On February 12, 2021 the Chinese New Year will be celebrated throughout the world; as of this year’s zodiac animal being the ox, high end brands incorporated it into their designs creating iconic collections and limited items. 

The Lunar New Year based on the ancient Chinese calendar lasts approximately 15 days. 

Each year is named after one of the 12 animals that are associated with the Chinese zodiac. 

The holiday causes the largest human migration and the most fireworks in the world are during that night. 

Many brands used the color red and/or the zodiac animal on their designs. 

Likewise Vivienne Westwood, British fashion designer, created an elegant and vibrant piece of jewelry with the shape of an Ox’s head covered with crystals. 

On the other hand the shoe company, Dr. Martens, released new black leather lace up boots with the classic embroidery on the insoles and both exterior and interior red colored details. 

Not forgetting the English high fashion company, Burberry, having the most iconic capsule collection for this Lunar New Year. 

Burberry incorporated both the Ox and the color red into its creative patterns and designs; delighting the collection included trench coats, bags, and ‘sports-influenced pieces.’

Technology-wise Apple launched a unique limited-edition AirPods Pro, featuring their adorable eye-catching ox emoji on charging case; the product can be added text or the emoji be changed by a different icon. 

Many other brands like Prada, North Face, Nike, Moncler, and more, have also incorporated the Year of the Ox into their distinctive collections for this 2021. 

Recently foreign brands have incorporated into their collections Chinese characters and/or elements, however many have been accused of cultural appropriation

For instance Han Kjobenhavn’s 2017 Spring Summer Collection, its shoe print said “Roundhouse kick and bakes white bread” and accordingly the design is “to pay tribute to Eastern culture with Chinese character embroidery.”

As the Year of the Rat comes to an end and a new year for the traditional Chinese culture is around the corner, we are increasingly impressed and attracted by what each designer has to offer for this stylish 2021.