The article discusses a cultural project centered around the Chinese New Year celebration in Italy, blending haute cuisine, contemporary art, and East-West dialogue.
For the past four years, Bon Wei's Chinese New Year celebration has grown beyond a community event into a rich cultural project that combines haute cuisine, contemporary art, and an East-West dialogue. At the heart of this collaboration is Zhang Le, the owner of a renowned restaurant and custodian of his family's gastronomic vision, who partners with Milanese street artist Teo KayKay, a pioneer in unique customizations for top champagne brands. The upcoming 2026 celebration, dedicated to the Year of the Fire Horse (HuÇ’ MÇŽ), marks the fourth consecutive collaboration between these two figures, creating rich experiences tied to the themes of the Chinese zodiac.
This year's event continues the artistic tradition, with Teo KayKay again overseeing the event's visual identity and the custom creation of ten exceptional champagne bottles. These customizations transform the celebration into an immersive experience for attendees, allowing them to engage deeply with the cultural significance of the festivities. The focal symbol of this year's celebration, the Fire Horse, represents energy, passion, and freedom, themes that resonate strongly within both the food offered and the artistic expressions showcased during the event.
Through this initiative, Zhang Le and Teo KayKay illustrate how cultural events like the Chinese New Year can serve as platforms for cross-cultural dialogue and artistic collaboration, enriching not only the local community in Milan but also fostering understanding between diverse cultures. This project highlights the importance of such celebrations in promoting inclusivity and appreciation of different cultural heritages, particularly significant in a globalized world where such interactions are increasingly valuable.
