Ushering in the Year of the Horse: Festive Finds for a Fortunate New Year
As the Lunar New Year transitions from the contemplative Year of the Snake to the dynamic Year of the Horse, a palpable sense of swift energy and proactive spirit fills the air. This shift signifies a departure from introspection and a bold embrace of forward momentum and action. For those seeking to mark this auspicious occasion with meaningful gifts or a personal indulgence to invite health and prosperity, a host of special releases have hit the market. From delectable sweet treats with a distinctly Chinese flair to sophisticated designer mahjong sets, here’s a curated selection of items that are capturing attention and making their way into shopping carts.
Koko Black’s Auspicious Chocolate Creations
Renowned chocolatier Koko Black has elevated the art of Lunar New Year gifting with its exquisite collection, available both in-store and online. A standout piece is the 48-piece Lunar Lantern, a returning favourite now featuring nine layers of decadent pralines. This year introduces an exciting new Sichuan Pepper flavour, adding a contemporary twist to traditional indulgence. Each praline is meticulously wrapped in gold foil, a symbolic representation of wealth and good fortune. The number nine holds significant cultural importance in Chinese tradition, revered as a lucky number. Beyond its delicious contents, the Lunar Lantern is thoughtfully designed to be repurposed as a decorative centrepiece, adding a touch of elegance to New Year celebrations. As a special touch, customers will also receive complimentary hóng bāo (red envelopes) with their Lunar New Year purchases.
Haigh’s Chocolates: A Taste of Tradition and Innovation
Echoing the spirit of festive gifting, Haigh’s Chocolates presents its own dedicated Lunar New Year range. This collection boasts exclusive new flavours, including Milk Matcha and Peppermint Fudge, offering a delightful fusion of classic and contemporary tastes. These special confections can be purchased individually or as part of their meticulously curated Milk and Dark Selection boxes. The packaging itself is a visual celebration, adorned in vibrant red and gold hues and featuring a spirited horse motif. This imagery is further embellished with delicate plum blossoms, symbolising vitality, speed, and perseverance – qualities deeply associated with the Year of the Horse. Returning by popular demand is the beloved Milk Yuzu Block, alongside the Milk and Dark Macadamias Gift Box, Milk and Dark Tablets, and the charming Chocolate Baubles Gift Bag. This festive collection became available from February 9th across all Haigh’s stores and online.
LEO LIN: Fashion Meets Tradition with a Designer Mahjong Set
In a heartfelt tribute to founder Leo Lin’s own zodiac year, the acclaimed Sydney-based womenswear label LEO LIN has unveiled its inaugural mahjong set. This is not just a game; it’s a statement piece for the fashion-forward. Designed in a captivating palette of candy pink and red, the set is as visually striking as it is playable. Its inclusion of a luxurious carry case ensures it’s perfectly portable, making it an ideal companion for gatherings with friends and family. This exclusive release underscores the brand’s commitment to honouring cultural traditions with a modern, high-fashion sensibility.
Further enhancing the Lunar New Year celebrations, LEO LIN has forged a unique partnership with the prestigious Capella Sydney hotel. This collaboration offers guests an array of exclusive experiences, including a luxurious hotel package and a bespoke afternoon tea. The afternoon tea menu is thoughtfully inspired by LEO LIN’s Lunar New Year collection, blending culinary artistry with fashion aesthetics. Leo Lin himself commented on the significance of this collaboration, stating, “Lunar New Year is a moment deeply rooted in culture, connection, and new beginnings. Our partnership with Capella Sydney brings these values to life through thoughtfully curated experiences that honour tradition while embracing modern luxury.” The exclusive Afternoon Tea experience was available for booking until March, while the Capella Sydney x LEO LIN hotel package could be booked from February 13th to March 3rd.
Oribe’s Hair Alchemy: Strength and Elegance for the New Year
Luxury haircare brand Oribe has collaborated with Australian-Chinese artist Chris Chun to create a limited-edition Hair Alchemy Liter Set, designed to fortify hair and provide ultimate protection. This collection is poised to ensure smooth, resilient hair throughout 2026. The packaging features a striking Fire Horse design, incorporating bold gold outlines and auspicious reds to evoke a sense of prosperity, strength, and elegance. The set itself comprises the Hair Alchemy Resilience Shampoo and Hair Alchemy Resilience Conditioner, both in generous 1-litre bottles, promising an extended regimen of hair nourishment and fortification.
Silky Laundry: Effortless Style for the Year of the Fire Horse
The ready-to-wear luxury clothing brand Silky Laundry has captured the essence of the 2026 Year of the Fire Horse with a collection that promises to be a wardrobe workhorse. This capsule wardrobe features simple yet elegant silk staples in classic red or black. The range includes versatile pieces such as silk slacks, a relaxed blazer, and a bias-cut cami. The collection culminates in the brand’s signature black silk slip dress, adorned with evocative Year of the Horse artwork. The design depicts wild horses galloping beneath a radiant red sun, a powerful visual metaphor for strength and forward motion, perfectly embodying the spirit of the New Year.
Dior’s Iconic Red for Lunar New Year
Dior embraces the auspicious power of red with its limited-edition Rouge Dior lipstick collection, offering a sophisticated way to incorporate this vibrant hue into Lunar New Year celebrations. The Rouge Dior lipstick delivers a bold, matte finish, providing a statement lip for any occasion. Beyond its striking colour payoff, the formula is enriched with lip care ingredients, ensuring lips remain soft and smooth. This elegant offering from Dior provides a touch of luxury and a pop of auspicious colour for the festive season.
Le Creuset: A Culinary Celebration of the Horse
The esteemed 101-year-old French kitchenware brand, Le Creuset, marks the 2026 Lunar New Year with its very first dedicated collection. The Carousel collection beautifully features horse motifs splashed across vibrant, glossy red glazes, making it an ideal choice for festive tablescaping. The range includes a thoughtful selection of stoneware plates, bowls, dishes, and soup spoons, each designed to complement traditional banquet dishes such as prosperity toss salads and longevity noodles. Presented with crimson ribbon and gold foiling, these pieces make for an exceptionally thoughtful Lunar New Year gift, whether for a loved one or as a well-deserved treat for oneself.
Burberry: Equestrian Elegance for the New Year
Burberry reinterprets its iconic wardrobe staples with a subtle nod to the Year of the Horse in its dedicated Lunar New Year capsule collection. Signature A-line trench coats are elevated with detachable wool-blend warmers, featuring distinctive red stripes and the brand’s Equestrian Knight design. The horse motif is also more prominently featured across a range of accessories, including striking red scarves, a quilted horseshoe chain pouch bag, and elegant studded hoop earrings, offering a blend of timeless style and festive flair.
