This year's Lunar New Year begins on 17 February, and for the luxury maisons that have long embraced all things horsey as inspiration – think Gucci, Hermès and Ralph Lauren – the Year of the Horse is a veritable gift. Their time-honoured emblems are elegantly reimagined on a backdrop of auspicious red. As for the symbolism that revolves around the Lunar New Year, those born under the sign of the horse in the Chinese zodiac can expect plenty of success and good fortune in the year ahead.
With so many coveted capsule pieces to choose from here on Bond Street, perhaps this is the year to embrace your inner thoroughbred.
Montblanc
Montblanc celebrates the Chinese New Year with an invitation to write new beginnings. Using red and gold tones, colours that symbolise prosperity and good fortune, each piece in the collection has been crafted to be a trusted companion for new journeys. Featuring The Montblanc Horse, an original illustration by Artistic Director Marco Tomasetta, the Year of the Horse is encapsulated with a horse galloping among clouds, a symbol of steadfast optimism leading into the new year.
IWC Schaffhausen
Luxury Swiss watchmaker, IWC Schaffhausen has created a dedicated timepiece for the Lunar New Year, a limited edition of its Portugieser Automatic 42 to welcome the Year of the Horse. Featuring the red tones used throughout Lunar New Year celebrations as well as a delicate depiction of a horse on the reverse of the dial.
MIKIMOTO
Japanese jewellers, MIKIMOTO, have launched their Lunar New Year collection, titled Ruyi - meaning 'as you wish' or 'as desired' in Chinese. Treat your loved one to these delicate drop earrings, £5,600, inspired by Chinese knots and featuring the jewellers acclaimed Akoya cultured pearls.
Ralph Lauren
The American fashion brand, Ralph Lauren's Lunar New Year capsule line features plenty of standout pieces including this sleeveless cable-knit jumper, £185, spun from the softest Italian wool and cashmere. With its signature pony logo, resplendent in gold embroidery, the vibrant red knit is best paired with a crisp white tee.
Gucci
The Italian fashion brand's Horsebit 1955 nano bag, a compact black leather number, replete with the luxury brand's iconic gold hardware and chain strap, £1,240, takes its cue from saddlery once again. Think of it as the thoroughbred of accessories: elegant, versatile and guaranteed to trot seamlessly from day to night.
Stella McCartney
Stella McCartney, whose favourite animal just so happens to be the horse, celebrates the Lunar New Year with bold patterns and a splash of red. Top picks include a pixelated horse print tee, airbrushed by hand, from the women's line, £325, and a pair of printed Popeline trousers, £95, from her Kids collection. The latter are cut from organic cotton, naturally, because even the most spirited young equestrian deserves comfort with a conscience.
Louis Vuitton
The French fashion maison's Ride Away silk square, £440, marks the Lunar New Year in style and doubles as a springtime wardrobe essential. The delicate print depicts a quartet of horses prancing around an outsized Monogram Flower, rendered in inky brushstrokes and finished with a hemmed fringe. Drape it over shoulders or knot it at the neck – however you style it, it’s a chic nod to this year's auspicious zodiac animal.
Diptyque
At Diptyque, this year's celebratory Lunar New Year candle, £60, features illustrations by Chinese urban artist Zinan Lam. With nature in mind, Lam imagines a joyful landscape where Lamei blossoms and magpies, symbols of hope and renewal, take centre stage. A fragrant talisman for the year ahead, with velvety yellow petals and a whisper of honeyed woodsmoke.
Dior
Finally, to Dior, where Jonathan Anderson’s debut for the house includes a silver Couture Charms necklace, £1,350, featuring a sculpted horse pendant. Part playful talisman, part statement jewellery piece, it can be layered with other charms from the collection. And Dior's horseshoe bracelet with its red knotted cord and sliver-finish accents, £320, also ensures that a little Year of the Horse good luck goes a long way.