Embracing the Year of the Horse: A Journey of Fashion and Renewal
As we step into 2025, the Year of the Snake captures attention. Each year in the Chinese zodiac brings its unique symbolism, and this one, marked by transformation, resonates deeply with many. The accompanying themes of pain and rebirth mirror personal experiences, leading to a deeper exploration of cultural significance. With the Year of the Horse on the horizon, excitement builds for what lies ahead—a year of movement, independence, and momentum. As a fashion enthusiast, I find myself reflecting on how to align this energetic mindset with my shopping choices.
A New Shopping Mindset for the Year of the Horse
Shopping with the spirit of the Year of the Horse isn’t about merely seeking the latest trends; it’s about embracing thoughtful momentum. It’s essential to select pieces that earn their place in your wardrobe. These are items that exude confidence without being overly loud, adaptable enough to transition across seasons. The focus is not on reinvention, but rather on enhancing progression through intentional choices.
The Significance of Lunar New Year
Before diving into the pieces that embody the Year of the Horse spirit, it’s important to understand what Lunar New Year represents for those who have celebrated it throughout their lives. I spoke to four AAPI founders to gain insight into their expectations for the Year of the Horse and found their reflections enriching. Here’s what they shared with me.
Amy Liu, Founder of Tower 28 Beauty
What does the Year of the Horse traditionally represent for you, personally or culturally?
The horse signifies vitality, luck, and momentum—qualities that we avidly welcome in the New Year. For my family, the Lunar New Year is steeped in tradition. We clean our homes, get haircuts, donate unnecessary belongings to eliminate clutter, and feast on steamed fish, dumplings, and all foods associated with prosperity, health, and fortune.
How does the transition from the Year of the Snake to the Horse resonate with your approach to this year?
Following a year of clearing both physical and mental space, the Year of the Horse feels like a rejuvenating fresh start. It’s about progressing with purpose, vibrancy, and optimism, knowing we’ve made room for new opportunities.
What’s one item you own that embodies the movement and spirit of the Year of the Horse in your life?
My makeup bag. With frequent travels, it’s always filled with new products I’m experimenting with, along with daily essentials. It symbolizes how my life is constantly evolving, moving forward, and adapting with intention.
Julie Chung, MD, Eye Surgeon and Co-founder of T3
What does the Year of the Horse traditionally represent for you, personally or culturally?
For me, the horse symbolizes optimism, momentum, and openness. As an Asian American, the Lunar New Year is a special time to reconnect with traditions passed down through generations while also recognizing how these customs evolve in a contemporary setting. The horse embodies a hopeful spirit, rooted in continuity and forward motion.
How does the transition from the Year of the Snake to the Horse influence your approach this year?
After a year of economic uncertainty and deep reflection, the Year of the Fire Horse feels invigorating. It’s the perfect time to embrace opportunities, community, and growth while staying grounded in intention.
What’s one item you own that captures movement in your life relating to the Year of the Horse?
My calendar. Juggling work travel, family time, and nurturing community connections for T3 and beyond, it reflects that movement this year goes beyond the physical. It’s about bringing people together, celebrating culture, and creating momentum through relationships.
Lillian Tung, Co-founder and CMO of Fur
What does the Year of the Horse mean to you, both personally and culturally?
The Year of the Horse conveys energy, adventure, and progress. Lunar New Year has always been a family-oriented holiday for us; a time when traditions hold firm even amidst change. The horse represents the balance between cherishing our roots while embracing the excitement and momentum of the future.
How does the transition from the Year of the Snake to the Horse impact your outlook this year?
After a year of contemplation, the Year of the Horse invites us to embrace movement—an opportunity to proceed confidently and curiously. This approach reflects my personal and professional ambitions: rooted in tradition yet eager for adventure and progression.
What’s one item you own that embodies the movement and essence of the Year of the Horse?
Our family dining table, where our eight-course Lunar New Year meal comes together. It’s a place where traditions are shared, and new stories unfold as generations move forward. It remains a steadfast element filled with motion, conversation, and celebration.
Rebecca Zhou, Founder of Soft Services
What does the Year of the Horse represent to you, personally or culturally?
Being born in 1990, the Year of the Metal Horse has always felt significant to me. This year feels especially impactful. The fire horse emerges following the Year of the Wood Snake, representing the act of shedding the old and racing forward into new experiences.
How does the transition from the Year of the Snake to the Horse resonate with your intentions for this year?
This shift is empowering. The wood snake’s message was to let go of what no longer serves us, while the fire horse arrives with a readiness to charge ahead. This year signifies freedom to act boldly, trust in gained wisdom, and charge forward without hesitation.
What’s one item that captures movement and embodies the Year of the Horse for you?
The calligraphy scrolls my uncle writes annually for our family. They serve as visual reminders of progress—brushstrokes that encapsulate intention, growth, and blessings. They ground me while encouraging forward progress.
Shop Pieces That Capture the Spirit of the Year of the Horse
Discover New Essentials
Polène
Numéro Dix Galop
The charm on this bag symbolizes empowerment.
As we embrace the Year of the Horse, let’s focus on creating a meaningful, stylish, and impactful year ahead. May these reflections and curated pieces serve as both inspiration and intention for a vibrant 2025!
