Gong Xi Fa Cai! And welcome to another a beautiful year ahead. For generations my family and I have been celebrating Chinese New Year and it is a festival close to our hearts. Surprising to some, but it’s my Chinese Origin that defines who I am today.
Memories of this brilliant festival dates back of time when me and my cousins prepped up for this festival over months with all the meticulous dragon dance tutorials, to the creation of extensive goodies at home, shopping for loved ones and all the family gatherings over the period of Chinese New Year. It was more of an epic celebration and something that defines my culture too.
I may not be where my heart wants to be this Chinese New Year, but I’d love to shower everyone some goodness that I think they would have enjoyed if they joined me in Dubai. In Chinese culture the number 8 signifies prosperity, wealth and success and thus I’ve prepared my ‘Top 8 picks for Chinese New Year 2016’.
My Top 8 Picks for Chinese New Year
- Kiehl’s Festive Goodness
Let the goodness of the season come to you literally and that’s what Kiehl’s the amazing cosmetic brand aims to do. I really love this CNY packaging and contents from their collection. The monkey is symbolic to the lunar year and kind of befits what the season is meant for.
Kiehl’s stores across the Middle East have a special in-store festive offering where customers can shop at any Kiehl’s store to receive a special gift pouch. The store will be decorated with Chinese New Year Elements too.
- Dragon Dance at Burjuman Centre
I’ve always liked the décor at Burjuman Centre, this neighbourhood mall in Dubai ensures to keep its customers happy and busy. I love the décor of the mall with the Chinese ornaments and the hanging Ang-Pao on trees just as perfect as you’d imagine. The mall would be a great visit over the weekend to check out the popular Dragon Dance shows which will be happening on multiple days during the Chinese New Year weekend. And of course you can shop there too.
- Longchamp Gifts
If you are like me who’s grown up across multiple Asian countries you might be aware the affinity Asian people have for this brand. I’d love to gift my mother this cool tote from Longchamp LE PLIAGE HERITAGE for Chinese New Year. And I hope she likes it too.
- Bags & Accessories – Pedro
Lately I have been enjoying my Pedro accessories and I’d recommend this premium yet affordable brand to all my friends and family. They make some exquisite pieces of handbags and shoes for men and women. So look no further for all things prosperous, red and white.
A little Secret: Look out for their Valentine’s Day collection too.
I think my brother deserves one of these shoes. So I might get him a pair of kicks from here.
- Galeries Lafayatte Welcomes The Year of The Monkey
Galeries Lafayette Le Gourmet will be cooking up a storm this lunar year with some oriental favourites. One has the option to choose from the restaurants daily lunch buffet or evening A La Carte Menu.
The departmental store stocks some uber stylish brands, whether Paris or Dubai shoppers will have plenty to choose from. I know that a lot of residents or tourists in general who visit Dubai would love to check out this place too.
- J’OSE from Eisenberg Paris at Paris Gallery
I’m planning to gift my dad this fiery fragrance from Eisenberg Paris called J’OSE. I’ve sampled the fragrance which comes with strong heart notes of Lavender, Coffee-mocha and Jasmine it’s a total standout for men young and old. It’s got all the factors to be totally mesmerizing and it might captivate all the right attention any man needs. It currently retails exclusively only at Paris Gallery in the Middle East.
- Celebrate Harmony at One&Only Resorts in the UAE:
If you and your loved ones need a reason to unwind or enjoy a luxe experience than Chinese New Year could be the perfect time for it. Known for bringing people closer such as the festival, this Chinese New Year One&Only Resorts in Dubai is offering a lovely staycation offer.
Since the brand has two properties in Dubai you can either avail the one at One & Only Royal Mirage or One&Only at the Palm to enjoy a range of discounts from them. Their offers include complimentary day pass to Aquaventure at Atlantis, discounts on your stay and Chinese New Year Dinners. What a great way to have you enjoy this festive season.
I think I need to pay them a visit soon.
- ‘BEGUILED’ Roja Parfums for the other lady in your life…
Paris Gallery stocks this luxe fragrance brand called Roja Parfums. The Beguiled edition of this fragrance comes with bursting floral elements and accents of hypnotism. If you’re done thinking over and over again what to gift the other ladies in your life then this fragrance will definitely win hearts of your sisters, cousins or aunties and you might need to order in an additional bottle.
You might have already decided what to gift your loved ones by now. However if you haven’t do not even think twice, just drop me a line or tag me on instagram (jonathanho1) and I’d love to hear from you.
Gong Xi Fa Cai! ( Happy-New-Year) 2016 from my family to yours and keep coming back to Waiching’s Wall for all the goodness ahead.
Stockists: Paris Gallery UAE, Pedro Shoes Official, Galeries Lafayette, LONGCHAMP, One&Only Resorts, Kiehl’s Middle East, Burjuman Centre
