High fashion rings in the Year of the Horse

As the Year of the Horse galloped into 2026, luxury labels unveiled collections that honoured both tradition and legacy. The horse — a symbol of power, elegance and prestige — ran deep in the heritage of several brands. For Lunar New Year, designers reworked zodiac symbolism through their signature codes, creating collections that felt celebratory yet unmistakably on brand. Collections saddle up with horse motifsLuxury houses have marked the occasion by reinterpreting their iconic emblems through an equestrian lens. Burberry revisited its Equestrian Knight Design, presenting it in soft ink and watercolour-style prints across ready-to-wear, leather goods, and accessories. Red and warm hues lead the palette, linking British heritage with Chinese New Year traditions.Loro Piana introduced its Chandani Horse motif across womenswear and Cash Silk scarves, staying true to its understated aesthetic.Polo Ralph Lauren launched embroidered pony and horseshoe motifs in festive red and gold. Meanwhile, Prada celebrated the Fire Horse with a bold red geometric emblem combined with its triangle logo, bringing it to life through a campaign in China. For Moncler, the horse symbolises forward movement, replacing straight quilting with curved stitching that suggests motion.Horse charms, mane trims add whimsy to luxe accessoriesAccessories are adding a playful dimension, with brands leaning into symbolism and craft. Loewe trimmed its Puzzle and Amazona bags with hand-knotted fringes resembling a horse’s mane, alongside miniature horse charms. Fendi revived limited edition BFF bag charms adorned with persimmons and peanuts, referencing a Chinese phrase that conveys wishes for smoothness and good fortune.Loro Piana introduced horse shaped charms for its Extra Pocket L19, along with an antique gold-toned horse pin for coats and scarves. Dior unveiled the limited-edition Grand Soir Year of the Horse watch in rose gold, set with diamonds. Meanwhile, Hermès generated online buzz as its Year of the Horse digital campaign trended across social media, driven in part by an animated feature on its website and a festive range of scarves, jewellery, and ready-to-wear.How horses defined luxury fashionThe horse long played a defining role in fashion, appearing in house logos, emblems and founding narratives. Hermès began in 1837as a harness workshop in Paris, producing saddles and bridles for European nobility. Its carriage-and horse logo served as a direct nod to those origins, while its expertise in leatherwork continued to reflect equestrian craft. Burberry carried forward its mounted symbol, the Equestrian Knight Design, introduced in 1901. The knight on horseback, bearing the Latin word “Prorsum”, meaning “forwards”.Meanwhile, Gucci continued to draw from riding culture. Its horsebit motif — inspired by a bridle — remained one of the house’s most recognisable signatures, appearing on belts and handbags. Elsewhere, Polo Ralph Lauren built its identity around the sport of polo.