The January shopping list: editors’ picks from the Cathay Shop

Each month, we bring you a curated selection of the latest essentials from the Cathay Shop . This January, we’ll be joining two billion people around the world in celebrating Lunar New Year. There’s a lot to prepare, from getting your home sparkling clean and dressing up in red to arming yourself with tasty treats for bai nian rituals – but you’ll find everything you need for the big occasion right here.

1. Emporio Armani – red lacquer station bracelet 

Wearing red is a classic Lunar New Year tradition in Hong Kong, intended to bring good luck. This year, round out your holiday outfit with a scarlet accessory. This Armani bracelet, featuring a red lacquer circle pendant on a delicate rose gold-coloured sterling silver chain, makes a lovely present for yourself or a loved one. Beautifully subtle, it has great re-wear potential; use it to add colour to a workday fit, and be sure to bring it out for Valentine’s Day.

2. The House Collective – special edition red tote bag

This ruby-red tote bag is eco-friendly, made from natural vegetable-tanned leather. With a clean minimalist design, it lets the colour do all the talking, while being spacious enough to store your daily essentials. There’s also a zipped compartment for securing your valuables – such as a bundle of red envelopes for your favourite nieces and nephews. Style it with a classic cheongsam for the holidays.

3. Dyson – Gen5Detect^™ Absolute cordless vacuum

It’s a tradition you might be tempted to skip, but deep cleaning your home rids it of any bad luck from the past year – and with a Dyson vacuum, it couldn’t be easier. The brand's most powerful cordless vacuum yet captures 99.9 per cent of particles for a thorough clean. It even includes hair removal vanes that automatically detangle hair to prevent blockages. You’ll have no trouble getting your space spotless in time for the festivities. Just don’t clean on the first day of the new year – you’ll remove good luck. 

4. Laurastar – Iggi hygiene handheld steamer

Wearing new clothes on the first day of the new year symbolises a fresh beginning. Prep your outfit in advance with this compact handheld steamer from Laurastar. It kills 99.9 per cent of viruses and bacteria as well as 100 per cent of dust mites on fabrics, quickly restores the volume of your clothes without leaving them wet, and can be used on even delicate garments. With a sleek design and bold red finish, it’s also sure to complement any interior.

5. Jing Sheng Yu – Jing Sheng Yu Si Ji Chun Omamori Golden Ink tea bag gift box 

If you’re attending dinners with friends and family over Chinese New Year, don't show up empty-handed. Encased in an elegant black gift box embellished with gold details, this tea set is bound to impress. Tea connoisseurs will delight in the slow-paced, mindful process of preparing and savouring tea, which is packed with health benefits. They’ll also appreciate the inclusion of both tea leaves and tea bags, catering to different preferences. 

6. Imperial Patisserie – eggrolls gift box

From the moment you present this gift box of classic egg rolls to your host, you’ll be counting down until it’s finally time to enjoy them over a post-dim sum game of mahjong. Expertly prepared using French natural butter and fresh eggs, they’re irresistibly delicious down to the last bite. Pair them with a cup for tea for maximum enjoyment. 

7. G.O.D. – prosperity placemat, set of 2

Welcoming friends and family over for a festive feast? Not only do these water-resistant placemats make spills and splatters a breeze to clean up, but they also boast a unique design inspired by traditional Chinese tableware. Bearing traditional characters that read “blessed” and “happy”, they will bring a touch of Hong Kong to every meal, even after the holidays.

8. Zest Of Asia – icon tea towel red dragon

This practical yet pretty tea towel, bearing an intricate embroidered red dragon, is perfect for adding subtle festive touches to your home. The dragon is a symbol of power, luck and strength – which you’ll definitely need to get through the post-party dishwashing process. Made from 100 per cent cotton, it’s also soft to the touch and will withstand heavy use.