For Shanghai Tang, collaborating with London-based Chinese artist Jacky Tsai for their Lunar New Year collection was just a matter of time.
After all, the artist was commissioned to create a dragon for the brand a decade ago – a pivotal moment that inspired Tsai to become an artist full-time. As Shanghai Tang celebrates its 30th anniversary in the Year of the Dragon, who better than Tsai to bring the season’s vision to life?
The collection – titled “Auspicious Dragon” – is one that is striking yet timeless, a hallmark of Shanghai Tang’s traditional-meets-contemporary charm. The dragon, of course, takes centrestage throughout the collection, with Tsai’s interpretation of the mythical creature giving the pieces a truly unique touch, be it the ready-to-wear or the homeware.
Here, we round up our 8 – lucky, lucky – favourites from the collection.
8 Must-Haves From Shanghai Tang x Jacky Tsai Collection
Red Dragon Candle
The perfect way to set the mood of any space this Lunar New Year. The Dali candle (top) has fragrance notes of nuts, grains, melon, milk and vegetables, and the Daji candle (bottom) has notes of grapefruit, orange, mango and orange blossom.
Red Lacquer Wood Dragon Candy Box
Your coffee table centrepiece? Check. Sleek, minimal and beautifully crafted with a hand-painted finish, the candy box has five compartments to fit all your favourite festive snacks.
Red Dragon Pattern Bone China Plates
Let the spirit of Shanghai Tang and Jacky Tsai’s wood dragon bring prosperity and vitality to your feasting table with this set of two bone china plates. The plates are in different sizes, so you can stack them beautifully on the table before dinner is served.
Qipao Collar Printed Silk Dress
Our list would not be complete without a qipao that exudes Shanghai Tang’s distinctive traditional-meets-contemporary touch. Romantically red with Jacky Tsai’s dragon wrapped around it, this full-skirted piece that feels so soft to the touch is equal parts elegant and bold, and – dare we say – forgiving, so that you can feast without a care.
Flower Dragon Silk Foulard
While black may not be the first colour one thinks of during the Lunar New Year, the juxtaposition of Jacky Tsai’s dragon in gold on black is simply stunning. Wear it as a headscarf, neck scarf or even as a top.
Lustrous Dragon Jacquard Men’s Tang Jacket
It’s all in the details. Shanghai Tang’s signature Tang jacket is dipped in black with a golden wood dragon emblazoned across the back, but take a closer look and you’ll see the subtle, intricate cloud pattern all over the piece. There’s more: the jacket is reversible and transforms into a simple everyday black jacket when you flip it to the other side.
Dragon Silk Knot Clutch
Whether as a shoulder bag for the day or a clutch for the evening, the silk clutch is set to turn heads with its striking print, bold knot and embroidered details. A lucky charm to take with you anywhere.
Flower Dragon Lining Velvet Tang Jacket
The velvet rendition of the Tang jacket is soft and luxurious to the touch and is the jacket to dress up or down with, no matter the season. While not reversible – though the inner pockets deserve a special mention – the jacket features a printed silk lining that reveals itself when the sleeves are cuffed. A little pop of detail.
Discover the collection here and shop it in stores at the Shanghai Tang Marina Bay Sands, Ngee Ann City and Raffles City boutiques. As part of Singapore Art Week, a selection of Jacky Tsai’s works are on display at Shanghai Tang’s Marina Bay Sands boutique. Titled “The Return of the Tang Dragon”, the showcase runs from now until 22 January.
(Images: Shanghai Tang)
