Today is the beginning of the fifteen day Lunar New Year (aka Chinese New Year) celebration in Asian communities worldwide.

Red for good fortune and happiness along with gold for wealth are the auspicious colors of the New Year.

“Fu” is one of the most popular characters used during the New Year, often times hung upside down on the front door of a home to mean “good luck came”

While it is easy to understand the association of gold with wealth, there is no single explanation of how red became associated with good fortune and good luck. Though all of the stories are equally colorful, my favorite ( and most widely known ) is the one about Nian.

The story tells of a beast known as Nian who would come either down from the mountains or up from the sea ( depending on what part of Asia you are in ) to devoured humans on the Eve of the New Year. In order to keep Nian away, people would put red-paper with messages (couplets) around their doors as it was thought that Nian so feared the color red that the monster would be scared away for another year. On New Year’ Day people would greet each other by saying “gong xi fa cai”, or “congratulations” for having kept the evil monster away.

The tradition of placing red signs or putting a fresh coat of red paint on doors and windows prior to New Years day still exist today.

“Gung Hay Fat Choy!” translates Congratulations on Good Fortune

“Lai See” or red envelopes and the tradition of stuffing of crisp bills inside to give to single young adults, children and employees is a gesture meant to bring the recepient good luck and good health in the upcoming year. Interestingly the amount of the money given should be of an even number, since giving odd amounts of money are associated with funerals.

Traditional Lai sees have characters of good fortune on the front. These red envelopes can be found at Old Shanghai Online

The dance of the dragon and the dance of the lion are always part of a New Year’s parade, the dances are believed to ward off evil and bring good fortune and health in the new year

I highly recommend you take part in the cultural experience of a traditional Chinese New Year parade… I’ll never forget stumbling upon my first one, quite unexpectedly upon moving to Manhattan. It is one loud colorful and super fun way to spend an afternoon!

NYC Chinatown annual parade will be held on Sunday Februrary 10th from 1- 5 pm

Chicago Chinatown parade will also be held this Sunday from 1-5 pm

The San Francisco Chinatown parade is Sunday February 23 from 5:30-8 pm

The Lantern Festival

The 15th day of the new year, called the Lantern Festival marks the end of the new year festivities. The celebration takes place at night with red lanterns displayed throughout towns and children carrying red lanterns in a parade.

There are so many interesting traditions and symbolism associated with this time of year, check out this article to learn even more.

Interested in finding out all about your animal birth sign? This fun article about Chinese horoscopes will have you reading up on everyone you know.

Then add a little “good fortune” style to your life- by checking out my favorite Chinese goodies resource Pearl River.

Thanks to a post on How About Orange I found these Chinese New Year decorations from HP that you can download and printout.

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Viola…Rose gold!

The metallic trend is holding strong well into Spring but the gears are switching to put the emphasis on one hue in particular. Rose gold is the trend setting alloy and the metal of the moment.

The blushing beauty of the group can be found from bijoux to bags, bangles and baubles, down to ballet flats.

Homecoming Ring by Rebecca Taylor & Family Values Ring by Tracy Reese

A couple of my favorite jewelry choices that mix the color of the moment with the floral trend are shown above. Floral patterns are feminine, delicate and have an heirloom feel. Note the names the designers gave to their pieces.

Ted Muehling’s earrings are simple, yet so sophisticated

Another great designer to take on metal mania is Jessie Randall of the luxury line- Loeffler Randall. Her coveted handbags played with metallics in a unique way. Instead of the “black hole” of interior linings, she used cheerful pale gold – a private treat for the wearer alone.

When asked to design a line for Target, she boldly turned it inside out. Metallics are the focus of the collection.

These affordable gems are currently available at Target until March

Besides accessories there is a whole bouquet of beautiful dresses to choose from. My two faves are worlds apart but equally chic.

Camilla Belle wears Christian Lacroix beautifully

Caution – add a few more ruffles to this dress and the 80’s are back. Keep it subtle when wearing the “new” hue.

Wouldn’t bright pink toe nails look great slipping into these sandals? Preferably after a day at the beach.

If just a hint of this color is what you are looking for – Stila has the perfect powder.

Stephen Sondheim said it best–
“Things look swell, things look great. Gonna have the whole world on a plate. Starting here, starting now Honey, everything’s coming up roses”

Resources:

• Ted Muehling Rose Gold Earrings at Tribeca’s Closet
  
• Loeffler Randall Rosette Rose Gold Ballet Flats at Target
• Loeffler Randall Rosette Rose Gold Clutch at Target
• Jay Godfrey Rose Gold Metallic Halter Dress at Neiman Marcus
• Rose Gold Single Dress Silk Jacquard Babydoll Minidress at Nordstrom
• Camilla Belle Wearing Rose Gold found on V-style
• Stilla Illuminating Finish Powder in Rose Gold
• Giuseppe Zanotti Rose Gold Sandals at CricketShoes.com
  
• Rose Gold “Homecoming” and “Family Values” Rings at Modern Jewelers
  

About a year ago I met Jody Wolfe a stunning woman with a great sense of style. Her taste in fine jewelry is impeccable. When she commissioned me to make a special piece for her daughter’s graduation, I was very flattered and excited. Her daughter Olivia’s nickname is “owl” – I had the perfect piece in mind.

I hand crafted a ring in the shape of an owl’s face, paying special attention to the intricate detail of the feathers. Using the ancient “lost wax” process – I caste the owl in 18k gold. Once polished to a lustrous glow, it just needed the finishing touch of gemstone eyes. This was the hard part!

I showed Jody an array of colors – blue sapphires, pink rubies, citrines, garnets and tourmalines. After some deliberation she decided on two luscious garnets. After setting the deep red faceted gems, we knew we made the right decision – the owl “came to life”

I was so happy to know she LOVED her gift.

Small world coincidence – after graduation Olivia moved to NYC, one street from my studio! A literal hop, skip and jump away. I saw her recently and was delighted to know she wears the owl all the time. I asked her if it brings her good luck? She said, “So far living in New York has been a great experience. That means yes!!”

Folklore about the owl dates far back in history. In ancient Greece the owl was very revered and powerful. It is the symbol for the goddess Athena; the favorite daughter of Zeus. Athena was the goddess of wisdom; a trait often used to describe owls. She was referred to as “bright eyes” – another parallel to owls. The mysterious bird was believed to be a strong protector. Encouraged to live amongst the citizens, they inhabited temples and the Acropolis in great numbers.

Do you still have a big owl necklace from the 70’s, or ever see them at a flea market? Don’t be shy, give it a try!! Be as bold and wise as Athena. It’s a fun fashion trend and “hoo” can’t use a little something extra looking out for us.

These are two from my collection. You can “update” the chunky gold chain with a ribbon, silk cord, or leather in any color. I paired black ribbon on one of my favorite for a more subtle look.

Related links:

• More from Kimberlin on garnet
• More about Athena at The Obscure On-line Goddess Directory

A Valentino runway stunner – Fall 2007 couture from Style.com

In fact I would say it’s been the month- and perhaps even the holiday weekend- of the LGD ( little gold dress ). From starlets to fashion spreads to fashion opinions, the little gold dress it seems, is the trendiest sheath of the season.

So if your looking to add a little timely sparkle to your year end/beginning traditions, perhaps a little gold number is all you need…

In Style’s website suggest two different LGDs as the perfect party dress for the holidays.

Vogue gave gold dresses an entire spread in it’s December issue.

Baazar spotlighted gold sequined and embellished dresses in their December and January issues.

Both December covers of Lucky and Bazaar feature starlets in a LGDs.

Elle.com choose a photo of Kate Moss in a one of a kind Top Shop LGD for their look at the 25 best dressed of 2007.

Coincidentally Style.com choose the same pix of Kate Moss for there look at what to wear this New Year’s Eve. Wow, fashionistas sure love Miss Moss in this dress!

Today’s “Fashion Faceoff” on People.com just happens to feature Carrie Underwood and Kim Kardashian wearing the same Jovani gold sequin dress.

While Us magazine picked this metallic gold Alexander Wang Dress to as their “Who Wore It Best?“ for this holiday weekend.

People.com takes a look at the trend with images of Eve, Hilary Duff and Vanessa Hudgens all wearing LGDs on the red carpet.

And what will I be wearing this New Year’s Eve?… Will I partake in this trend…

Well- no doubt I’d love to show up wearing this 3.1 Phillip Lim dress on Monday night, but with a $625 price tag ( and a very tired post-holiday credit card ), this little gold number from Forever 21 is more of a reality!…. I love the idea of pairing it with dark grayish/blue tights…. I may just try this look at home ( minus the hair crimping, of course.)

Elle Decor’s look at the trend of metallics

So I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that advertisers and retailers gravitated to this trend for the holidays. After all it’s glitz is both sophisticated and festive.

But while silver seemed to be on everyones minds this summer and fall ( remember those silver ballet flats that were on everyone’s must-have list), gold seems to be the hot metallic to ring in the new year!

Everywhere I look lately there is a golden glow- as Gold is the color du jour for fashion, home decor and even advertising.

Just take a look at how these companies are enticing shoppers to “go for the gold” this holiday….

Gucci choose a golden palette for both their jewelry and newest fragrance campaigns.

Macy’s featured an all gold accessories campaign for the holidays.

Donna Karan named her newest fragrance Gold, while the ads for both Sarah Jessica Parker’s Covet and Fendi’s Palazoo seemed to be dipped in gold dust.

Burberry choose to feature their iconic trench in gold for their winter campaign, while Coach followed suit- showcasing a golden version of their famous signature C motif.

Bebe and Arden B., known for their spicy apparel use gold to rev up the sex appeal even more- in a Studio 54 kind of way.

Mikimoto’s golden pearls and Neiman Marcus’s gold clad model exude to consumers a desire of pure materialistic luxury!

The newest ads for American Express feature a jet-setting Beyonce decked out in all gold- Do you suppose she coordinates with her gold American Express card?

Have you noticed a golden glow in ads lately?

Some of what we’ve said about glamorous gold recently…

Metalics at home
Metallics in garden
Metallics you wear
Liquid Gold
Glamorous Gold
Gold shines as “Color of the Year”

Next, I’ll be taking a look at the trend of gold for holiday fashion and home decor…

Artisans of ancient civilizations used gold lavishly in decorating tombs and temples. Incas referred to gold as “the tears of the sun.”

The precious metal, often used in the form of jewelry, was sought to glorify and adorn royalty to reflect their monarchical powers and status as part of the culturally elite.

Designer clothing, shoes, and handbags in various golden hues are heralding attention on spring fashion runways. Jewelry, especially charm bracelets, are making a comeback.

Gold baubles accentuate any fashion ensemble – being at the forefront, hints of Baroque influences with texture and luster add the right amount of sophistication.

Our wall designs can reflect a personal history or be an autobiography.

Similar to ancient eras, where gold was used as a dedication to one’s glorification, today we quietly speak through our interiors to reflect our personal style.

Gold as a a color for interiors is no longer considered ostentatious; it simply allows elegance to reign. Featured above are Bon Bon and Eclipse wall designs.

Note: The charm bracelet in the above photo was given to me by my mother. Many charms reflect her world travels with my father and some are from my own travels.

Eiffel Tower – Paris Teapot – England Clog Shoe – Holland Gemini Stone Figurine – My mother’s birth sign Rooster – Spain Cross – Christmas gift Tambourine with Spanish Bull – Spain Ram – Africa Round Locket, one side has a picture of my father and the other has hair braided from my brothers & sister – Greek Urn – Greece St. Josephine from my mother to protect me – Golden Nugget from Africa

If you are in the New York City area any time soon, make sure not to miss this eye-catching exhibition by one of the finest fashion photographers France has ever produced.

Over the past three decades, Bettina has achieved critical acclaim for her exquisite images representing the ultimate in femininity.

“Liquid Gold” celebrates the allure of a woman and is an embodiment of the French Chic: glamor, sophistication, fragility, seduction, adventure, provocation, sublime imperfections, roots, and truth.

That is what Liquid Gold calls to mind…that is what Bettina Rheims is capturing.

The exhibition comprises huge, original pictures printed on shining aluminum sheets: one still life (the first she ever did) and ten surprising portraits of the model Margarita Svegzdaite.

The “highflyer” model, especially chosen for her captivating, mysterious sense of elegance and anti-conformism, is famous for having been the muse of Helmut Newton, John Galliano, and Vivienne Westwood.

Chablis, the famous French white wine – whose color is often referred to as “Liquid Gold” – is the official sponsor of this international tour and a dedicated internet site www.chablis-the-french-chic.com provides “behind the scenes” work of Bettina and her team, giving a unique insight into her work.

Her eleven stunning large scale portraits, specially commissioned for this project, will be displayed in three of New York’s most “chic” venues:

Opens tomorrow at Bloomingdale’s

See the exhibit at Bloomingdale’s Flagship Store, 59th Street & Lexington Avenue from June the 18th to July the 2nd 2007

Bloomingdale’s has long been a supporter of the arts and the collaboration with Bettina Rheims and Chablis seems a perfect fit because Bloomingdale’s shares many of the parameters that are important to Bettina’s work: femininity, fashion, glamor, top of the range, sophistication, seduction, adventure, roots, and truth.

The Gold of the pictures, enlightened by the glittering aluminum panels, fits to the latest “metallic tendencies” in Fashion.

On display during July at The New York Palace
Hotel

On view at The New York Palace Hotel, 455 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022 during July 2007

“Home” of the most glamorous stars, The New York Palace is an obvious venue to host the exhibition of internationally renowned Bettina Rheims.

Opens September 18th at Métrazur Restaurant

Enjoy the exhibit at Métrazur Restaurant in Grand Central Terminal Main

Grand Central has transformed itself into a venue for ongoing public events, and more particularly the host of exhibitions. Metro North and Charlie Palmer’s Métrazur welcome the “Liquid Gold” exhibition in this spectacular space, which will highlight the magnificence of these large scales portraits.

Download the PDF files:

Liquid Gold Announcement Shown Above

Liquid Gold Preview of the Photographs

Gold was the color that came out on top when Asian Paints completed Color Next 2007, their annual color forecast for home interiors.

The forecast shows a collection of 21 colors shown in six palettes across six key decor trends.

“This year’s forecast includes bold splashes of shimmer and shine using metallic colors and fabrics. Metallic paints used along with rich velvets, faux furs and textures create an ambience of uber luxury,” says Amit Syngle, GM Marketing, Asian Paints.

The Times of India quizzed a few celebrities to find out what this shimmering hue symbolizes to them.

See what they said about the color of the year…

Photo from Ethan Allen.