Year Of The Dragon: Magnificent 8 Collaboration

In the Chinese zodiac, the Dragon is one of the most revered and powerful animal signs. Individuals born under this sign are believed to possess strength, confidence, charisma, and generosity which are a few of the characteristics and traits typically associated with that mystical creature.

As indicated by the title of this post, the Year of the Dragon is the chosen theme for this latest edition of the Magnificent 8 Collaboration. Given the upcoming start of the Chinese Lunar New Year, it seemed apropos that we should try our hands on styling up looks fitting the occasion.

The Lunar Calendar is deeply intertwined with Chinese culture, tradition, and of course astrology. It serves as a guide for determining auspicious dates for various activities, such as weddings, festivals, and agricultural practices, and often plays a significant role in the lives of people in East Asia. In the Western world, it is commonly known that the Chinese Lunar Calendar includes a 12-year cycle of animal signs, known as the Chinese zodiac. Each year is represented by one of the 12 animals in the zodiac cycle, and each animal is believed to influence the personality traits and destiny of individuals born in that year.

Are you a Dragon? If you were born after the Lunar New Year (which occurs generally between late January and early February) in 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, or 2012, then the answer is yes. For those born in other years, you can look up your Chinese zodiac sign on this chart published on the ChinaTravelGuide website. The reason for the fluctuating dates for the start of the new year is because the Chinese calendar is lunisolar which means it incorporates both lunar and solar elements. While the months are based on the lunar cycle, the calendar also adjusts to the solar year, ensuring that festivals and agricultural activities align with the seasons.

The typical attire worn for Lunar New Year celebrations varies among different cultures and regions since there are Chinese communities in many different parts of the world. In China, many people choose to wear traditional attire known as Hanfu, often characterized by flowing robes and intricate designs, or Qipao, which is a form-fitting dress typically worn by women that features a high collar and ornate embroidery. In Vietnam, the traditional attire for the Lunar New Year is called Áo Dài, which is a long, elegant tunic worn over trousers, often in vibrant colors and adorned with intricate patterns. In Malaysia and Singapore, the Lunar New Year is celebrated by the Malays and Indians as well as the Chinese. Traditional Chinese clothing such as Qipao or Tangzhuang (for men) is commonly worn while some opt to wear traditional Malay clothing like the Baju Kurung or Baju Kebaya, or Indian attire such as the Sari or Punjabi suit, depending on their cultural background.

Specific colors are also associated with each of the twelve animals in the zodiac cycle. Gold, red, yellow, green, and blue are the traditional colors for the Year of the Dragon which are incorporated into clothing, decorations, and other aspects of the celebrations to enhance the promises of success and prosperity that the new year will bring. Gold is believed to attract fortune and abundance; red represents good luck and happiness; yellow signifies power, royalty, and prestige; green is associated with renewal and new beginnings; and blue, a calming and harmonious color, symbolizes tranquility and wisdom.

For my interpretation of the Year of the Dragon theme, I leaned into color and pattern and flowing lines. I did do a bit of thrift store and Poshmark searching for a more traditional garment or one with a dragon on it but I came up short in those efforts. What I did find during this quest is the red jacket and the floral print dress that you see in these photos. I added my handkerchief-hem lace skirt (also a secondhand purchase) underneath so that the dress is more like a tunic.

These photos were taken in what’s called the China Alley Historic District in downtown Ventura, California. China Alley dates back to the late 19th century when Chinese immigrants settled in Ventura and it was a hub of Chinese culture, commerce, and community life during that time. The alley was home to various businesses, including restaurants, laundries, and herbal medicine shops, serving both the Chinese community and the broader population. Chinese immigrants helped to build many community infrastructure projects like a water flume and established a volunteer fire brigade that served China Alley and the surrounding neighborhood. The population of the Chinese community in Ventura declined significantly in the early years of the 20th century, largely due to the rise of anti-Chinese sentiment and restrictive immigration laws. The gate that I’m standing in front of and the San Buenaventura China Alley Memorial (a few steps from where these photos were taken) are about all that remains to mark the location of that community and honor the lives and history of these early Chinese pioneers in Ventura.

Time to move on to the Magnificent 8 Collaboration. Working in tandem are 8 stylish women, each in a different age bracket ranging from early 20s to early 80s, to show that fabulous style has no age restrictions. Wear what you want, when you want, add a smile, and strut your style with confidence. And be sure to check out the other 7 amazing gals! These posts are shared quarterly… be on the lookout at the end of April for the next post in this series.
The Magnificent 8 Collaboration began in the Summer of 2018 as a quarterly venture and this is its 23rd installment. The previous ones were; Life’s A Beach, Distressed, Workout Wear, Spring Pattern Mixing, White Dress, Animal Print, Family Heirloom, Garden Party, Hello Yellow, Pearls, Outside The Box, Statement Pants, Inspired By, Invested In Style, Stick A Pin On It, Secondhand Style, Summer Linen, Western, Viva Magenta, Blazing Through Spring, Maxi-Mizing Style, and most recently Simply Red.

Have you visited any of the other Magnificent 8 ladies yet and seen their spins on the theme of Year Of The Dragon? In case you haven’t, allow me to help get you on your way.

Grace of Graceful Rags
Mica of Away From The Blue
Roxanne of Glass of Glam
Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge
Rena of Fine-Whatever
Eugenia of The Age Of Grace
Lesley of Jodie’s Touch of Style
And Charlotte of Jodie’s Touch of Style

Remember, you can’t put a number on style!

The Year of the Dragon is celebrated with enthusiasm and reverence, reflecting its cultural significance within Chinese communities worldwide. It’s considered a highly auspicious and influential time, with people eagerly anticipating the positive energies and opportunities that the new year will bring. How will you be celebrating?

Stay well and let’s keep in touch! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, pin … all options are available. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

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Note: This is an unsponsored post; however, some or all of the links to clothing items are associated with an affiliate program where I earned a few cents for each click.

Photo credit: MMPerez