The horse has long been a symbol of power. In Western cultures, horses represent freedom and nobility, in line with the vital position that horses held in centuries-old monarchies. In most Asian cultures—in particular, Chinese folklore—the majestic stallion stands for success and speed, per a traditional Chinese idiom that speaks of horses’ grace and vitality.
It is no wonder, then, that in the Year of the Horse, fashion houses are leaning deep into the prowess and magnificence associated with the hoofed creature. Take, for example, Loewe’s modern spin on the age-old Chinese tale Little Horse Crosses The River—a fable that speaks of summoning bravery in the face of life’s uncertainties. In Loewe’s animated retelling, a young horse must cross a river to deliver lanterns for the festive season. After encountering a cast of forest friends and brand ambassador Wang Yibo on its journey, the horse learns to embrace the challenges that life presents him with with unprecedented courage.
Indeed, it is stories like these that imbue the Lunar New Year season with meaning. Each Zodiac animal is rife with history, yet seeing it through a contemporary lens is precisely the way to breathe new life and spirit into the traditional customs we take for granted.
Modernised yet still encapsulating all that defines the festive season, these capsule collections present a fresh take on tradition. Inspired by the little horse’s bravery, Loewe’s offerings include special editions of its most iconic bags, now with hand-tied fringe and tassels. Meanwhile, Jonathan Anderson’s Dior finds Lady Luck in subtler motifs—the horseshoe and four-leaf clover—which find their place on ready-to-wear, bags and even jewellery. Onitsuka Tiger has also unveiled a limited edition version of its Mexico 66 sneaker, which comes in a festive red, enhanced with horseshoe graphics cleverly hidden in various parts of the shoe’s design. Whether subtly transformed or loud and proud, the styling possibilities for the horse are endless—if only one is brave enough to see them.
Here, Vogue Singapore unveils the most exciting Lunar New Year-themed pieces to shop in the Year of the Horse.
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Valentino Garavani DeVain embroidered small shoulder bag, $5,440
Available at Valentino.
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Bottega Veneta small Andiamo messenger, price upon request
Available at Bottega Veneta boutiques.
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Ferragamo 40mm sequin-embellished slingback pumps, $1,750
Available at Farfetch.
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Max Mara printed silk pussy-bow shirt, price upon request
Available at Max Mara boutiques.
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Ralph Lauren Chilton stretch silk charmeuse top, $2,429
Available at Ralph Lauren.
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Dior small Lady Dior bag with strap, price upon request
Available at Dior boutiques.
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Tory Burch T Monogram jacquard bomber jacket, $1,065
Available at Tory Burch.
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Loro Piana short Horsey jacket, price upon request
Available at Loro Piana boutiques.
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Miu Miu Wander matelassé nappa leather hobo bag, $3,850
Available at Miu Miu.
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Jil Sander Goji Pillow small crinkled-leather shoulder bag, $3,997
Available on Net-a-Porter.
