From dragon dancers to red envelopes, Lunar New Year is filled with symbolic customs to usher in good luck, fortune, and health for more than one billion people across the Asian diaspora. Some of the most popular traditions include starting fresh with new clothes, as well as wearing the color red, which is believed to bring luck and prosperity.
Sunday marked the beginning of the Year of the Rabbit (or the Year of the Cat for the Vietnamese) and the start of a 15-day celebration focused on family homecomings, resulting in the biggest travel period in China as celebrants rush to go home in what's been called the largest annual human migration. To honor the festivities, Canada–based athleisure brand Lululemon launched its Lunar New Year 2023 collection—the fifth year that it has created specially-themed products to honor the biggest Asian holiday of the year.
Available online and in select stores across the US and Canada, the limited-edition collection includes running, training, and yoga essentials, as well as casual apparel and accessories. And with the introduction of the brand’s own shoes last year, this also marks the first time Lululemon has Lunar New Year footwear.
The collection is rooted in two major design traits—products that feature a fierce shade of red to attract those auspicious new year vibes, as well as those honoring this year’s Zodiac sign of the rabbit, whether it’s with hare outlines hidden in its designs, or going full-on bunny with cottontail-like fuzzy bags and hats with rabbits on them.
Lululemon’s Lunar New Year items have been selling out quickly since the collection went on sale earlier this month, but may still be available in certain stores. (I spotted a display full of rare hare items that are sold out online at the New York City’s Fifth Avenue store Saturday night, including the rabbit belt bag, one of Lululemon's most popular bags of late.)
Here, we take a look at some of our favorite items in the Lunar New Year capsule. If you like any, definitely hop to it, since the one-time collection won’t be replenished once the stock sells out.
More Lunar New Year collections to shop
Lululemon isn’t the only travel-friendly brand with a special collection for Lunar New Year. Here are some others to shop:
- Rimowa: The luggage brand has a special Lunar New Year luggage belt, and is also handing out red envelopes and stickers to customers at its stores while supplies last.
- Allbirds: The shoe brand is offering a special edition of its Wool Runners with a fuzzy bunny touch in adult and kid sizes.
- North Face: The outdoor brand spotlights Lunar New Year on men's tees and a hoodie.
- Tory Burch: The playful collection has adorable Rabbit Bubble Jelly slides and a Cashmere Rabbit cardigan, but the highlight is a Plush Rabbit Good Luck trainer with actual bunny ears.
- Disney: While Disney has plenty of fun red and bunny products (even red Minnie Mouse ears with bunny ears), the Year of the Rabbit Lunar New Year 2023 Loungefly mini backpack is the stand-out kids’ travel accessory in this collection.
- Calvin Klein: Calvin Klein leans into the red underwear superstition with everything from bralettes and bikini underwear to men’s trunks.
- Shiseido: The Limited-Edition Lunar New Year Ultimune Power Infusing Serum promises to freshen skin up for a new start—it's sold out at Shiseido, but still available at Bloomingdale's.
- Charlotte Tilbury: The Charlotte’s Lucky New Year Beauty Secrets face kit includes a moisturizer, powder, and lipstick in festive packaging.
- Coach Outlet: Coach's Lunar New Year Rabbit and Carriage design is featured on bags from a crossbody to a tote bag.
While these collections help the Asian community feel seen by celebrating their most festive period, the businesses behind them are not all helmed by members of the community. To shop travel gear made by Asian-American owned brands, check out some last-minute Lunar New Year gift ideas and more Traveler-favorite businesses.