By now, you should already know it’s the Year of the Monkey. Instead of an awkward cringe every time a CNY song comes on at the shopping mall, or when you catch sight of a hard-to-miss display of red and gold plastic decorations, consider embracing the whole spirit of the Lunar New Year. Don’t take yourself too seriously – be that person who goes all out, ironically even, if you like. These brands bring not-too-serious fun to the festive season, and they mean monkey business.
1. :CHOCOOLATE and BABY MILO®
These two popular street fashion brands are collaborating once again for two festive collections that feature the ape, as the animal is, after all, an iconic part of their pairing. There are red-white-blue colours, all over sweaters, zip-up hoodies and baseball jackets, and even popular Chinese New Year family games like mahjong and dice sets, all part of the main collection. A more exclusive series, the “Gold Monkey” collection, sees the auspicious gold colour as a key feature, running across their clothes and accessories. That’s launched exclusively at the orchardgateway atrium pop-up store.
:CHOCOOLATE x BABY MILO® Year of the Monkey collection, priced from $59.90 – $399. Main collection available at :CHOCOOLATE Bugis Junction and :CHOCOOLATE orchardgateway.
2. Cath Kidston
In this Asia-exclusive print, we get playful and stylised monkeys swinging across pretty blossoms, all on a lucky red background. Inspired by the brand’s classic Bird print, and still very much like their other pretty products, this new edition is seen on handbags, purses and pencil cases. If you make you way down to the store by 9 Feb, you even get to enjoy a mean 10% off selected festive-themed items.
Cath Kidston CNY 2016 collection, priced from $19 for the pass holder to $69 for the small slip pocket handbag. Available at Cath Kidston stores.
3. Kipling
The brand has recently undergone a revamp, and are now out with more vibrant offerings, including this Monkey Print edition. Monkey motifs go on eye-catching hues of purple and hot pink, while we can trust that these are available in practical, lightweight and functional styles, great to stuffing in all your angpaos. Naturally, their popular ape key chains make an appearance too.
Kipling’ Monkey Print Collection, currently available in stores, while stocks last.
4. Coach
Technically, you won’t be able to buy these off the shelves, but you get to keep them if you’re a big spender at their store during this festive period. Head down to their store and purchase something from their stylish collections, and you’ll be rewarded with these Coach red packets, embossed with a monkey silhouette (regular-priced purchases). Or, spend $600 on your total bill to snag this luxurious leather Monkey Luggage Tag.
5. Paul Smith
Even Paul Smith joins in the fun, with these special edition t-shirts. Stepping into the spirit of the occasion, they’ve designed two celebratory pieces that are fun but also minimalist, in other words, not entirely obiang. There’s also a long-sleeved collared blouse that’s embroidered with a miniature monkey motif, and both women’s and men’s version feature mother of pearl buttons, as well as cotton twill fabric.
Paul Smith T-shirt (in grey and white) is retailing at S$130, men’s shirt at S$430 and women’s shirt at S$390, available at Paul Smith Mandarin Gallery and Hilton Hotel.
6. Dolce&Gabbana
Alternatively, you might really want to go all out. And while this isn’t at all a monkey print, we can’t help but feature this vibrant Lunar New Year Caretto Print collection. Here, designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana look towards the Chinese culture for inspiration, and just in time for Lunar New Year, launched a capsule collection that features lemons and oranges in the traditional Carretto Siciliano print, on a symbolic red shade.
Dolce&Gabbana Carretto Siciliano (Lemon & Orange) Print collection, available at all Dolce&Gabbana boutiques in Singapore.
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