Radley World
Lunar New Year Collection: Celebrate With Year Of The Dragon Gifts
08 January 2024
Creative and captivating. Even if we do say so ourselves. That’s because our Lunar New Year collection shares the same personality traits as those born in the Year of the Dragon. Sophie, one of the Designers behind the collection, is here to tell us all about these eye-catching styles.
If being captivating wasn’t enough, the dragon also symbolises good luck and fortune, intelligence and strength. Researching this was the first thing Sophie did when designing these collectible styles.
“I always learn so much about Lunar New Year when working on these collections. This year I learnt how the dragon is the fifth animal of the zodiac and that it’s customary to gift money in red envelopes – it’s a colour that traditionally symbolises good fortune, so I made sure to use lots of it throughout this collection.”
There are a few special surprises too. Because when you’re working with dragons, there are no creative limits. Let’s take a closer look at the some of the intricate detailing that makes these styles the perfect Lunar New Year presents.
“I imagined the dragon coming to life through different craft techniques.” - Sophie, Designer
Where one zodiac animal meets another. The dragon meets the dog (a.k.a. our Scottie dog) on our Lunar New Year picture bag, crafted with appliqué, inset padded stars, metallic foil and screen prints – just to name a few.
“I imagined the dragon coming to life through different craft techniques. On the picture bag, we created the effect of its scales using an intricate technique that layers lots of mini, individual appliqué leather discs.”
As with all our picture bags, this one also has three interior compartments, a detachable cross body strap and two grab handles, which has been made with braided leather. You’ll find this leather weaving technique across our Hanley Close grab bag too. The boxy leather style has been reimagined with a few subtle twists, from the braided piping to the dragon-shaped key fob, which can be detached long after the new year celebrations are over.
The details continue inside too with foil and screen prints under the flap and a special interior pocket. Sophie tells us more. “It’s a small red envelope, based on the traditional money envelopes that are gifted at Lunar New Year.” Just think of it as a symbol of good fortune that you can carry for a lifetime.
It wouldn’t be a Lunar New Year gifts collection without the accessories to match. Our leather picture purse features the same Scottie and dragon scene in miniature, while the recycled cotton canvas tote bags replicate our zodiac characters as colourful illustrations.
If we’ve given you a few Lunar New Year gift ideas, be sure to shop the Year of the Dragon collection, or head over to New In to discover new styles from our January Edit. And from everyone at Radley London, we wish you a happy Lunar New Year.
