On February 12 we bid farewell to the fittingly-named Year of the Rat and welcome the Year of the Ox as Chinese New Year celebrations begin. While the full schedule lasts 16 days, rounding out with the Lantern Festival on February 26, physical CNY events are going to be limited this year. In the absence of the usual street festivals and fireworks, we’re forced to take another look at how to mark the occasion. We've turned to what we know best.
Chinese New Year clothing and footwear is nothing new. Whether it’s the likes of Nike releasing dedicated Chinese New Year sneakers or just our own sartorial interpretations of the theme, the right clothing allows you to pair your wardrobe appropriately to the festivities.
Highsnobiety curators took to the net to make your CNY celebrations a little more stylish this year, rounding up pieces from names like COMME des GARÇONS and Loewe. Here’s hoping that the Year of the Ox runs a little more smoothly than the Year of the Rat.
Scroll for Chinese New Year sneakers and clothing.
Chinese New Year clothing
Salomon Agile 12 Technical Backpack
We don’t know how you’re celebrating, but we’d hazard a guess that a lot of you will be hiking that day anyway so why not upgrade your kit with a pop of CNY red courtesy of Salomon.
Stefan Cooke Slashed Cutout Wool Sweater
Stefan Cooke’s cutout sweaters are already head-turners, but this new-season number takes things to the next level with a red and white alternating checkerboard pattern.
CDLP Satin Pyjama Set
The celebrations last 16 days, so you’ll need something to keep the party going when you hit the hay, too. Look no further than this elevated set from CDLP.
Loewe Anagram Wool-Blend Blanket
Loewe’s monogram details this luxuriously soft blanket which comes in a deep red color that characterizes Chinese New Year celebrations.
Bleue Burnham Grandfather Sterling-Silver Pendant Necklace
One of the more subtle CNY flexes in the roundup, this silver pendant from Bleue Burnham features Chinese hallmarks by way of detailing.
COMME des GARÇONS Wallet Logo-Print Leather Tote Bag
COMME des GARÇONS’ luxury leather take on the classic tote comes in an eye-catching, bright red making it the ideal Year of the Ox welcomer.
Master & Dynamic MW07 Plus Wireless Earphones & Case
Not all of Chinese New Year’s most memorable bits are visual, the sounds play a central part in celebrations, too. Master & Dynamic’s MW07 ear buds offer faithful sound to make the most of your CNY audio journey.
Pineider Capri Box of 24 Writing Sheets & 24 Envelopes
Much of Chinese New Year is meant to be celebrated with your friends and family. Unfortunately, that’s not possible for many of us this year, so send a red-tipped celebration message from Pineider instead.
Chinese New Year Sneakers
Nike Jordan 1 Low OG Chinese New Year
Using the iconic Nike Jordan 1 Low "Bred" colorway as a starting point, Nike's 2021 Chinese New Year Dunk is sure to be a fan favorite for years to come. Satin uppers feature intricate, traditional Chinese motifs while a rope tie embellishes the lacing unit.
Nike Jordan 5 Retro Low Chinese New Year 2021
It’s rare to see the Air Jordan 5 Retro in its low silhouette, but it really suits it. While the 2021 Chinese New Year release might look like a clean, toned-down design on first inspection, a tearaway canvas upper will reveal an intricate pattern below the surface over time.
Nike Dunk Low Chinese New Year Firecracker 2021
Nike pays homage to the oldest, most exciting part of any New Year celebration: the firecracker. The classic Dunk Low is dressed in a pop art-style pattern inspired by the packaging of Firecrackers.
Nike Jordan 35 Chinese New Year 2021
The Jordan XXXV had a strong presence in the NBA last season and it’s only becoming more popular. The performance design features an unmissable, sweeping gap in the sole unit which characterizes the model. This CNY reup sees the shoe updated with black denim and powerful red to the rear.
Nike Dunk Low Disrupt Chinese New Year Firecracker 2021
The second installment of the Firecracker pack, this iteration uses the Nike Dunk Low Disrupt for its base. An altered sole unit gives the model an intriguing visual identity while a bright upper palette rounds out the explosive style.
adidas Superstar Chinese New Year 2021
It’s been a strong year for Chinese New Year sneakers across the board, with Adidas joining in on the fun with this striking Superstar edition. Glittering gold stripes detail the black leather uppers which sit atop a contrasting white sole unit.
adidas Ultraboost DNA Chinese New Year 2021
The Ultraboost has risen to unprecedented heights of popularity thanks to a long list of collaborations and exclusive editions. This 2021 Chinese New Year edition shows that the simple silhouette makes the perfect blank canvas for updates with traditional motifs gracing the lace cage and lining while a gum sole is the understated finishing touch.
adidas Ultraboost 2020 Chinese New Year 2021
Last year adidas elected to use the Ultraboost 20 as the foundation for the CNY celebrations. An all-black palette set the backdrop for pearlescent stripes and a geometric pattern to the heel quarter. Yet more proof that the simplicity of the Ultraboost makes it an unrivaled canvas.
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