“…For Chinese New Year 2026, red continues to transcend its role as an auspicious colour. It stands as a symbol of vitality, renewal, and prosperity, one that travels seamlessly across cultures. From Eastern belief systems to the visual language of global fashion, red has never been merely a colour. It is identity, a signature that certain brands have claimed as their own, expressing clarity, boldness, and an unmistakable sense of self. These five iconic interpretations reveal why red remains one of fashion’s most powerful elements…”
Valentino Red
Valentino Red is not simply a shade, it is an emotional register of fashion itself, blending romance, opulence, and self-assured femininity. Valentino Garavani, often revered as The Last Emperor of couture, once described red in words that have since become legendary, “Red is a fascinating colour: it is life, the blood of death, passion, love, the absolute remedy against sadness and gloom. I think a woman dressed in red is always wonderful. It is, in the crowd, the perfect image of the heroine.”
Christian Louboutin
The red sole of Christian Louboutin is one of the most powerful symbols in fashion history. A shade synonymous with desire, seduction, and emotional authority, it speaks the moment a woman takes her first step. This red tells a story of confidence and audacity without uttering a single word. In the context of Chinese New Year, Louboutin’s red feels almost talismanic, a fashion embodiment of power, fortune, and irresistible allure.
Gucci Rosso
For devotees of Gucci, Rosso is instantly recognisable as part of the house’s visual DNA. Luxurious yet never loud, classic yet provocatively modern, Gucci Rosso bridges the brand’s illustrious past with its continual reinvention. It is a red that carries emotion, heritage, and fearless expression, perfectly aligned with the spirit of renewal that defines the Lunar New Year.
Supreme
In the world of streetwear, Supreme’s red is a declaration of cultural dominance. The iconic Red Box Logo has become a universal symbol of rebellion, identity, and youth-driven power. This is not a red associated with luxury in the traditional sense, but with influence, a colour that claims space, reshapes culture, and speaks directly to a generation unafraid to assert its voice.
Levi’s
The small red tab on the back pocket of Levi’s jeans is one of fashion’s most understated yet enduring details. It represents durability, authenticity, and lived history. Levi’s red does not shout, it whispers stories of labour, American heritage, and timeless resilience. It is a subtle mark that has, over decades, become a symbol of value, collectability, and cultural permanence.
As Chinese New Year 2026 unfolds, red continues to act as a bridge between belief and self-expression, from its auspicious roots in Chinese culture to its enduring role in global fashion. It symbolises courage, beginnings, and clarity of identity. And in fashion, the most iconic reds are never just beautiful. They are remembered, because they carry stories far deeper than colour alone.
