Lunar New Year has a way of revealing itself through familiar rituals. The quiet urgency of spring cleaning, the clatter of steamboat reunion dinners that stretch late into the night, the collective pause before a season of renewal. In Singapore, these traditions resurface each year without fail, and with comforting familiarity.
Style, too, becomes part of the ritual. Festive style carries its own set of unspoken rules and liberties: traditional silhouettes passed down through generations, bold colours believed to usher in luck and prosperity, or modern interpretations that reflect changing identities. What we choose to wear, then, becomes a subtle expression of how we relate to the occasion and our cultural heritage.
Outside of Singapore, Lunar New Year traditions unfold differently across cultures. In China, Vietnam, and other parts of Asia, customs, aesthetics and symbols can vary drastically, shaping how the season is marked. Yet, across these differences, the act of dressing up maintains its innate power to bridge the past and present.
Here, Vogue speaks to three young creatives about the traditions they grew up with, and how personal style plays a role in how they celebrate Lunar New Year today. From Chinese visual artist Ma Ming, whose whimsical, experimental approach to style challenges convention, to Vietnamese freelance content creator and designer Dinh Thi Phuong Anh, known for her expressive use of colour and pattern, and Singapore-based content creator Cloe Mak, whose polished femininity brings a contemporary sensibility to festive dressing. Ahead, discover how these style mavens celebrate Lunar New Year, and interpret traditional style for the festive season.
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Ma Ming, Shanghai-based multimedia artist blending nature and emotion with technology
Are there any traditions from your family or culture that you always practice, no matter where you are in the world?
The two rituals I try to keep, wherever I am, are the reunion dinner and the act of “setting the intention” for a fresh start—cleaning the space, decorating, and creating a sense of auspiciousness at home. Sitting together in front of the TV to watch the Spring Festival Gala is something that somehow always happens, and feels like a shared ritual in our family. When I was a kid, visiting relatives to offer New Year greetings—and receiving red envelopes—was a highlight. Even now, that spirit of showing up for people, and wishing them well, is what stays with me.
Is there a specific traditional garment in your culture, and how does it differ between men and women?
China has many regional traditions, so rather than one single “national” dress, what I see most today—especially in cities—is a spectrum. It ranges from classic silhouettes inspired by qipao or Tang-style garments to broader “Chinese-style” elements integrated into modern outfits. Some people also choose to wear hanfu or mamian skirts during the New Year, embracing more traditional forms.
Common visual cues include structured collars, knot buttons, brocade or jacquard textures, symbolic colours like red and gold, and motifs that signal blessings. In contemporary styling, many of these elements have become more gender-fluid—men and women often share similar jackets, collars, fabrics, and auspicious patterns, differentiated mainly through tailoring and proportion.
What are the most interesting elements about this form of dress—has it been modernised in interesting ways over the past few years?
What I find most interesting is how traditional references are being translated into everyday fashion. Instead of full ceremonial looks, people now often choose just one element—a silhouette, a fabric, or a symbolic detail—and mix it into modern outfits.
For example, brands like Adidas have recently explored “Neo-Chinese style” through sportswear, blending traditional tailoring or symbolic details with athletic silhouettes and materials. Seeing these references enter activewear and casual dressing makes tradition feel more accessible, and part of daily life rather than something reserved only for special occasions.
What do you typically wear for the occasion, and what are your considerations when making your final choice? Are your final outfits in line with your culture’s traditions and customs?
For Chinese New Year, I almost always include red in my outfit. Sometimes it’s a statement piece, sometimes just a small detail like a bag, shoes, or lipstick. Red is believed to bring good luck, and for me it also carries warmth and intention. My main considerations are comfort and ease, since the holiday is about being with family, eating together, moving around, and spending time outdoors. I like my outfit to feel natural and celebratory, aligned with the spirit of the New Year rather than strictly traditional in form.
Is there a particular intention or mantra you’re carrying into the new year?
This year, I hope to experience the world in a lighter, more playful way—almost like treating life as a game. I want to trust my feelings more, and translate what I sense and experience into work that can be shared openly with others. Mögü, my ongoing interactive project, feels like a natural extension of this intention, and I hope it continues to grow and travel, creating moments of connection along the way. If I had to sum it up in a simple mantra, it would be: stay curious, keep creating, and move through the world with ease.
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Dinh Thi Phuong Anh, Hanoi-based freelance content creator and aspiring fashion designer
How do you usually celebrate Lunar New Year, and what does it mean to you personally?
I usually celebrate Lunar New Year with my family and relatives in my hometown. My parents light incense to honour our ancestors, and my sister and I usually go watch the fireworks. After midnight, we exchange “lucky money” or small gifts as a way to wish each other prosperity and good fortune for the year ahead.
It is a special time for reunion, love, and reflection. For me, Tết is not only a holiday but also a moment to look back on the past year, appreciate personal growth, and feel grateful for the people who have supported me.
Is there a specific traditional garment in your culture, and how does it differ between men and women?
In Vietnam, our traditional garment is called the áo dài. It is characterised by its long silhouette, high collar, side slits, and lightweight fabric, symbolising elegance and grace. Women’s áo dài is typically fitted, soft, and more decorative, while men’s áo dài has a looser, more minimal and formal structure.
What makes this garment interesting, and how has it been modernised in recent years?
What makes the áo dài so special is its balance between tradition and modernity. It is modest yet flattering, soft yet strong in cultural identity. In recent years, it has been modernised through new fabrics, contemporary colours, minimalist patterns, and creative variations in collars, sleeves, and layering. These updates make it more versatile and closer to modern everyday fashion.
What do you usually wear during this occasion, and what factors influence your choice?
During Tết, I often wear casual outfits but add festive colours such as red. For more formal occasions—like visiting the temple, for instance—I like wearing the áo dài. Weather plays an important role in my decision, especially in Northern Vietnam where it can be quite cold. Since áo dài fabric is usually quite thin, it may not always be suitable for colder days.
Is there a particular intention or mantra you’re carrying into the new year?
My mantra for the year is gratitude. I remind myself to be grateful for everything—for the heroes who fought for our country’s peace, for my parents and loved ones who support me unconditionally, for my followers who appreciate my style, and for every opportunity that comes my way. I believe gratitude is the foundation for all beautiful things in life.
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Cloe Mak, digital content creator based in Singapore
How do you typically celebrate Lunar New Year, and what does the holiday mean to you personally?
Lunar New Year has always been a time that feels both nostalgic and grounding for me. To me, it’s a gentle pause in the middle of life’s busyness—a time to slow down, be present, and start again with intention, gratitude and hope. As I’ve grown older, it has become more about the family dinners, laughter, and simply being together.
Is there a specific traditional dress that you wear, and what are the typical elements of it?
I would usually wear a qipao aka cheongsam, one of the most iconic outfits associated with Lunar New Year. It’s known for its elegant silhouette, high mandarin collar, delicate fastenings and refined fabrics like silk or brocade. I also love how the colours and motifs—from soft florals to auspicious reds, golds and pastels—carry meaning beyond aesthetics. For me, it’s a way of celebrating tradition while styling it in a way that still feels modern and personal.
What are the most interesting elements about this form of dress—has it been modernised in interesting ways over the past few years?
What I find most fascinating about the cheongsam is how gracefully it has evolved with time. The original silhouette is so timeless, yet in recent years designers have reinterpreted it in ways that feel incredibly modern and wearable. We’re seeing softer tailoring, unexpected fabrics, contemporary cuts and even two-piece or mini interpretations that bring a fresh perspective while still honouring its heritage.
I especially love how signature elements like the mandarin collar, knot buttons and side slits are now being incorporated into everyday pieces such as blazers, dresses and coordinated sets, so it no longer feels reserved only for formal occasions. To me, that balance between tradition and modern styling is what makes the cheongsam feel so relevant and beautiful today.
Is there a particular intention or mantra you’re carrying into the new year?
This year, my intention is simply to grow quietly and stay grateful along the way. I want to focus on becoming better at what I do, taking care of the people around me, and not losing sight of why I started.
I’m reminding myself to trust the process, stay consistent, and appreciate both the big milestones and the small, everyday moments. More than anything, I hope to move through the year with gratitude, purpose and a sense of calm.
