It’s in-between fashion seasons and yet we’ve been inundated at Robb Report Hong Kong with designer accessories and wardrobe inclusions on the eve of the Lunar New Year break. According to the Chinese zodiac, a portentous Year of the Rabbit lies ahead, an exciting time as we leave the haze of the nebulous past behind. Reflected in the palette and accessories, there’s a touch of optimism, and—dare we say—hope. 

The bright colours and positive prints are bursting at the seams of many a brand, and it’s a season of warmth and joy even when there’s a nip in the air. Be it Western or Eastern, designer houses have brought in a bunny motif into their haloed maisons. Some we loved, others we found cute, and then there’s the rank few who will forever haunt our sartorial nightmares (don’t worry, not included in this list). 

Here are some of the best of the lot, so let’s hop to it. 

Louis Vuitton

Perhaps all-too aptly called the Precious Rabbit beanie, fitting in perfectly with Hong Kong’s current cold climate, the pure-wool accessory offers casual elegance and, more importantly, warmth this chilly season. The embroidered patch made of leather—of a little bunny wrapped in an LV scarf (but of course!)—is all too cute. As the temperature drops, this will be a handy accessory. Here’s a rarity: function and fashion!

Speaking of cute, the LV Bunny key holder is the perfect little gift to commemorate the Lunar New Year. The charm features a monogram-embossed body and monogram flower cheeks, topped with gleaming hardware and a pink fluffy mink tail, no less. We gush. 

Gucci

For the arrival of spring and the Year of the Rabbit on the lunar calendar, Gucci has presented a truly vibrant capsule collection full of playful, animated iterations of the rabbit. Echoing the technicolour mood of the occasion, the collection sees scorching use of print and embellishment across ready-to-wear, bags, shoes, accessories, and timepieces. Diverse depictions of the rabbit appear across the line-up, woven into knitwear, on embroidered patches, or in a distinctive spray-paint-style version seen on t-shirts, leather loafers, and G-Timeless watches. In menswear, the theme of playful graphic patterns in sporty silhouettes are easy to spot while the youthful shoes conjure the essence of the rabbit with ear-like bows adorning heels and fleece-textures-enriching loafers.  

The collection was launched early on 27 December 2022, in fact, and will be available in select Gucci stores around the world including and especially in Hong Kong till 1 February; Gucci has a special “pop-in” dedicated to the collection at the brand’s Canton Road flagship.

Dior

Eli Russell Linnetz (i.e. for those in the know, simply ERL) stepped up as the guest designer for Dior’s epic Spring 2023 Men’s Show, where he had the foresight to include a Lunar New Year capsule collection with an unmistakable silhouette of the water hare embellished prominently. The rabbit silhouette in graphic appears in quite a few pieces (including accessories) but the bold red sweatshirts, shirts, and tops are eye-catching even in this distinct fashionable crowd. 

Loro Piana

Loro Piana pays homage to the humble rabbit with a capsule collection for men (and women). From the array of sweaters, t-shirts, trousers, coats, and accessories, we cherry-picked the above. Like the brand, there’s nothing in your face or blatant, but just a hint of embroidery with a rabbit motif that’s tickling our fashion senses. For subtle sophistication and perfection in fabrication, is there anything better than Loro Piana? 

Calvin Klein

For casuals and basics, there are few who can compete with the industry giant that is Calvin Klein. Think Calvin Klein Jeans or their iconic innerwear—the brand reinvented mass branding in the 1980s and 1990s and remains relevant till date, a fate not bestowed to many. In its latest capsule collective for both denim and innerwear, Calvin Klein has sewn and printed-in a playful bunny motif with a choice of happy, vibrant palettes of red, pink, gold, and blue, channeling the festive nature of Chinese New Year.  

The collection spans underwear, jeans, t-shirts, bomber jackets, sweaters, and hoodies. Special rabbit trims and bold thematic prints infuse Calvin Klein’s everyday essentials, which has been photographed and directed by leading Chinese fashion lensman Liu Song, featuring only the top Asian and Eurasian models of the year. Channelling the adventurous spirit of this year’s zodiac sign and a joyful optimism that cannot be denied, the posters of the brand can be seen from Hong Kong to Guangdong and further across the region.    

To top it all, Calvin Klein has also gone meta; to celebrate the launch of the collection, customers in Asia will be able to dress their virtual avatars in the Year of the Rabbit collection via Ready Player Me. After creating and dressing their avatars, participants across the region can play Calvin Klein’s new adventure game, “Unleash Your Inner Explorer,” with incredible real-world prizes up for grabs.  

Ferragamo

While other brands might try a more animated graphic to showcase their “hare apparent” collection, Ferragamo went into high art mode; the serene rabbit appears in print with peach trees and bamboo leaves. Giant eyes are rendered in high impact graphics as rich shades of red, white, and blue. A surreal, dreamy decorative landscape contrasts with monochrome pieces (the maison’s impeccable accessories line) in Ferragamo red, such as the leather sneakers with perforated motifs.  

Along with the smooth leather accessories, a luxurious edit of eel-skin iterations with palladium-finished details completes the collection.  The print silk shirts and tops in menswear have an artistic flair and we can see many who can rock the bold looks.  

The limited-edition Ferragamo CNY capsule collection is now available in select Ferragamo boutiques only.

Emporio Armani

Even Italian powerhouse Emporio Armani created select pieces with the Chinese zodiac sign in mind. The collection has a distinct relaxed and sporty vibe. For men, the range includes bomber jackets, hooded jackets, jeans, and trousers. The choice of colours is a nod to hues considered lucky in the East, expressing the festive message in graphic contrasts of red with black accents (or vice versa)—simple yet stunning.

The Chinese New Year collection will be sold in select stores in Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Greater China, and online on armani.com.