To celebrate Year of the Dragon, we collaborated with Korean-American
illustrator Min Heo on a limited-edition collection that celebrates the vibrant and dynamic traditions of Lunar
New Year across cultures.
It’s modelled by Chinese and Vietnamese-Canadian elders from our community — fun fact, they’re all grandparents of
Aritzia employees.
Min Heo (허민)Year of the Sheep@minstudio_ | minstudio.us
Min Heo is a Korean-American illustrator based in the Bay Area, California.
She uses humour, colour and sassy characters to create illustrations, comics and animated gifs. And yes, they’re
all very cute.
To represent the many ways people celebrate Lunar New Year, Min Heo drew from various cultures and memories when
creating her illustrations. The result? Playful twists on beloved objects and scenes of this holiday — like
dumplings that dance and clusters of smiling oranges.
Min Heo’s Memories
“Sharing Korean traditions with my elementary school
class.”
“Celebrating my dol (100th day birthday) with my parents
and brother.”
“With my grandparents at the Incheon airport.”
“My mom, my brother and me in LA, where we first lived
after immigrating to the States.”
“A family celebration with my grandparents, aunts and mom
back in Korea.”
“Giving a speech at school about my mom for Mother's
Day.”
“My family always enjoys
eating tteokguk (rice cake soup) on Lunar New Year like many Korean families, and it’s become a tradition I look
forward to every year.
Afterwards, we usually go on a family hike to the trail nearby our house. These quiet moments of family bonding
are the best memories for me.”
Meet the EldersOn a misty Vancouver morning, a group of Chinese and Vietnamese-Canadian
elders from our Aritzia community gathered in our warmly lit (and very red) studio. Through storytelling and
shared laughter, we learned about their favourite traditions, treats and most joyful memories of the holiday.
We also learned of their modelling talent — but the pictures speak for themselves.
Hoa Lâm and Trung LâmYear of the Horse, Year of the CatEvery year, Hoa and Trung hand out red envelopes — or “lucky money” — to
their grandchildren. With each envelope comes a wish for the recipient, like love and peace. Or “more money
next year,” Hoa jokes.
Donna Mei Lan Kwan (李美兰)Year of the HorseDonna’s fondest childhood memory is running down the street to collect
her red envelopes from relatives. Her grandson Mitchell’s favourite part of the holiday involves sneaking some
(or lots) of her homemade spring rolls before dinner.
Jack Say Yee (余世積)Year of the TigerAn active member of the Chinese-Canadian community, Jack’s fondest Lunar
New Year memory is meeting his wife of 56 years. He also likes playing chess with his granddaughter, even
though she always wins. Their favourite food to eat together? “Chinese food is good…but [we] love Red Robin
burgers,” Jack chuckles.
“We eat prime rib on New Year’s because I’ve been in
Canada for a long time so my tastes have changed. Lunar New Year is more joyful now that there’s more people to
celebrate with, and more food to eat!”
Donna Mei Lan Kwan
Gift Cards (For Extra Luck)Celebrate even more with limited-edition digital gift cards featuring
illustrations by Korean-American illustrator Min Heo.Shop Gift Cards
Now Serving Dragon Pop ZInspired by Year of the Dragon, this exclusive treat features delectable
notes of mandarin and dragon fruit. Available at select A-OK Cafes until Saturday, February 10. Cheers.Available At
Lunar New Year Perfect Hoodie
Lunar New Year Mega Raglan Hoodie
Lunar New Year Mega Sweatpant
Lunar New Year Boyfriend Crew Sweatshirt
Lunar New Year Tote
“Sharing Korean traditions with my elementary school
class.”
“With my grandparents at the Incheon airport.”
“A family celebration with my grandparents, aunts and mom
back in Korea.”
Hoa Lâm and Trung Lâm
Year of the Horse, Year of the Cat
Every year, Hoa and Trung hand out red envelopes — or “lucky money” — to
their grandchildren. With each envelope comes a wish for the recipient, like love and peace. Or “more money
next year,” Hoa jokes.
Donna Mei Lan Kwan (李美兰)
Year of the Horse
Donna’s fondest childhood memory is running down the street to collect
her red envelopes from relatives. Her grandson Mitchell’s favourite part of the holiday involves sneaking some
(or lots) of her homemade spring rolls before dinner.
Jack Say Yee (余世積)
Year of the Tiger
An active member of the Chinese-Canadian community, Jack’s fondest Lunar
New Year memory is meeting his wife of 56 years. He also likes playing chess with his granddaughter, even
though she always wins. Their favourite food to eat together? “Chinese food is good…but [we] love Red Robin
burgers,” Jack chuckles.
