Get Lucky: Fendi's 2020 Chinese New Year Collection

When Western brands try their luck at Chinese New Year, the results can be pretty hit or miss, not to mention subject to controversy. Fendi, however, has consistently managed to pull off this feat with aplomb, and next year looks to be no exception. The Italian house recently unveiled a new capsule to mark the Year of the Rat, which sees a number of signature designs refreshed in fortuitous shades of pink and red.

It goes without saying that bright colours are a must-have for the festivities, but if you think red is a tad overdone, then these accessories are just the thing for you. Two Fendi classics, the Baguette and the Peekaboo, get the pretty in pink treatment for an alternative but still auspicious look.  

The It bag that launched a thousand imitations, the Baguette was rebooted earlier this year to much applause, and now adds several new versions to its already extensive repertoire. Choose from metallic monogram-embossed leather in blush pink, or colour-blocked sequins of rose and mauve. The latter also comes in a mini edition. Originally designed to be tucked under the arm the way the French tote carry its namesake loaf, the updated bag comes with removable short and long straps so it can be worn over the shoulder, across the body, or as a clutch.

Fendi’s Peekaboo turned 10 last year, which is practically a lifetime in the fickle fashion world, so if you’re looking for a piece you can pass on to your children, add this to the top of your list. Timelessly feminine, the top-handle bag is named for its unusual structure, wherein the front flap can be pushed down into a U-shape to show off the interior. For the lunar celebrations (and beyond), the Peekaboo is reworked in crepe pink leather for the medium size, and in baby pink and iridescent crocodile for the mini. There’s also an XS version, just about big enough for your stash of angbaos, which comes in the same striped sequins as the Baguette, as well as rose gold lizard-embossed leather.

Men have no reason to feel left out either. Fendi takes the capsule down the cute route with an assortment of accessories in vivid crimson featuring the charming motifs of a mouse and a monster. It wouldn’t feel like Chinese New Year without something zodiac-themed, after all, and Fendi gives its take on the Year of the Rat with a twee mouse mascot, who crouches at the corner of a crossbody bag.

The 2020 Chinese New Year collection will launch on 9 January at all Fendi boutiques in Singapore