8 Red-Hot (and Auspicious) Finds for Lunar New Year

Gift these items to friends and fam for bonus points on the luck-o-metre as we enter the Year of the Pig.

Forget lai see and nian gao—if you want to celebrate Lunar New Year like the Chinese, there are some superstitions you need to brush up on. Like, ensuring you wash your hair and deep-clean your crib ahead of the occasion. Why? Well, things like shampooing and sweeping wipe away good fortune (duh) and we can’t enter the New Year with a negative on the luck-o-metre. Other no-no’s on the day of include wielding sewing needles and other sharp objects, crying (also duh) and popping meds (unless it can’t be avoided, of course).But amid these ancient, seemingly nonsensical superstitions, there’s one tradition we can all get behind: sporting a brand-spankin’-new ’fit from head to toe (well, not actually head to toe because the Chinese word for shoe sounds a lot like the word for rough, which is bad, but I digress)—preferably one coated in red, a colour that, in Chinese culture, symbolizes joy and prosperity.Ahead, we’ve rounded up our top rouge picks from around town so you can ring in the Year of the Pig (a sign known for its tolerance and optimism!) on February 5 in style and good fortune. Gift these items to fam and friends for bonus points on the luck-o-metre.The city’s favourite yoga empire gets in on the Lunar New Year action with a pair of bright red men’s joggers ($129) that promise to set your workouts on fire. shop.lululemon.comThe fuchsia Beautyblender ($48) gets an auspicious (and limited-edition) makeover, complete with the brand’s solid sponge cleanser in gold—another well-regarded hue in Chinese culture. sephora.caThis no-nonsense backpack ($130) from Denmark’s Rains was made for Vancouver: it’s water-proof, comes equipped with a handy accessible-while-cycling phone pocket and is finished matte to suit the city’s low-key steez. elkartel.comIt’s the classic bandana, updated. Tie MaxMara’s silk foulard ($140) around your neck or waist (as a makeshift belt) to spice up an otherwise basic ’fit or fasten it onto your fave handbag for a luxe western touch. maxmara.comGucci hits it out of the farm with this cozy V-neck sweater ($1,815), crafted from soft jacquard-knit wool and adorned with a litter of prancing piglets. I mean, c’mon. nordstrom.caTell ’em how you really feel with these cheeky Instance crew socks ($20), which sport a message (“I’m not thirsty/I’m just hungry”) that’s sure to come in handy as you await the familial Lunar New Year feast. 8main.caWith its boxy fit, oversize pockets and thick cotton-moleskin construction, the genuine work jacket ($335) from storied French label Le Mont Saint Michel is the wear-everywhere piece of our dreams. theblock.caGivenchy’s bestselling loose setting powder ($75) evens out complexions and combats shine, while the limited-edition floral print—taken straight from designer Clare Waight Keller’s first runway show with the brand—should prove easy-peasy to find in your purse for mid-day touch-ups. holtrenfrew.com