Get ready to welcome in the imminent Year of the Horse! As the celebrations around the Lunar New Year commence, luxury brands have dressed some of their best sellers in striking red, or horse-adorned, limited-edition finery for the occasion.
The Lunar New Year is a period where a number of countries including China, Korea, Vietnam and Singapore and those with related culture and connections around the world, mark a new year based on the first new moon in the traditional lunar calendar.
The first day of the Lunar New Year in 2026 is Tuesday, February 17, which is the Year of the Horse according to the Chinese Zodiac. The horse is celebrated for its energetic and dynamic nature. It is said to symbolise vitality, speed, and perseverance.
Vietnam’s celebration is called Tết, short for Tết Nguyên Đán, and this year country will also welcome in the Year of the Horse.
Clockwise from top L: Dior Mini Lady Dior Gardenia Wallet; Louis Vuitton Lunar New Year Vivienne Reykjavik 2.0 Scarf; Chloe Chain Horse Bracelet; Dior Rouge Dior Limited Edition Lipstick; Coach Horse And Carriage Bag Strap Print Silk Square Scarf; Swarovski Symbolica Stud Earrings; Hermès Pegase Charm; Chantecaille Philanthropy Cheek Shade Emotion in Joy
The celebration of the new year is the perfect time to give tokens of affection and good wishes in the form of gifts adorned in red – a colour considered to bring good fortune and joy. Plenty of luxury and beauty brands have come to the party with reverent or playful packaging to mark the festivities.
Clockwise from top L: Burberry Mini Horseshoe Backpack; Bobbi Brown Lunar New Year Eyeshadow Quad; Pandora Red Cord Snake Chain Bracelet; Gucci GG Emblem Shoulder Bag; Louis Vuitton Horse Box; Van Cleef & Arpels Lucky Animals Horse clip; Prada Patent Leather Slingback Pumps
Some houses with longstanding equestrian connections, such as Gucci and Hermès, are naturally leaning into their horse symbolism, while others are are updating recognisable packaging with fiery hues for the occasion.
One of our favourite ideas is to revisit the lucky red packets, known as hongbao, used to gift money during Chinese New Year, in wallet form so they can carry it with them year-round.
