and travel.

The dragon is making its presence felt across the luxury world this year, even appearing on French cosmetics brand Chantecaille’s elegant gold magnetic lipstick case. The Year of the Dragon Lip Chic in Red Juniper, a sophisticated true red, features a lightweight, glossy formula that fuses the rich texture and coverage of a lipstick with the high-shine effects of a gloss to leave lips looking fuller in appearance.

Pre-launching exclusively in Hong Kong and Macau for Chinese New Year, Maison Margiela’s Snatched Hobo is a new adaptation of the house’s signature asymmetric bag conceived by creative director John Galliano. As the name implies, the bag fuses the characteristic distorted shape of the classic Snatched with the curved silhouette and softened construction of the hobo genre. It comes in black, greige and beige in both small and micro sizes.

The first in a year-long series of capsule collections by friends and creative partners Saloni Lodha and Victoria Tang-Owen, “The Voyage of The Dragon” is inspired by hand- painted porcelain, exquisite vases and the enchanting colour palettes found in ancient Chinese artefacts. The vibrant and versatile collection is centred around a special motif capturing the graceful movement of a playful dragon dancing amidst a blossoming field of flowers.

Rosewood Hong Kong is looking to light up the Year of the Dragon, but in a responsible way. Its Imperial Dragon and Pearl gift box contains an array of traditional treats such as red melon seeds, sesame cookies and mini walnut crisps as well as a portable lamp made using the hotel’s upcycled glass bottles and plastic. Created in collaboration with local design studio Editecture, the lamp underscores Rosewood’s commitment to sustainability, which is also reflected in the eco-friendly FSC-certified paper and soy ink packaging.

Tod’s is celebrating the Year of the Dragon with a limited-edition collection of its signature footwear as well as select accessories. Three styles of shoes, including the iconic Gommino Bubble, the latest sneaker and the rubber sole loafers, all feature a double dragon pattern combined with Tod’s logo on the inner soles and white and burgundy as the predominant colours. Other dragon-inspired pieces include a candle and a leather and fabric shopping bag with internal pouch.

For its tribute to the Year of the Dragon, Japanese luxury cosmetics brand Clé de Peau Beauté has joined forces with Beijing arts and crafts master Xi Wen on a limited-edition packaging design. Appearing on The Serum and the refillable case for the Radiant Cushion Foundation Natural, the intricate design draws on the brand’s key symbol with a dragon inspired by the ancient key prototype xi, meaning “intelligence”. Also depicted are vigorously growing plants and trees, in reference to 2024 being the year of “wood”.

Paying tribute to the golden allure of the holiday, Dolce & Gabbana’s 2024 Lunar New Year Special Collection features dazzling gold bags and sneakers as well as classic overcoats and dresses given a mirror effect finishing. In addition to releasing a short film directed by Dongxun Guo, the brand is launching an AI emoji generator, “Dragon Gashapon”, for users to unlock wonderfully fun emojis and send their best wishes for the new year.

Drawing from childhood memories as well as the symbolism and vitality of the dragon, Chinese artist Yang Yongliang’s collaboration with Hennessy brings the mystical creature to stunning life in a series of limited- edition bottles. Yang is known for mixing traditional Chinese art with contemporary, innovative digital technology, and his Year of the Dragon collection sees him combine these artistic mediums to connect the past to the future by adding a three-dimensional element.

Premium Italian chocogelateria Venchi’s Chinese New Year limited collection is a joyous tribute to the mystical dragon, with colourful patterns and floral motifs embodying new beginnings. The wide-ranging collection of chocolates, hampers and gift boxes is sure to spread the “Italian Allegria”. Surprise your loved ones or satisfy your own sweet tooth with the signature Chocoviar, irresistible Creminos or scrumptious Granblend chocolates.

Starring Max the Dragon and his constant companion, Little Ted, as they set out on mystical adventures
to the land of fjords and wildflower meadows, Max Mara’s whimsical Chinese New Year collection resembles a children’s storybook coming to life. The specially curated selection of pieces in classic black and scarlet includes dresses, jackets, funny knitwear and a short Teddy Bear Coat along with bucket hats, baseball caps, sneakers and shiny brooches.

Signalling a sense of belonging and a place of comfort, Byredo is welcoming the Year of the Dragon with a limited-edition collection of homeware designed for the rituals of feasting and gathering. The collectibles, all hand-crafted in Jingdezhen, were created in collaboration with Shanghai-based design duo KAE and inspired by an 8th-century poem by Bai Juyi that paints a picture of friends coming together “over a little red clay stove” on a snowy winter’s eve. They include a tableware set, tea set and candle lid.

And of course, there are tons of watches we want.

Also see: Fabergé x Game of Thrones dragon-themed collection at K S Sze & Sons