Last Monday the Year of the Dragon dawned in China. Finally. After 12 years in which earthly animals like pigs, goats, rats, rabbits, oxen, horses, and snakes controlled our destiny, a spirit of the air, a dazzling mythical creature, is now happily taking over. So we can expect great changes, and great luck.

Chinese fortunetellers foresee a harmonious and healthy year with increased creativity, a flourishing economy and a baby boom. Sounds good. And my luck will no doubt come in a concentrated form, because like all those born in the years 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988 or 2000, I was born in the Chinese Year of the Dragon. It will rain money and ideas, even the most difficult projects will be a piece of cake, the texts will write themselves.

No, no, it's not that easy, warns my old school friend Eva, who works as a lawyer in Shanghai. She should know, after all, she is also a Dragon. Dragons could have too much luck in the Year of the Dragon, she says. Too much luck? How is that possible? Indeed, too much of a good thing can lead to trouble. Oh well, Dragons like to go for it. Spend more money than they earn. Are too impatient and long gone when success comes. I've been there. What to do? There is only one thing for it: wear something red every day. That balances it out, which is why, says Eva, this year Dragon women in China are all wearing red lingerie. She promises to send me some original red underwear from China. Until it arrives, I am relying on my bright-red lipstick and a glass of red wine in the evening. And I wonder whether this is not an important job for designers? They could do their bit to help luck, instead of cynicism, spread from one continent to another in these times of globalization. What we Dragons in Europe need, urgently, is obvious: a magical colored charm that can be discreetly worn on one's person. Are socks and underwear all European designers can think of? We Dragons, and there are plenty of us, can't wait. So come on, friends: A good idea in the Year of the Dragon is all you need, then luck will take over, the economy will flourish ... Incidentally, they say those born in the Year of the Rat benefit most from the Year of the Dragon. The Rats? Oh well, I guess things will just stay the same after all.