Things I Would Buy

The 2022 Lunar New Year edition.

Confession: I already bought this. The moment Mattel’s Lunar New Year Barbie became available for pre-order, I immediately scanned in my credit card and billing information. (I even paid full price for shipping without surfing for promo codes, which speaks volumes on this sense of urgency from purchase to confirmation.) Adult money enables adult spending triggered by nostalgia, after all. Slap on a “limited-edition” seal, show me a collaboration (featuring the work of Chinese designer Guo Pei!), and you can take my money any day.

Gorgeous gorgeous girls do not succumb to marketing ploys that capitalize on cultural holidays, but material gworls most certainly have their eye on designers who celebrate the renewal of tradition within their community. Self-Portrait has always been a leading force within contemporary ready-to-wear, but this Lunar New Year capsule by Han Chong is something else. It’s exquisite—a perfect play between Self-Portrait’s signature aesthetic and nods to tradition—and this little red knit number has my heart. If I had the legs and an occasion to wear it out, I would. (The only question that then remains is this: classic red, or emerald green?)

I hate to admit that I’ve forgotten everything I learned about our New Year traditions. Vague inklings of significant foods will require a decent amount of self-study before those tucked-away memories have a chance of revival, so I’m grateful for places like Wing on Wo & Co. (W.O.W.) that continue to breathe life into cultural crafts and Chinese traditions. The Sweet Togetherness Bundle, in particular, is a favorite: it highlights ceramicist Tiffany Saw’s artistry and Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner Zoey Gong‘s expertise, creating the perfect gift to start the year of the tiger with tastes of comfort and nostalgia.

Charles & Keith is a Singaporean label that knows exactly what women want, and collection after collection (like its most recent collaboration with Shushu/Tong), continues to please its most fashion-forward constituents. The Lunar New Year capsule satisfies even its most conservative (yours truly) of audiences with classic offerings in the perfect carmine leather and for more adventurous of dressers, serves with an entire selection dedicated to tiger-print jacquard. The patterened shoulder bag is one of few styles that’s still in stock, but a little birdie is warning that it just might go fast, too.

James Jean has been one of my favorite artists for a while now—and every time he releases a limited-edition print or a piece of merch, I regret not being more diligent about making time for the drops. Luckily for us stationery lovers, his latest set of notebooks is still available. Perhaps this is the perfect excuse opportunity to set resolutions or make lists to let go and let in, on paper, before this Lunar New Year begins.

Beyond the well-researched, thoughtfully formulated products (more on that at a later date) is a mission that’s so deserving of recognition. Orcé Cosmetics is the rare brand that recognizes the importance of niche: not as a marketing tactic or goal, but as a means of serving a long-ignored community. Even in a post-Bobbi Brown world (one where base makeup with yellow undertones was finally available to the masses), finding foundations that actually suited Asian complexions is a near-impossible feat. With Orcé’s serum-infused foundation and skincare-first powder, though, the shade range is tailored specifically to enhance—not counteract, not add sallowness, and certainly not erase—those nuanced golden-olive undertones.

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News of continued hatred—and acts of violence—against Asian-Americans continues to leave us unnerved. This year, please consider supporting organizations that are committed to providing community support and education that tells the untold history of Asian-Americans in the U.S. If you’re interested in learning more, I’ve put together a list here.

xx