// Sau Lee cheongsam //

Gong Xi Fa Cai! We’re officially in the Year of the Snake and being half Chinese, it’s been a huge holiday for me growing up. Lunar New Year celebrations seemed bigger and better than ever this year and I’ve been wearing the modern take on the cheongsam everywhere I go to keep the tradition alive. Sau Lee is a designer I’ve been wearing for years, so it was incredible to host their Lunar New Year dinner for the launch of their latest collection! I loved getting to see how the amazing women in my life have incorporated the cheongsam into their everyday. This is a traditional style that I’d see my mother and grandmother wear growing up, always complete with ornate jade and gold jewelry with hair tied up in a beautiful top knot. They are the most stylish women I know. The high neckline and fitted waistlines always feel feminine, elegant, and timeless. To enter the new year in the abundance mindset, it’s a must to celebrate with loved ones over a table of all our favorite Chinese dishes. The Year of the Snake is one where we shed our skin and are reborn into the most authentic version of ourselves, moving mindfully through the seasons of our lives. I like to see it as a little reminder to continue on the journey of self improvement and being brave enough to share our gifts and talents with the world. Take a peek inside our beautiful dinner at Cafe China. It felt like we had just stepped out in Hong Kong, and straight into the scenes of a Wong Kar-wai film. 

Shop the collection here. 

The post Hosting The Year of the Snake dinner with Sau Lee! first appeared on NATALIE OFF DUTY.

// Magda Butrym pink dress. Alessandra Rich yellow top and skirt //

I loved shooting this special Luisaviaroma editorial story for the LVR Magazine, the Lunar New Year edition! The Year of the Rabbit symbolizes patience and peace. It’s a reminder to be gentle and caring to others, and also, to ourselves. Now is the best time to give everything we do a little extra thought, love, and understanding. I predict this year will be a lucky one in happy colors like these! I already feel upbeat and optimistic for this 2023. I want to simply enjoy life in the best way possible. I’m inspired to take things to a whole new level and I hope you do too. Happiest Year of the Rabbit my friends!

The post A LUISAVIAROMA LUNAR NEW YEAR first appeared on NATALIE OFF DUTY.