All the Ways Fashion Is Interpreting the Year of the Rat
Fashion

All the Ways Fashion Is Interpreting the Year of the Rat

by Jenny Zheng

The start of Chinese New Year, which begins on January 25, is coinciding with the Year of the Rat. According to the Chinese zodiac, people born in the Year of the Rat (which last occurred on 2008, 1996 and 1984) are optimistic, energetic and very likable. It was the rat after all that won the Jade Emperor's great race, positioning itself as first in the zodiac rotation.

To celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year, a slew of fashion and accessories brands have launched their own dedicated Year of the Rat products, including mouse-themed slippers from UGG and Mickey Mouse tees from Gucci. Here are all the ways fashion brands are interpreting the new Lunar Year.

Etro

A crop of classic Etro pieces feature prints of Jerry (the craft mouse from Tom & Jerry) alongside some of their signature symbols like the paisley print in this fun unisex capsule. Standouts include a Jerry-printed bucket bag, button-down shirt and lightweight scarf.

Etro x Tom and Jerry is available now online and in select Etro boutiques.

Marni

Marni's playful designs and quirky chic silhouettes also get in on the mouse action, with the little critter emerging as motifs on everything from knitted tops in a series of bright colors to socks, hats, and T-shirts. Leather pumps mimicking a mouse's face are another standout piece.

Marni's Chinese New Year capsule is available now on marni.com.

Rag & Bone

Rag & Bone dropped a Lunar New Year capsule of graphic tees, beanies, and small leather goods printed with images of 'Pizza Rat', in reference to the viral 2015 video of a New York City rat carrying a slice of pizza around a subway.

Rag & Bone's Year of the Rat collection is available now online.

Mansur Gavriel

Mansur Gavriel released a Year of the Rat capsule featuring its signature Bucket Bag and Mini Bucket Bags in Black Flamma printed with a hand-painted red rat motif done by its in-house calligrapher. But act quick, as only 88 bags were made for this collection. (8 is the luckiest number in Chinese culture.)

Mansur Gavriel's Lunar New Year Limited Edition Bucket Bag is available now at MansurGavriel.com.

Ugg

Two of UGG's most popular footwear styles (the Classic Mini Boot and Alena Slipper) are redesigned for the Year of the Rat with the addition decorative sheepskin mouse ears, while the brand's Dannie Mini Backpack features a detachable pouch with the same mouse detailing.

The UGG Year of the Rat collection is available now on UGG.com.

Off-White

This year's zodiac symbol adorns everything from tees to long-sleeve sweatshirts. Standouts include a black "OFF" logo pleated skirt and red leather bags with "GOOD LUCK" written across. (Red is the most predominant color of the Chinese New Year, which represents fortune and joy.)

Off-White "LUNAR NEW YEAR" is available now on Off---White.com.

Gucci

Mickey Mouse motifs feature prominently on everything from shoes and bags to small leather goods. A new material — the beige/black Mini GG Supreme canvas with Mickey Mouse print is seen on handbags, luggage and shoes for men and women. Colourful prints, jacquard motifs and embroidered patches with Mickey Mouse complete the collection.

Disney x Gucci collection is available now on Gucci.com.

Moschino 

Moshino's new capsule centers around the cult cartoon Mickey Rat who features prominently in men's and women's ready-to-wear and accessories with a distinct varsity and athletic silhouette. Options run the gamut from iPhone cases to sweatpants in the red/black colorway with Mickey Rat on full display.

The Moschino Chinese New Year Mickey Rat capsule collection is available now at Moschino.com.

Marc Jacobs

A capsule of grunge sweaters, hoodies and T-shirts depicting the image of a rat make up Marc Jacob's new collab with NYC/Miami-based brand Stray Rats. The collection is ultimately inspired by Jacobs' archival Stinky Rat line from 2000.

Stray Rats x Marc Jacobs is available now at MarcJacobs.com.

Photos courtesy of brands

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