Summary:
- EVISU launches Lunar New Year collection centered on Year of the Horse zodiac symbolism
- Collection features hand-applied horsehair details, velvet patches, and gold selvedge denim
- Traditional Japanese elements include hariko horse motifs and ema prayer tablet designs
EVISU Steps Into 2026 With Year of the Horse Collection
EVISU enters 2026 with a Lunar New Year capsule that brings together Asian tradition and Japanese street style. The brand built this collection around the Year of the Horse, translating zodiac symbols into wearable pieces through detailed craft work.
The collection centers on symbols rooted in Asian culture. The hariko horse, a traditional Japanese papier-mâché toy associated with New Year celebrations, appears throughout the range. Horseshoes function as symbols of prosperity and status. Embroidery draws from ema, wooden tablets where people write wishes and prayers at shrines. These elements transform each garment into something beyond clothing.
Denim forms the base of the collection. Jackets and jeans feature complex embroidery, velvet patches, and appliqué techniques that add dimension and texture. Some pieces go further. EVISU attached horsehair manes and tails by hand onto silk and wool foundations, creating three-dimensional effects that border on sculptural. This approach demonstrates technical skill rather than surface decoration.
The brand introduced limited edition gold selvedge denim for this capsule, reinforcing the premium positioning. Each element serves a purpose within the broader story of renewal, strength, and forward movement that defines the Fire Horse in Chinese zodiac tradition.
The construction methods deserve attention. Artisans applied materials by hand, layering techniques to build depth. Velvet patches contrast with denim texture. Embroidery follows traditional patterns while adapting to modern silhouettes. The horsehair details required precision to secure properly on fabric bases without compromising wearability.
EVISU approached this collection as a narrative project. The Fire Horse represents energy, ambition, and transformation in zodiac lore. The brand translated these qualities through material choices and visual elements rather than literal representations. Prosperity symbols appear integrated into designs instead of added as afterthoughts.
The pieces work as standalone items while forming a cohesive story when viewed together. Jackets pair with jeans from the same collection, but you choose how to style them. The embroidery patterns repeat across different garment types, creating visual continuity. Gold selvedge denim adds a premium touch that distinguishes these pieces from standard offerings.
Traditional Japanese craft techniques meet streetwear sensibility in this capsule. The hariko horse motif connects to centuries of New Year tradition. Ema-inspired embroidery references spiritual practice. Yet the final products fit into contemporary wardrobes. EVISU balanced cultural reference with modern function.
The limited edition aspect matters here. Gold selvedge denim production requires specialized looms and expertise. Hand-applied horsehair details take time and skill. These factors make scaling difficult, keeping the collection exclusive. Buyers get access to pieces that demonstrate technical complexity alongside cultural knowledge.
EVISU positions this collection at the intersection of heritage and street culture. The brand draws from Japanese tradition while acknowledging broader Asian symbolism. Each piece carries meaning beyond aesthetics, whether through material choice, construction method, or visual reference. The Year of the Horse becomes a framework for exploring craft, symbolism, and renewal through denim.
Kristin Kaye
Insatiably curious about human expression, she immerses herself in literature, theater, art, and dance. Her academic journey led to degrees in Modern Literature, where she delved into The Furioso, and Historical Sciences with a focus on Contemporary History. Her studies took her to the prestigious Erasmus University Rotterdam, broadening her international perspective.
Her passion for culture isn't confined to personal enjoyment—it spills onto the pages of various publications. There, she explores not only artistic endeavors but also civil rights issues and the myriad ways human culture manifests itself. For her, writing about these topics isn't just a profession; it's an irresistible calling that stems from her deep-seated fascination with the human experience.