WORDS BY JOSEPH FURNESS & LORENZO LANDICHO
On Tuesday 1st February, a new moon graced the sky and millions of people across the globe – chiefly those of Asian descent – celebrated the Lunar New Year. And although there are various throughlines when it comes to Lunar New Year celebrations (family gatherings, red envelopes filled with cash and copious amounts of food, to name a few), every household maintains its own traditions.
To celebrate the Year of the Tiger, we spoke to five fundamental members of the FARFETCH East Network to discover how they typically celebrate the festival, and how their culture has impacted their style and career trajectory. Keep reading to hear from Thet, Melissa, Lorenzo, Allen and Namkyeong.
Thet Oo (@thetarina)
How do you and your family celebrate the Lunar New Year?
In my home country of Myanmar, families come together to eat delicious Chinese food – including intricately decorated moon cakes on Lunar New Year. It’s a fun excuse to see loved ones just after the Christmas period; plus, kids love it because they get some extra pocket money handed to them in lovely red envelopes.
Do you have a favorite Lunar New Year brand campaign?
I love Balenciaga’s Lunar New Year 2022 campaign with Pablo Rochat. It’s super fun and captures the essence of the festival.
What are your favorite Asian brands?
I love the simplicity and versatility of Helmut Lang – his pieces work just as well as workwear as they do as occasionwear. Additionally, I’m inspired by the youthful energy of Asian designers Hyein Seo and Rejina Pyo.
How did your Asian upbringing influence your style?
I think my rebellious style is a reaction to the modest way women dress in Myanmar. I think these stands drove me to seek inspiration from women who wear whatever they want. Usually, you’ll find me sporting either masculine trousers and feminine cropped tops or girly silk maxi dresses with thick boxy jackets.
Do you have any words of advice for young Asians looking to pursue a career within the fashion industry?
Always celebrate your origin. Your cultural nuances and background will set you apart from your peers.
Thet's LNY Edit
Melissa Lim (@melissalim89)
How do you and your family celebrate the Lunar New Year?
The majority of my family lives in San Francisco. Here, we typically hold a banquet, watch the LNY parade and hand out red envelopes (what we call lai see in Cantonese). Now that my partner and I live abroad, we are hosting our own festivities – namely, a dumpling-making party with our new-found London family, which consists of friends from Singapore, Canada, China, and the UK. It’s a lot of fun to bring multiple Lunar New Year traditions together under the same roof.
As FARFETCH East Network Co-Chair, I’m also working with our community to celebrate Asian cultures across the business. For instance, we’re launching our Asian Leaders in Luxury series and organising fun events like karaoke.
What are your favorite Asian brands?
My go-to Asian designers are Susan Fang, who always works with pastel colors; Simone Rocha, who creates edgy, romantic looks; Yuhan Wang, who concocts beautifully delicate designs; and Han Chong, who is all about asymmetric cuts.
Who are your Asian style icons?
During my adolescence, I rarely saw myself reflected in fashion campaigns. So, I turned to Asian-American influencers I could identify with, such as Chriselle Lim or Aimee Song. I’ve been following them ever since.
Additionally, I take inspiration from Gemma Chan (everyone who knows me, knows how obsessed I am with her!) and follow Michelle Lee’s career at Allure (who can forget her article on monolid beauty?).
How did your Asian upbringing influence your style?
As a fourth-generation Asian-American, my parents taught me the importance of ambition, integrity and composure. These values still influence how I present myself today, including my outlook on fashion and affinity for subdued colors, soft textures and classic silhouettes. Additionally, good deals and zero waste were praised in my household, so I invest in garments made to last and regularly lend and sell second-hand pieces.
Growing up Chinese in a Western country, there were times when I tried to hide my ‘Asianess’ and avoid looking too ‘oriental’ to fit in. I steered clear of high necklines and floral prints that might evoke images of a cheongsam: the traditional Chinese form-fitting dress. But as I’ve matured, I’ve learned to embrace my cultural upbringing, as that is what makes me unique. I’ll even be wearing a traditional dress for my upcoming wedding!
Do you have any words of advice for young Asians looking to pursue a career within the fashion industry?
Within Asian communities, there’s a genuine pressure to follow prescribed career paths in fields such as medicine, law and engineering. When I was young, I was drawn to the safety of a Silicon Valley profession; however, in my pursuit to find a job that utilizes my love of fashion, I learnt there's value to be found in all sorts of professions.
Building your toolbox can be more important than where you build it, and you don't have to finish where you start. I’ve found a home in FARFETCH’s Research and Development lab, where I get to bring innovation to the luxury industry.
Melissa's LNY Edit
Lorenzo Landicho (@lorenzolandicho)
How do you and your family celebrate the Lunar New Year?
When my older sisters and I were growing up, our Filipino parents would dress us up for a photoshoot before we enjoyed eating with our extended family. And, if we were lucky, we’d receive red envelopes from our grandparents and aunties. These days, every other Sunday feels like a Lunar New Year celebration, as, on these days, I visit my dad and we consume generous amounts of belly pork and seafood noodles!
Do you have a favorite Lunar New Year brand campaign?
I loved Nike’s 2020 Lunar New Year campaign titled ‘The Great Chase’. The ad revolved around an auntie chasing after her Nike-clad niece to hand her a red envelope filled with cash – one that she refuses to accept.
Who is your Asian style icon?
When I was young, I took style cues from the Teriyaki Boyz. I absolutely loved their unique take on streetwear fashion!
What is your favorite Asian brand?
I've always been a fan of Hiroki Nakamura’s visvim. I love the way that the brand blends artisanal Japanese and Americana aesthetics.
How did your Asian upbringing influence your style?
I never had a wardrobe filled with luxury brands growing up, but I did learn that it is the man who makes the clothes and not the other way around.
I'd say my style takes inspiration from both my mum and my dad. My mum enjoys discovering vintage finds in charity shops and at the market; on the other hand, my dad has a deep appreciation for particular pieces – viz. denim, flamboyant shirts, clean blazers and overshirts.
Do you have any words of advice for young Asians looking to pursue a career within the fashion industry?
Firstly, I’d say that rich and diverse life experiences are just as vital to your personal and professional development as work experience. Secondly, be proud of your origins and show gratitude to the people who’ve helped you along the way. And finally, always remember that growth isn’t linear, so it’s important to trust the process!
Lorenzo's LNY Edit
Allen Lin (@lennytuti_a)
How do you and your family celebrate the Lunar New Year?
In Taiwan, families gather together on the Lunar New Year’s Eve to celebrate with plenty of food from various cuisines. This is also a time when people give and receive red envelopes. I would cling to my parents all night and constantly ask them when I could have my red envelope to put under my pillow.
Do you have a favorite Lunar New Year brand campaign?
I loved Prada’s 2020 Lunar New Year campaign titled ‘Coming Home’. As the name suggests, the campaign focused on families reuniting together.
What is your favorite Asian brand?
My favorite Asian brands are Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto and ATTACHMENT.
Who is your Asian style icon?
My Asian style icon is Naomi Watanabe. I love that she is brave and always herself.
How did your Asian upbringing influence your style?
Taiwanese people are heavily influenced by Japanese culture – especially when it comes to fashion and interior design. For this reason, my style is imbued with a Japanese spirit.
Do you have any words of advice for young Asians looking to pursue a career within the fashion industry?
Have passion, and have fun.
Allen's LNY Edit
Kim Namkyeong (@namkyeongs)
How do you and your family celebrate the Lunar New Year?
Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays in Korea – it’s all about family! Our extended family would gather together at my grandparent’s house on Lunar New Year’s Eve.
On Lunar New Year, we perform an ancestral ritual wearing Seolbim (new clothes) or Hanbok (traditional clothes) to pay our respects to our forebears. And, after a long day of cooking, we play games together and take part in karaoke.
Do you have a favorite Lunar New Year brand campaign?
In Korea, we’re not caught up with red and gold palettes when it comes to our Lunar New Year celebrations. Bearing this in mind, I love Gucci’s pastel-colored approach to celebrating the Year of the Tiger.
What is your favorite Asian brand?
I love classic items that will never go out of style. Right now, I’m enjoying LVIR – especially the brand’s selection of knits.
Who is your Asian style icon?
I adore Kim Min-hee’s timeless style. I remember being shocked at how relevant her style from ten years ago is today. And although the actress isn’t often spotted in public these days, I still regularly reference her style.
How did your Asian upbringing influence your style?
For as long as I can remember, my mum has loved fashion. When I was young, I’d often go shopping with her and my aunties – we would visit outlet malls to see if we could discover any treasures. Today, I still enjoy finding remarkable pieces in sales; naturally, this hobby impacted my style.
Do you have any words of advice for young Asians looking to pursue a career within the fashion industry?
Keep going! Constantly remind yourself that you’re doing great, and make the most of every experience and opportunity.
Kim's LNY Edit