A modern day gift guide for the Chinese festival of love.
The seventh day of the seventh lunar month could be the most romantic date on the Chinese calendar. Known as the Qixi Festival, it is only on this day every year that mythical lovers Zhinü (Weaver Girl) and Niulang (Cowherd), separated by the Milky Way for the rest of the 364 days, can reunite on a bridge.
While the rules of love might differ for modern lovers, the premise of love remains. There is always time to celebrate love. With Qixi, also known as Chinese Valentine’s Day, being just around the corner, here’s a curation of gifts to bridge your special connection, however you may define it.
Love is… racing towards each other
Running into the arms of your love might just be one of the most blissful things ever. Bottega Veneta’s Qixi campaign wants to evoke racing hearts that are running towards each other, wherever they may be. In the brand’s new film “Towards You” by Chinese director Jess Jing Zou, the universality of love is explored. Endings are kept open-ended, bringing the focus to the pure joy and energy of the film’s characters exploring different stages of love.
Carry your unique love with the brand’s signature intrecciato leather bags – from the Small Brick Cassette, and the Mini Cassette Cross-Body, to the Mini Loop Camera Bag, Mini Jodie, and Cobble Messenger, there’s one for every side of your lover. Or invite them to take the next step with you in the sporty and futuristic Snap Slide Sandal.
Love is… journeying through life together
No matter where you are in your relationship, there’s a gift from Louis Vuitton that will rise to the occasion. For the stylish commuter or music lover, the jewel-like Horizon Light Up earphones in Golden will serenade your love with its striking gold-tone Connected Monogram pattern that shines like a jewel, wherever they go. Or step out in Charlie couple sneakers in matching colourways, that can be dressed down or up.
Bag your lover’s heart with a roomy Keepall Bandoulière 25 in grained Taurillon leather with Monogram embossing, or classic silhouettes like the Petite Malle, Mini Dauphine, or Capucines BB from the Maison’s exclusive Valentine’s Day capsule – LV Heavenly – featuring canvas and leather strips woven in a delicate pastel palette, with beige leather trims that echo the design of historic House trunks.
Love is… staying close at heart even when you’re apart
You might not be separated by the Milky Way like Zhinü (Weaver Girl) and Niulang (Cowherd), but modern city life sometimes renders us so busy that we might miss each other even when we don’t live apart. Loewe’s campaign film tells of how we can reconnect and rediscover love. Actor and brand ambassador Leo Wu, and model Wang Zhenzhen, star as a couple who writes love notes folded into lucky stars that eventually culminate into an art piece that symbolises their love.
This motif follows through in the other star of the film – a star-shaped charm that adorns the new new Hammock Hobo mini bag available in three exclusive colourways: purple, lime green and slate grey. Each comes with a pair of gold and silver star charms echoing the film’s folded love notes.
Love is… a connection that transcends time and generation
Like a classic design, true love never grows old. Tory Burch understands this. For Qixi, the brand’s classic T Monogram pieces get an additional touch of love, as seen on actress Qin Lan.
A new soft shade of pink speaks of romance as it dresses the Petite Lee Radziwill Perforated Double Bag, iconic Mini T Monogram Tote and Bucket Bag. Paired with the dainty Kira Enamel Heart Set that includes matching stud earrings and necklace in ivory, pink, or red enamel, and finished with 18k gold-plated brass, this everyday look is not only classic but also classy.
Love is… keeping you close wherever I go
An expression of love need not always be about size. After all, it’s been said that sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in our hearts. The same can be said of Moynat’s iconic Gabrielle bag now in its smallest iteration – the Nano size. Sporting the same top-handle design with the modernist M twist lock, this miniaturised version continues to echo the curved, sleek lines of the brand’s historic limousine trunk, and comes with a strap for wearing as a crossbody or shoulder bag.
Launched in time for Qixi, the Gabrielle Nano in purple, fuchsia or hot pink carat calfskin, is a portable, functional and stylish statement that you cannot resist carrying around everywhere, every day. Your lover might not be able to bring you along to every appointment, but they sure can bring a piece of your love with them in the Gabrielle.
Images courtesy of respective brands featured, artwork by Curatedition. All rights reserved.
Related Links:
Celebrate Love with Modern Keepsakes
Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama: Ode to the Power of Infinity
