We all know that colours play an important role in our lives. Not only should we wear colours that complement our skintone, certain colours which we wear too have a specific psychological effect on both us the wearer as well as the people around us.

Besides red having all these positive connotations, we also believe red is the colour of prosperity. We want our bank accounts to be healthy, our rice cookers at home to be full, our investments to be smooth and our businesses to propser.

Most ladies will not hesitate to wear red for the Chinese New Year. But if you are a guy and you are a little in awe of the bright red colour, then take a leaf from my example and choose to wear pink instead.

Unknown to many, pink is the colour of universal love. As we know, pink is the combination of red and white. While I’ve already shared the qualities of red, let’s see what the colour white symbolizes.

Besides many who believe white symbolizes purity and cleanliness, to me specifically, white also signifies starting on a fresh slate. It’s as if we have spring-cleaned everything, weeding all the negative energies, leaving us with a pure, pristine white canvas to draw and visualize. Whatever colours you wish to paint, it’s really up to you as you own that canvas and are responsible for the actions…and ultimately results. That was why I chose to wear pink this year as I combined the best of both the colours red and white.

Quite obviously, the colour to avoid at all cost is black. It’s perfectly alright to wear black on other days and come across with a sense of mystery. But during Chinese New Year, wear black and I bet you will get a heavy scolding by your elders. Wearing black during Chinese New Year is akin to partying with gloom, death and all things negative. It’s like a doomsday scenario. And it’s definitely not what we want at the start of a new year. Instead, we want to be reinvigorated, reenergized and revitalized. We want to start the New Year on a positive note.

So remember, wear red or pink this Chinese New Year. Here’s wishing everyone a happy and prosperous Chinese New Year. Gong Xi Gong Xi!

I went to Nanyang Polytechnic this afternoon for a discussion with the teacher-in-charge and a group of Year 2 student leaders. And the good news is that the grooming talk is confirmed on 24 Sep 09. 

Being able to bring my grooming talk titled “Create A First Impression That Counts” to more people and transforming their lives is a real blessing in itself. I’m happily counting down to the date. J