Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year, symbolises fresh beginnings. The ancient tradition of wearing new clothes during the festive season echoes this belief, but it also throws celebrators—especially fashion-conscious ones—into a frenzy when deciding the perfect outfit for the occasion. In honour of the zodiac, we’ve had our eye on tiger-themed, Chinese New Year capsule collections from the likes of Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo and more. But if big cats aren’t on your mind, draw inspiration instead from the biggest spring 2022 trends of fashion’s most beloved labels.
This season’s looks are testament that muted colours have had their turn, and that eye-searing shades of pink, yellow and green are taking over instead. Cue colour blocking: a trend that has yet again made its way back into the collections of designers like Valentino’s Pierpaolo Piccioli and Dior’s Maria Grazia Chiuri, livened with a makeover with other spring 2022 staples such as mini bags and boots.
Under the blinding lights of Saint Laurent’s set, creative director Anthony Vaccarello debuted a slew of slinky catsuits in shimmering fabric and floral prints, while busy patterns were a mainstay at Versace. Chanel continued to campaign for its signature youthful femininity with textured knits in soft pinks. Meanwhile, the repeated but welcome presence of cut-outs on the runways of Proenza Schouler, Zimmermann and more cemented the daring trend. We also spotted its appearance very recently on HBO’s Euphoria.
Donning bright colours for the occasion is customary and is believed to bring great fortune, so honestly, there’s no better time to flex your fashion prowess than at the upcoming celebrations. Stay ahead of the sartorial curve by perusing through Vogue Singapore’s curation of the five best spring/summer 2022 trends—paired with outfit picks—to pull off during the festive season.
1 / 30
Colour blocking
2 / 30
Reminiscent of the brightly-coloured winter parkas sported by the likes of Hailey Bieber last year, Versace, Dior and Valentino’s spring/summer 2022 collections saw stacked-up neons taking centerstage. Embrace the trend with two-toned dresses or separates in clashing, vibrant hues.
4 / 30
Hervé Léger green bandage mini skirt, $798
Available at Net-a-porter.
5 / 30
The Attico wrap-ankle pointed toe slingback pumps, $970
Available at Farfetch.
7 / 30
Catsuits
8 / 30
Dominating Saint Laurent’s latest collection are catsuits of all shades, patterns and finishes. This season, opt for a fitted style, a favourite of Hollywood darlings such as Beyoncé and Dua Lipa, instead of its looser counterpart. Go bold in a printed design as seen at Lanvin or Balmain, or take a style cue from Vaccarello and dress up a simpler one with oversized jewellery.
9 / 30
Atu Body Couture tiger-print organza-bow catsuit, $666
Available at Farfetch.
12 / 30
Emilio Pucci onde print sleeveless jumpsuit, $797
Available on Farfetch.
13 / 30
Mono-pattern mania
14 / 30
A maximalist’s dream-come-true: this trend was spotted at Versace with loud floral motifs, Loewe with tie-dye, as well as Michael Kors, Christian Dior and Dolce&Gabbana with animal prints. The designers of each house paired the audacious prints with minimal jewellery and accessories on the runway as a finishing touch. A patterned dress is the easiest way to stay abreast of this trend for Chinese New Year, but matching tops and bottoms as seen in Isabel Marant takes it up a notch.
16 / 30
Zimmermann Rosa pink floral-print linen midi dress, $948
Available at Net-a-porter.
19 / 30
Knits
20 / 30
Update last year’s preppy-chic dark academia fad with cozy knits in auspicious shades. Chanel’s spring/summer 2022 collection heavily featured textured, rose-hued knits in skin-baring, youthful cuts, unapologetically embellished with sparkling jewellery, buttons, waist chains and strappy sandals.
21 / 30
Balmain dark orange cropped sweater with Balmain monogram, $2,279
Available at Balmain.
24 / 30
Stella McCartney Falabella buttercream mini crochet tote, $2,025
Available at Stella McCartney.
25 / 30
Cut-outs
26 / 30
Cut-outs are an unexpected alternative to shorter hems or plunging necklines when it comes to showing skin. A staple on the most recent runways of Proenza Schouler, Christian Siriano and Staud, accompanying this trend are eye-catching shades and elaborate embroidery, making it the perfect choice for special occasions.
27 / 30
The Attico red knotted ribbed-knit top, $605
Available at Moda Operandi.
29 / 30
Cult Gaia Cameron yellow knitted cotton-blend dress, $639
Available at Moda Operandi.
30 / 30
Zimmermann Tropicana floral-print dress, $1,150
Available at Farfetch.
