There is no colour more auspicious than red in the traditional Chinese world. With the Lunar New Year right around the corner, it is time to stock up on things in all shades of crimson. Other than signifying the promise of wealth, luck, health and prosperity, red is also warm, attractive and stylish. Take a bold step into the Rabbit Year (and please all your elderly relatives) with a generous dose of happy, festive red.

Clockwise from top left: Marchesa Evening Gown, from TriBeCa, SGD1748, Stelton Thermal Jug, from The Touch, SGD171, Linde Werdelin Watch, from E’COLLEZIONE, from SGD8000, Sereni and Shentel Hairband, from Number Fifty, SGD81, Chloe Sunglasses, from V’zion Galleria, SGD620, Lovelinks Charm Bracelet, from SGD99, Demy Lee Sweater, from Inhabit, SGD409, Converse Sneakers, from in:Famous, SGD59.90, Marc by Marc Jacobs Love Dove Satchel, SGD760, Beverly Feldman Peep-toe Pumps from Scarlet & Ebony, SGD279.

There is something undeniably ‘spring’ about bright, cheerful colours. As we say goodbye to 2010 and usher in a spanking new 2011, it seems particularly apt to deck ourselves out in the happiness-inducing shades of the rainbow. Coincidentally, the fashion world has been endorsing strong primary colours and bold pop hues for a while now, so you will have little trouble finding them at the stores. To get you started, here are our top picks for injecting a little (or a lot of) colour into your life. Have fun!

Ras Shoes
Soft, pretty ice-cream shades are a more understated way of getting colourful. Not as intimating as jewel tones or as loud as neon, pastels are great for those who do not want to go over-the-top with this trend. Spanish shoemaker, Ras, makes shoes for the young, urban and cosmopolitan woman. The principles of good design and quality are at the heart of the label and the objective is to produce attractive, durable footwear. These comfortable, embellished ballet flats (SGD199) are available in a trio of sweet tones – picking just one will be the most difficult part.

You will find Ras shoes at Scarlet & Ebony (#02-23, Mandarin Gallery)

Eley Kishimoto Cardigans
Over the years, fashion label Eley Kishimoto has established itself as a forerunner in the niche fashion genre of quirky chic. As a master of visually arresting print and graphic design, bright colours are a key element of the brand’s identity. Knitwear is another of its strengths. These cute cardigans are the result of artfully combining superior print design with quality knitwear. Other than keeping you warm on a cool day, they are also fabulous for making a colourful fashion statement.

Eley Kishimoto’s Fall/Winter 2010 collection is now on sale at Ambush (#03-14, Mandarin Gallery). The above cardigans are retailing at SGD322 (was SGD460)

Marc by Marc Jacobs Jumble Logo Neoprene Laptop Sleeve
Marc Jacobs has a knack for launching things that everyone wants immediately.  As part of his new Tech Collection for his Marc by Marc Jacobs line, he introduced these blindingly bright laptop sleeves, which are embossed with a playful jumble logo print. Coming in five colours (e.g. yellow, turquoise, pink, purple and black), they are available in 15”. At only SGD90, they are an absolute steal.

Check out the rest of the Tech Collection at the Marc by Marc Jacobs store (#01-11/#01-12, Mandarin Gallery)