Cover Story
A Lunar New Year in Australia, as told by the Harrolds team
The magic of celebrating the joy of LNY in Melbourne, with a philosophy of ‘New year, New Dress’
2 Minute Read
Harrolds Melbourne’s home is on the rich, cultural tapestry of Collins Street. At every turn is a new experience waiting to be unearthed, or a new story of a foreign tradition to be told, or exquisite cuisine to enjoy, or a fresh interpretation of fashion waiting to be shared.
In celebration of this Lunar New Year, we’re checking in with the beating heart of our own Harrolds legacy — that is, our team. We wanted to get to the marrow of what it means to rejoice at an intersection of cultures, and ask our dedicated store team how they live, eat, dance and dress through Lunar New Year in Melbourne.
In celebration of this Lunar New Year, we’re checking in with the beating heart of our own Harrolds legacy
While far away from another place called home, International Client Liaison Steven Shi and Mens and Womenswear Manager Jess Poon have created their own beautiful interpretation of Chinese tradition in Australia. You can watch the full conversation in-motion, captured here, plus our favourite transcribed snippets below.
What was your first impression of Australia?
Like everyone else, I’ve heard the word “Tu Ao” most often before moving to Australia. But when you really live here, you will see the diversity and tolerance. Australia is not entirely unfashionable. It can be trendy or cutting-edge; it is unique in its own way.
What’s your favourite thing about living here?
I think Australia is a place full of magic. You can see all kinds of different cultures and traditions being continued here, and their collision can even lead to some new sort of vitality.
Jessica's Edit
What does it look like to experience Lunar New Year in Melbourne for you?
Actually, the further away you are from home, the more you are into traditional stuff. Customs and traditions can sometimes be our only connection to our hometowns thousand miles away. So, no matter how long you stay overseas, on the first day of the New Year, you still gather with family and make dumplings, or see lion dancers on street. You still change into new clothes and prepare gifts for family and friends as we did when we were kids.
Do you prepare special LNY gifts for yourself/family/friends this year? Any new year wishes?
Chinese New Year gifts are very special to us who are overseas. I want to choose a gift for my family that not only highlights the traditional meaning, but also has its unique style. Harrolds’ gift selection is delightful this year. You can see a curated guide to Lunar New Year gift-giving for man, here, and woman, here.
