Back in January of last year, Humberto Leon and Carol Lim made the announcement that Opening Ceremony was to be acquired by Italy’s New Guards Group, marking a bold new chapter in the now 18-year-old history of one of New York’s most dynamic and agenda-setting brands. Of course, it was only a matter of weeks until the industry all but shut down—but it’s testament to Lim and Leon’s sense of purpose and strength of vision that even as the world around them shifted beyond recognition, their outlook on this new iteration of Opening Ceremony has never faltered.
The first collection under the brand’s new guise was released just earlier today, instantly proving that the events of the past year have done nothing to dampen their signature eye for graphic prints, bold color, and street-ready silhouettes. “This is the start of a new beginning for Opening Ceremony,” says Leon. “We are venturing into new territory with our entire collection made in Italy, we have a new President and our first female Vice President who is like us, a person of color—it’s time to celebrate this amazing achievement.”
So what exactly will Lim and Leon be doing to ring in this new chapter? Under normal circumstances, the pair would be fêting the Lunar New Year surrounded by friends and family—but of course, with the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, things will be looking a little different this year. “During this time period, we always celebrate Lunar New Year with friends and enjoy a delicious meal with multiple courses ranging from a variety of meat and seafood, soups to noodles and a delicious nian gou for dessert,” says Leon. “We wanted to continue that regardless of COVID.” Adds Lim: “If we were in Los Angeles, we would drive to other family members’ houses and all bow to our elders and say to them: 새해 복 많이 받으세요 (saehae bok mani badeuseyo), which means, I wish you a lot of luck in this new year. This year especially we will be wishing everyone a healthy 2021.”
In the spirit of family that underpins both the Lunar New Year celebrations and the Opening Ceremony brand philosophy more broadly, Lim and Leon brought together nine of their closest friends and collaborators for Vogue to share their New Year traditions, their favorite festive dishes, and how they’re adapting to celebrate this year. Here’s to bringing in the Year of the Ox in style.
David Henry Hwang, playwright and screenwriter
How will you be celebrating the Lunar New Year differently this year?
We won’t be able to throw our usual dumpling-making party with friends and neighbors, but still plan to make dumplings for two at home.
What are some of the Lunar New Year traditions that you always stick to, and why?
I was born in Los Angeles, where I grew up as part of an extended family of evangelical Christians. We didn’t celebrate Lunar New Year; in fact, I never even knew when the holiday was happening, except that sometimes, my relatives would say, “We can’t go to Chinatown today because it's New Year's and the place is going to be so noisy with fireworks!” In high school, my Chinese American girlfriend and her family did celebrate Lunar New Year, so I started to learn some traditions. She taught me that you're not supposed to wash your hair on New Year’s, a practice I still tend to follow ... unless I forget.
What’s your favorite Lunar New Year dish? Do you have any quirks or tips for preparing it?
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