WORDS BY JOSEPH FURNESS & STEPHEN YU
The best way to welcome the Year of the Tiger? In style, of course. Prep your little ones for the best year yet by kitting them out in sought-after pieces from the likes of Burberry and adidas Yeezy and Palm Angels.
Not sure where to start? Always opt for red: the good luck color of China. Looking for a little more guidance? Allow us to bring the chicest, coolest red-colored kidswear pieces available at FARFETCH to your attention. But before we stimulate your sartorial senses, allow us to inform you – or remind you – about the meaning and history behind Chinese New Year.
What Does Chinese New Year Represent?
When Chinese New Year celebrations began, China was an agrarian society; the start of Spring Festival was about waving goodbye to winter’s harsh weather and preparing for the warm embrace of the new season. As you may know, there’s a mythical tale told in China that explains some of the most popular CNY traditions.
The story goes that there once was a village in China where a mythical Lion-like beast named Nian would devour villagers – especially the children – on the night before the new year, every year. Frightened to be a victim of the Nian, the villagers would hide on new year’s eve, seeking safety in their homes or the mountains.
One New Year’s Eve, an old beggar happened upon the village. After asking the panicked villagers for a place to stay, one citizen – an old woman – explained that he would struggle to seek refuge as everyone was preparing to hide from the Nian. The beggar told the woman that he would banish the evil creature if she let him stay the night. The woman was sceptical but kindly agreed to his proposal.
When Nian arrived on new year’s eve, it spotted a bright light coming from the woman’s house. On closer inspection, the monster noticed the house was embellished with red decorations. Suddenly, bright lights and smoke appeared, and burning bamboo made a crackling sound. Amidst the smoke, the beggar, wearing a red gown, appeared banging on a drum. Scared by the sounds and the sights of the beggar and the woman’s home, Nian ran away and left the village alone forevermore.
To celebrate their win, the villagers sported red outfits to pay homage to the old beggar’s gown, adorn their homes with red decorations to remind them of the old woman’s home and visited their neighbours to share joy every Chinese New Year. Word swiftly spread, and villages across China adopted the traditions; soon, the entire country celebrated the start of the lunar new year in the same manner.
Today, Chinese New Year is considered the most important festival in China. Health, wealth and food are at the centre of the celebration that brings manifold families together.
What Day is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year marks the start of the new lunar year: it falls on whichever day the new moon appears between 21st January and 20th February. This year, 2022, Chinese New Year falls on 1st February (a Tuesday).
Burberry Hoodie
It's red, winter-appropriate and emblazoned with a tiger – it’s safe to say Burberry’s new season logo hoodie is the quintessential Chinese New Year ‘22 kidswear flex.
adidas Yeezy Foam Runners
The must-have sneaker for this generation of kids? The adidas Yeezy Foam Runner. It’s functional, durable, modish and sustainable. For Chinese New Year, cop a pair of the red – or ‘Vermillion’ – Runners to ensure your little one is protected from evil spirits.
D&G Dress
If you’re searching for something sophisticated yet thematic for your mini-me this Chinese New Year, look no further than D&G. The dependable high fashion label has created this deep red tiger-print dress that’s practically perfect for Spring Festival celebrations.
Moncler Romper
This Chinese New Year, there’s no need to leave the newest addition to the family out, as Moncler has created the cutest candy red down-filled romper that’s sure to keep your baby warm, safe and stylish.
ERL Shirt
California-based brand ERL creates the freshest kidswear pieces currently on the market. The best ERL piece for Chinese New Year 2022? It’s got to be this red flannel shirt that can easily be dressed up or down.
Gucci Shoes
If Yeezy Foam Runners are a little too casual for your grand CNY plans, turn your head to Gucci. As usual, the Italian brand’s current kidswear collection of smart shoes is to die for. Case in point: these ruby red horsebit-detail ballerina shoes.
Palm Angels Joggers
Palm Angels’ bright red logo-print tracksuit bottoms are a safe bet when it comes to Chinese New Year fits for your kids because they’re conspicuous, well-crafted and doubtlessly cosy.
Kenzo Sweatshirt
When style-savvy individuals think of tigers, they think of Kenzo. So, what better way to celebrate Chinese New Year than by dressing your little one in a red, tiger-adorned sweatshirt from the Paris-based brand?