The Year of the Horse

And What It Means for Slow Fashion

With 2025 (finally) behind us, it’s time to look ahead towards the New Year — namely the horse year. According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2026 is the Year of the Horse, symbolizing forward moving momentum, collective action, and bold decision making. For a handful of obvious reasons, this energy is very much welcomed in the new year and beyond.

The sustainable fashion industry, in particular, seems to be taking full advantage of the Year of the Horse. Designers big and small are inspired by the horse and all it’s coming to represent. From crochet scarves, to painted tapestries, to ceramic adornments, the horse is everywhere.

More than a symbolic gesture, the Year of the Horse acts as a gentle reminder that charging ahead — fearlessly and unapologetically — can take many forms. The simple act of slowing down, in what we create and in what we consume, is, ironically enough, a charge forward.

Slow fashion has always been an act of rebellion. It has always been a revolt and protest against capitalism and all it entails. To create and consume slowly is to demand a more sustainable system that values people, the planet and beautiful things.

As we look forward towards the Year of the Horse, we celebrate the artists, designers and creatives who share our hopeful optimism. While the Chinese Zodiac won’t magically solve all of our problems, maybe — just maybe — it’s the silver lining so many of us are desperate for.