The start of 2026 brings with it one of the world’s most colorful and meaningful celebrations: Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival. This year, the festivities begin on February 17 and stretch through March 3, marking the arrival of the Year of the Fire Horse in the lunar zodiac. Across the globe, from the bustling streets of Shanghai to the vibrant communities of Virginia, families, businesses, and entire cities embrace a period rich with tradition, symbolism, and—of course—style.
So, what exactly makes this year’s celebration special? According to WRIC, the lunar calendar’s 12-year cycle assigns an animal to each year, and 2026 is all about the horse—specifically, the Fire Horse. The horse, a symbol of energy, freedom, and forward momentum, takes on an extra spark with the fire element, promising a year filled with passion and drive. Different cultures put their own spin on the zodiac: for example, the Vietnamese calendar swaps the rabbit for a cat and the ram for a goat, while the Korean zodiac uses a sheep instead of a ram. But regardless of the animal, the spirit of renewal and family ties runs deep.
Lunar New Year is observed by millions, particularly among the Asian diaspora in the United States and throughout Asia. The holiday is more than just a date on the calendar—it’s a 15-day marathon of reunion meals, red envelopes stuffed with lucky money, and rituals designed to sweep away last year’s misfortunes. As WRIC notes, traditions include cleaning the home to banish bad luck, decorating with the auspicious color red, and even avoiding haircuts on New Year’s Day to prevent cutting away good fortune.
Virginia, for example, is home to a lively array of events. The Eden Center in Falls Church will host its annual Tet celebration on February 17, featuring lion dances and festive activities from noon to 5 p.m. For those further south, the Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke is planning a Lunar New Year celebration on February 21, complete with martial arts demonstrations and art displays. Earlier in the month, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts hosted ChinaFest: Year of the Fire Horse, which brought together families for dance performances and collaborative art projects. Local temples and Asian community centers also open their doors for gatherings, ensuring the traditions are kept alive and shared widely.
But the influence of Lunar New Year extends far beyond community gatherings. Global brands have seized the opportunity to launch exclusive collections inspired by the Fire Horse, blending cultural motifs with contemporary design. According to FashionNetwork.com, Swiss brand On has rolled out a 25-piece capsule collection featuring trainers, apparel, and accessories for both men and women. The trainer lineup includes models like the Cloudsurfer Max and Cloudmonster Void Year of the Horse, with prices ranging from 170 to 200 euros. Apparel options span from T-shirts and joggers to windbreakers, with prices starting at 50 euros and peaking at 310 euros for the most technical pieces. Accessories such as beanies, caps, socks, and belt bags round out the collection, available both online and in select boutiques.
Not to be outdone, Canada Goose has teamed up with artist Matt McCormick to create a collection that fuses the brand’s signature outerwear with bold, festive colors. The range includes around twenty pieces, from T-shirts and fleeces to parkas, in shades of red, beige, and black. Prices start at 225 euros for polo shirts and rise to 1,395 euros for women’s parkas, reflecting the brand’s focus on premium quality and design. The collection, which is already available online and in select stores, is described as “a design made to move”—a nod to both the brand’s ethos and the energetic spirit of the Fire Horse.
Jewelry brand Redline, known for its minimalist haute couture pieces, is also marking the occasion with three exclusive collections: Lucky Horse, Mini Horse, and Fer à Cheval. These feature bracelets and necklaces adorned with delicate horse motifs, set above the brand’s signature diamond on a colored cord. Prices range from 600 euros for entry-level pieces up to 1,350 euros for the Mini Horse chain necklace in white gold. Shoppers can find these limited-edition items online or at Redline’s boutique in Paris’s 1st arrondissement.
Lanvin, the storied French fashion house, has collaborated with artist and creative director Lv Wenting to create a capsule collection that pays homage to the house’s founder, Jeanne Lanvin, and her daughter Marguerite. The collection is centered around a print of three intertwined horses, symbolizing protection and family. From silk squares at 320 euros to mohair jumpers priced at 1,490 euros, the collection offers a range of ready-to-wear and accessories. Denim ensembles, trainers, cardholders, and scarves complete the lineup, all available online and in select Lanvin boutiques. The collaboration also brings the festive motif to boutique windows from Shanghai to Hong Kong, with lanterns and Mio-embroidered tapestries adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
Finnish design house Marimekko is bringing its own vibrant flair to the festivities with a limited-edition Kioski collection. Under the direction of Satu Maaranen, the line features essentials in bright colors designed to capture the energy of the horse. The ready-to-wear collection includes T-shirts, tracksuits, jeans, and cardigans, with prices ranging from 105 to 280 euros. Accessories such as socks (29 euros), caps (115 euros), and key rings (45 euros) are also available, both online and at Marimekko’s Paris boutique.
While the luxury fashion world is embracing the Fire Horse with style and creativity, the heart of Lunar New Year remains firmly rooted in community and tradition. As WRIC points out, the holiday is “arguably the most important” for many Asian families, serving as a time to gather, reflect, and honor the past while looking ahead to a new year filled with promise. Importantly, the holiday is inclusive: non-Asians are encouraged to join in the festivities, support local Asian-owned businesses, and participate respectfully in cultural traditions. The emphasis is on community, family, and shared joy—a sentiment that’s as relevant in Paris or New York as it is in Beijing or Hanoi.
From dazzling lion dances in Virginia to the launch of exclusive designer collections across Europe and Asia, the Year of the Fire Horse is galloping in with energy, optimism, and a sense of renewal. Whether you’re exchanging red envelopes, shopping for a limited-edition trainer, or simply enjoying a reunion meal with loved ones, there’s something for everyone to celebrate as the lunar calendar turns its page.