GALLOPING FORWARD: Harrods is turning its Chinese New Year celebration with the Shanghai-based fashion retailer Labelhood into a tradition, as the two teamed for the fourth time for the upcoming year of the horse, with a pop-up space that highlights Chinese fashion creativity and culture.
Taking over a passageway on the fourth floor of the department store in Knightsbridge, the immersive Labelhood pop-up running until Feb. 17, features a family photo booth, an embroidered sachet workshop, and a curated selection of festive garments from Chinese designer brands, including Samuel Guì Yang, Yi Yi, Ao Yes, Bing Xu, Yirantian and Tangxindan.
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“Now in its fourth consecutive year, Harrods’ collaboration with Labelhood remains a driving force in our commitment to showcasing the future of global fashion. It is incredibly rewarding to witness the evolution of these talented young Chinese designers as they transition from emerging voices to industry leaders,” said Michael Ward, managing director of Harrods, who famously travelled to China during the COVID-19 pandemic despite strict quarantine rules.
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“Beyond the collections, we are delighted to celebrate cultural moments such as Spring Festival, featuring exclusive products, experiences and events, while building creative engagement with local communities that resonates far beyond the runway,” he added.
Ward and Labelhood founder Tasha Liu on Tuesday night hosted a gathering at The Georgian for key Chinese members of the Harrods community, serving Eastern-inspired afternoon tea sets, which form part of the retailer’s wider Spring Festival offerings that also include thematic hamper and the Harrods carriage driver bear.
Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed finger sandwiches and shiso-leaf-wrapped crispy duck with hoisin sauce, as well as classic Harrods scones paired with Chinese tea. It was followed by a black sesame and raspberry bretonne and a chocolate and salted caramel bar, each adorned with a symbolic equestrian motif.
“I don’t know one designer who doesn’t want to be in Harrods. It’s a dream-come-true moment for me. Labelhood has played a key role in it, as it builds a bridge connecting emerging independent designers and the global luxury market,” said designer Bing Xu during the dinner, who in recent years expanded his offering from whimsical footwear to luxe outerwear.
For a wider reach, Harrods also launched a festive campaign starring entrepreneur and philanthropist Laurinda Ho from one of Macao’s most influential families. The images are meant to reflect her own history of living and studying in the U.K.
The latest Chinese New Year activations showcased Harrods’ continuous commitment to China and its Chinese clients, despite its recent decision not to renew the lease for its private members’ club The Residence and the Harrods Tea Rooms in Shanghai.
Harrods has said that it plans to continue to curate pop-up events and activities in the region, celebrating local creative talents, engaging with the community through Harrods’ digital channels, and exploring local wholesale opportunities.