TICKLED PINK. IT'S THE YEAR OF THE PIG

Chinese New Year is upon us, and it’s the year of the Pig. No matter where you live, there’s no doubt you’ve seen reference to it, it’s nice to see the celebration extend so far beyond those that traditionally celebrate it this year. Although, the sceptic in me also realises that for companies, it’s also a fabulous opportunity to sell more product – these days, just the whiff of a landmark event or celebration leads to a marketing opportunity in an increasingly busy world saturated with more products, more messages… more of everything in general. But in saying that, I am loving many of the collections being released by the luxury brands in honour of the Lunar New Year. However, before I get to that, I thought a bit of background about what it all means might be in order; not all of us really know what it symbolises and how it's traditionally celebrated.

When is Chinese New Year?

Preparations began on January 28^th this year, and last until New Year’s Eve. This is called ‘Little Year’. Then from February 5^th– 15^th ‘Spring Festival’ is held, and the 5th is when Chinese New Year officially beings. During ‘Spring Festival’ specific activities and traditions are performed each day; for example, on February 5^th, firecrackers start off a day of greetings and blessings between neighbours. On this day it’s forbidden to sweep or clean, or else it’s believed that good fortune will be swept away. A good enough excuse for me!

From February 16^thto 19^th there’s the ‘Lantern Festival’. The ‘Lantern Festival’ is the climax of the New Year celebrations. The festival began over 2000 years ago and has developed many meanings. It celebrates family reunions and society and features spiritual traditions. Activities during this time include lighting lanterns, riddles, eating rice balls and dumplings (I’m up for that) and moon gazing.

Above: Chinese New Year Lantern Festival.

What about the year of the Pig itself?

There are 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, each one has ‘their year’, celebrated every 12 years. The Pig is the 12^thof all zodiac animals. According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided by the order in which they arrived at his party. Pig was late because he overslept. Another story says that a wolf destroyed his house. He had to rebuild his home before he could set off. When he arrived, he was the last one and could only take twelfth place.

In terms of Yin and Yang, the Pig is Yin and in Chinese culture, Pigs are a symbol of wealth. People born in the year of the Pig are thought to be very realistic and though not wasteful spenders, they will let themselves enjoy life. They love entertainment and will occasionally treat themselves. They’re a bit materialistic, but this is motivation for them to work hard. Being able to hold solid objects in their hands gives them security.

They’re energetic and always enthusiastic, even for boring jobs. If given the chance, they’ll take positions of power and status. They believe that only those people have the right to speak, and that’s what they want.

As it turns out, I’m a Pig, so I thought I’d find out a bit more about the personality traits of women Pigs, and it seems I may be typical: "At home, they are highly organised. If the room is messy, they’d stay up the entire night to clean it up." Yep, that’s definitely me, often much to the dismay of my family.

Regardless of whether or not you’re born under the Pig zodiac, it’s believed that in general 2019 will be a year of good fortune and luck; a great year for making money and investing. That should make us all as happy as pigs in mud (pardon the pun). However, for those of us born in a Pig year, we mustn’t get too carried away, as it’s not all good, and in fact, contrary to what you might expect, the year of your birth sign is actually considered to be the most unlucky year in a sign’s 12 year cycle. So be warned Pigs, 2019 could also bring some tough transitions.

Having a tough zodiac year is seen as a hurdle you have jump over, and the way to protect yourself from evil spirits and bad fortune is to wear red underwear every day for the entire year (time to go shopping Pigs). Even in modern times, it's still treated as a real concern. In some places, married men even have to be accompanied by their wives when they go out at night during their year.

Now that we know lots about those born under the year of the Pig, I know you’re all dying to know what zodiac you are, so here’s the full list of animals and birth years; with a few of your character traits as well.

Although not always considered the cutest animal, Pigs are undoubtedly lovable with their chubby bodies and faces, and of course, baby pink is always adorable. Perfect for brands to work with, and we’ve seen many much-loved Pigs in pop culture over the years – think Peppa Pig, Babe, Walt Disney’s portrayal of the Three Little Pigs, Miss Piggy, Porky Pig… the list goes on. So on that note, let’s now take a look at what the luxury brands have been doing to celebrate this Lunar Year.

 For many brands, it’s the perfect time to deliver limited edition products and capsule collections. This year many luxury houses have integrated symbols, porcine shapes, motifs, pink and actual images of pigs into their items.

Gucci has certainly lead the charge with their gorgeous and timeless bag and accessories collections featuring Disney’s Three Little Pigs – the ones from the 1933 cartoon classic. This collection is very much in line with the new direction given to Gucci by designer Alessandro Michele who has gone about transforming the company into one that celebrates and glamorises peculiarities - such as Disney cartoons on an uber-expensive sweater. 

Above. Top: Items from Gucci's 'Three Little Pigs' Collection. Middle: 'Three Little Pigs' Sneakers. Bottom: Jumpers and other tops from the Gucci Lunar New Year Capsule Collection.

Bottega Veneta and LV have also paid tribute to the year of the pig with gorgeous bag charms/key chains.

Above. Left: Bottega Veneta bag tag. Right: Louis Vuitton's key chain homage to the Year of the Pig.

And we’re tickled pink to see Tod’s limited edition women’s capsule collection in red, pink silver and white featuring a curated mix of bags, accessories, small leather goods and piglet shaped charms.

Above. Top: Tod's Leather Flying Piglet charm. Bottom: Tod's embraces pink in honour of the Year of the Pig.

Dior has also paid tribute to Chinese New Year, however sans pig motifs. Instead, they’ve updated their famous Toile de Jouy pattern which has graced everything from dresses to handbags. The last time we saw the fabric was for Cruise 2019 where it included animals like bears and tigers in its pastoral setting. For the Lunar New Year it’s been made over in a vibrant red hue, the new floral pattern lending a festive air to the house’s signature bags including the Saddle Bag, Dior Book Tote and the Diorama Bag. The pattern also appears across a range of other goods and accessories including sneakers and scarves.

Above: Dior's  Toile de Jouy patterned bags. From top: The Saddle Bag, Diorama Bag and at bottom: Dior's Book Tote.

Other brands including Moschino, Marni, Versace and Armani have also paid homage to the Year of the Pig. Why not get on board and embrace this wonderful tradition. And if you can’t afford to purchase a celebratory piece from one of these collections, then why not go for the next best thing and treat yourself to a great dumpling meal some time this month. I’ve recently discovered the joy of eating dumplings and I’m completely hooked. If I keep eating them at this rate, I’ll end up looking like my Zodiac sign. Oink Oink.

Above: Moschino's Porky Pig Hoodie.

Above: Marni's Law Bag in pink leather and sheepskin.

Gucci

Bottega Veneta

Louis Vuitton

Tod's

Dior

Moschino

Marni

Versace

Armani