Business
Lunar New Year gives brands a chance to win back big spenders in China
Luxury brands from Harry Winston to Loewe are going all in on Lunar New Year collections in a bid to attract Chinese customers.
Ahead of the Year of the Horse, which starts on Tuesday, Harry Winston unveiled a limited-edition, $81,500 rose gold watch with diamond bezels and a red lacquer horse. High-end fashion brand Chloé released a capsule collection, ranging from $250 silk scarves to a $5,300 snakeskin and leather shoulder bag with a horse head and tail linked by a horsebit chain. A slew of other brands, including Loewe, Gucci and Loro Piana, have introduced new bag charms with horse motifs.
The Year of the Horse arrives at a time of cautious optimism for designer brands and could mark the start of a China’s luxury market comeback.
Chinese consumers were once the primary driver for the global luxury sector but have cut back sharply in recent years, weighed down by the country’s slowing economy and depressed housing values.
The Chinese luxury market stood at about 350 billion RMB in 2024, or about $50 billion, according to estimates from Bain. While the consultancy estimates that market contracted by 3% to 5% in 2025, Bain analysts noted that the sector started showing signs of recovery in the second half of 2025 on the back of stronger stock market performance and consumer confidence.
Loewe celebrated Year of the Horse with storefront installation in Shanghai, China.
Ying Tang/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Bernstein senior analyst Luca Solca said he predicts Chinese luxury spending will stabilize, forecasting mid-single-digit percentage growth in 2026. However, the market is still far more competitive than at its peak, he said.
Before the Covid pandemic, Chinese consumers accounted for about one-third of the global luxury goods market, according to Solca. That percentage has since dipped to about 23%, he said.
The luxury market’s fortunes do not solely rest on Lunar New Year, but it is an opportunity for Western brands to show respect for Chinese culture, he said.
The annual holiday is associated with the colors red and gold, which symbolize good luck and fortune in Chinese culture. Each Lunar New Year is represented by one of 12 Chinese zodiac animals. Last year’s animal was the snake.
But Solca said in order to best capture the Chinese luxury consumer, brands need to go beyond the expected motifs.
“The Chinese are no longer in awe of anything that comes from the West,” Solca said. “A perfunctory interpretation of CNY is not going to go far.”
Veronique Yang, who leads BCG’s consumer practice in Greater China, said literal interpretations can come across as lazy or even disrespectful to Chinese consumers. Younger shoppers are also looking for fresher takes, she said.
“Chinese young people, they respect the old Chinese culture, but to be honest, a lot of parts of it they don’t understand, or they want it to be reinterpreted in a modern way,” she said. “It’s important to weave a narrative that connects the heritage with a contemporary vision.”
Lunar New Year collections date back to the early 2010s, as Western brands were eager to tap into the rapidly growing Chinese luxury consumer market, according to Daniel Langer, professor of luxury strategy at Pepperdine University. At the time, newly wealthy Chinese consumers were eager to spend on designer goods, especially when they traveled abroad, he said, as there were few luxury boutiques in China outside major cities like Shanghai and Beijing.
Now, with broader access and more choice, brands have to work harder to bring in new clients.
And in the 12 years since the last Year of the Horse, Chinese high-income consumers have become more discerning, Langer said.
“They’ve been to the best places in the world. They’ve dined in the best restaurants in the world. They’ve shopped in the best shops in the world. Their expectations towards brands are significantly higher,” he said. “China has completely changed from a country where there was pent up demand for luxury goods to a country of the highest sophistication.”
Burberry’s Lunar New Year products.
Courtesy of Burberry
They also have grown accustomed to spending less on Western brands between pandemic travel restrictions and the rise of domestic high-end labels, according to Langer.
Before the pandemic, Chinese consumers did most of their luxury shopping abroad. Pandemic travel restrictions permanently changed that dynamic. According to Bain, two-thirds of Chinese luxury goods spending was done abroad in 2019. Last year, overseas spending made up only a third.
The Year of the Horse provides a natural opportunity for a sizable number of Western brands to connect to the holiday. Langer said he preferred brands who take a less literal approach, such as Loewe, which adorned its signature Puzzle bags with fringes and tassels for a cowboy aesthetic.
Yang noted, however, that the year’s zodiac animal is a good luck symbol only for people who were born in that year, which makes playing too much into horse imagery a risk.
Instead, she said, brands can use immersive experiences to connect to Chinese customers, especially younger ones, in a more authentic way.
Valentino, for instance, held a three-day lantern festival in January at Tianhou Palace, a historic temple along the Suzhou Creek in Shanghai. Burberry launched an extensive Lunar New Year campaign in mid-December, with Chinese brand ambassadors and a pop-up boutique and ice rink in Beijing.
“There’s a lot of different cultural elements that you can integrate and build a narrative around,” Yang said. “It’s not only about animals.”
With Valentine’s Day 2026 falling on a Saturday, expectations run high for thoughtful, indulgent gifts that capture romance and sweetness. Chocolate remains the timeless choice, blending luxury, nostalgia and pure pleasure. From heart-shaped boxes to innovative bonbons, 2026 offerings emphasize high-quality cacao, bold flavors and elegant packaging perfect for sharing or surprising a loved one.
Here are 10 standout chocolates to buy this Valentine’s season, drawn from expert recommendations, taste tests and trending collections as of mid-February 2026. These selections span budgets and tastes, ensuring something special whether you’re going classic, adventurous or ultra-premium.
- Recchiuti Confections Black Box Widely hailed as the top all-around boxed chocolate in 2026 reviews by Wirecutter and others, the 16-piece Black Box from San Francisco-based Recchiuti stands out for its sophisticated flavors, stunning shapes and textures. Tasters praise the perfectly executed ganaches, caramels and pralines, often calling it seductive and luxurious. Ideal for a romantic evening, the elegant black packaging adds a touch of mystery. Priced around $50–$60, it’s a step above everyday assortments and ships nationwide for last-minute orders.
- Godiva Gold Collection Heart Gift Box Godiva’s 2026 Valentine’s lineup features heart-shaped chocolates in classic flavors like dark ganache, milk praline and more. The Gold Collection box, with its signature red and gold ribbon, delivers reliable Belgian quality in an iconic heart design. At about $35 for 19 pieces, it’s accessible yet feels premium—perfect for partners who love traditional milk and dark mixes. Godiva’s widespread availability makes it easy to grab in stores or online.
- Compartés Truffle Collection or Heart Boxes Los Angeles chocolatier Compartés tops many 2026 lists for handmade luxury. Their truffle collections and heart-shaped boxes include champagne-infused varieties, exotic flavors and chocolate-dipped strawberries. Known for artistic presentation and rich, balanced cacao, Compartés offers gifts that feel personal and indulgent. Expect to spend $50+ for signature boxes—ideal for foodies seeking something beyond the ordinary.
- La Maison du Chocolat Heart Gift Boxes This Parisian brand brings French elegance to Valentine’s 2026 with heart-shaped boxes, strawberry-infused chocolates and truffle assortments. Their subtle, refined ganaches emphasize pure chocolate flavor with minimal sweetness. Luxury pricing (often $100+) suits those wanting sophisticated romance. The “From Faubourg with Love” theme ties into timeless Parisian charm.
- Dandelion Chocolate Origin Bonbon Collection For bean-to-bar enthusiasts, Dandelion’s 2026 delivery picks shine with single-origin bonbons highlighting terroir-driven flavors. WIRED named it best overall delivery chocolate, praising layered profiles and pure fun. Vegan-friendly and ethically sourced, it’s a thoughtful choice for sustainable sweet tooths, around $50–$80 for collections.
- Vosges Haut-Chocolat Exotic Collection Vosges continues to innovate with bold pairings like ginger-matcha, rose or exotic spices in 2026 assortments. Their Valentine’s boxes appeal to adventurous palates, blending global influences with high-end cacao. Featured in multiple guides, it’s great for couples who enjoy surprising each other with unique tastes.
- Knipschildt Salted Caramels or Signature Truffles Danish-American chocolatier Knipschildt earns praise for standout salted caramels and truffles. WIRED and Serious Eats highlight their layered flavors and pretty packaging. Affordable luxury (under $40 for some boxes), they offer creamy, addictive bites perfect for sharing.
- See’s Candies Valentine’s Day XOXO Box A nostalgic favorite, See’s 2026 XOXO box delivers classic American chocolates like buttercreams and nuts in festive wrapping. At around $32, it’s budget-friendly yet feels special—ideal for longtime sweethearts or family celebrations. Wide U.S. availability adds convenience.
- Richart Initiation Assortment French maison Richart’s Initiation box offers an array of ganaches and pralines in artistic designs. WIRED calls it best assorted gift box for its variety and subtlety. Great for introducing someone to gourmet chocolate without overwhelming sweetness.
- Stick With Me Sweets or Vesta Chocolate Truffles Artisanal standouts from Eater’s 2026 picks include Stick With Me’s creative bonbons and Vesta’s salted caramel truffles. These small-batch options feature innovative flavors like strawberry rosé or German chocolate cake. Perfect for trendsetters wanting Instagram-worthy, handcrafted treats.
Valentine’s Day 2026 trends lean toward personalized luxury: fruit-infused ganaches, vegan options, heart-themed packaging and ethical sourcing. Many brands offer limited-edition collections with champagne, rose or strawberry notes to heighten romance. For delivery, order early—popular sites like Godiva, Compartés and Recchiuti often sell out near February 14.
Whether opting for timeless Godiva hearts or bold Compartés truffles, these chocolates promise smiles and sweet memories. Pair with a card or flowers for the ultimate gesture. This Valentine’s, let chocolate speak the language of love.
Commodity Trading Adviser (CTA), member of National Futures Association. Professor of Finance, research on Global-macro issues. Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Corporate Accounting and Finance.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
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Mikhail Shaidorov, the 21-year-old Kazakhstani figure skater, etched his name into Olympic history on February 13, 2026, by claiming gold in men’s singles at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. In a stunning upset, Shaidorov delivered the competition’s only clean free skate, landing five quadruple jumps to score a career-best 198.64 in the free program and 291.58 overall. This victory made him Kazakhstan’s first Olympic figure skating champion and the nation’s first Winter Olympic gold medalist since 1994.
The result shocked the figure skating world, as pre-event favorite Ilia Malinin faltered with falls and finished eighth. Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama took silver, and Shun Sato earned bronze. Shaidorov, who placed fifth after the short program (92.94 points), rose through the chaos of errors from top contenders to become a national hero.
Here are 10 essential things to know about Mikhail Shaidorov, updated as of February 14, 2026:
- Historic Olympic Gold in Milano Cortina 2026 Shaidorov’s triumph on February 13 at the Milano Ice Skating Arena marked Kazakhstan’s first Olympic gold in figure skating and only its second Winter Olympic gold ever (following cross-country skier Vladimir Smirnov in 1994). His flawless free skate featured five quads, earning him a total of 291.58 points—a season best and personal record. The performance came after a solid short program fifth-place finish, positioning him perfectly amid widespread falls and underrotations from rivals. Shaidorov’s stunned reaction in the kiss-and-cry area, as medals shifted from bronze to silver to gold, captured the moment’s drama. This debut Olympics delivered Kazakhstan’s breakthrough in a sport long dominated by powerhouses like Russia, the U.S. and Japan.
- Breakthrough 2024-25 Season Set the Stage Shaidorov exploded onto the elite scene in 2024-25, winning the Four Continents Championships title—the first ISU championship gold for a Kazakh skater in a decade—and silver at the World Championships. These results built his reputation as a technical innovator. He qualified for the Grand Prix Final and medaled multiple times on the circuit, showcasing consistency and ambition. Despite an up-and-down Olympic season with some inconsistencies, his pre-Games momentum positioned him as a dark horse rather than a favorite.
- Technical Pioneer with Groundbreaking Jump Combinations Shaidorov has pushed boundaries in men’s skating. He became the first to land a triple Axel-quadruple toe loop combination in competition (at the 2024 Grand Prix de France) and the first to perform a triple Axel-Euler-quadruple Salchow (at the 2024 Grand Prix Final). His programs emphasize high-difficulty quads early, with layouts designed for maximum technical element scores. At the Olympics, his five-quad free skate highlighted this prowess, earning a leading 114.68 technical score. Coaches credit his precision and risk-taking for elevating Kazakh skating.
- Born into a Skating Family in Almaty Born June 25, 2004, in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Shaidorov—known as Misha—grew up in a figure skating household. His father, Stanislav Shaidorov, a six-time Kazakh national champion, coaches and inspired his early start in 2010. Shaidorov trains at the Altynalmas club in Almaty and Sochi, Russia, under 1994 Olympic champion Alexei Urmanov and Ivan Righini. Standing 1.74 meters (5 feet 9 inches) and a student by profession, he balances academics with elite training. His humble beginnings at a local mall rink contrast with his global success.
- Five-Time Kazakh National Champion Shaidorov has dominated domestically, claiming five consecutive Kazakh Championships from 2019 to 2023 (with continued strength in recent years). These titles secured his international berths and allowed experimentation with programs. His national success echoes the legacy of late Kazakh legend Denis Ten, whose 2014 Olympic bronze long inspired Shaidorov. As Kazakhstan’s leading men’s skater post-Ten, he carries national expectations while advancing the sport locally.
- Multiple Grand Prix Medals and Challenger Success A four-time ISU Grand Prix medalist, Shaidorov earned silvers and bronzes across events like Skate America and Cup of China in recent seasons. He also secured three Challenger Series medals. These consistent podiums built his world ranking and experience against top competition. His 2024-25 Grand Prix performances, including innovative combos, qualified him for finals and honed his big-stage composure—key to his Olympic upset.
- Additional Honors: Asian Winter Games Bronze and More Shaidorov added continental hardware with bronze at the 2025 Asian Winter Games. His resume includes steady top finishes at major events, proving reliability under pressure. While not always the flashiest, his clean skating and growing artistry (program components in the 80s at Olympics) have earned praise for maturity beyond his years.
- Under-the-Radar Olympic Debut Turned Legendary Entering Milano Cortina as an underdog after mixed results, Shaidorov flew below expectations dominated by Malinin’s “Quad God” hype. His fifth in the short set up a free skate where he stayed composed while favorites crumbled. Media described him as shy and awkward off-ice, yet fierce on it. His gold proved “nothing is impossible,” as he noted post-event, inspiring underdogs worldwide.
- Legacy Tied to Denis Ten and Kazakh Skating Revival Shaidorov continues the path blazed by Denis Ten, Kazakhstan’s sole prior Olympic figure skating medalist (bronze 2014). Ten’s influence looms large; Shaidorov has cited him as motivation. His victory revives Kazakh pride in the sport, potentially boosting funding, rinks and youth participation in Almaty and beyond.
- Future Bright After Olympic Glory At 21, Shaidorov’s Olympic gold cements elite status with room for growth. His technical edge and composure suggest potential multi-Olympic contention. Post-victory, he becomes a national icon, with celebrations in Kazakhstan already underway. As figure skating evolves toward even greater difficulty, Shaidorov’s innovative jumps position him to lead. His story—from Almaty mall rink to Olympic podium—embodies perseverance and surprise.
Mikhail Shaidorov’s Milano Cortina triumph transcends sport, delivering historic joy to Kazakhstan and reminding the world that upsets define greatness. From dark horse to champion, his journey captivates and inspires.
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Brett Ashcroft-Green, CFP® is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ , fee-only fiduciary, and the founder and owner of Ashcroft Green Advisors, a Nevada-based registered investment advisory firm.He has extensive experience working alongside high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth families, with a background in private credit and commercial real estate mezzanine financing as a business director at a large family office. His professional experience spans the U.S. and Asia, including several years living and working in China.Brett is fluent in Mandarin Chinese in both business and legal settings and previously served as a court interpreter. He has collaborated with leading commercial real estate developers including The Witkoff Group, Kushner Companies, The Durst Organization, and Fortress Investment Group.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of SPY, BRK.B either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. The views expressed are solely those of the author, based on independent research, analysis, and professional experience. Although the author is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) and owner of Ashcroft Green Advisors, a fee-only registered investment advisory firm, the content may not be suitable for your individual financial situation, objectives, or risk tolerance. Readers should consult with a qualified financial professional before making any decisions based on this material.
The author and/or clients of Ashcroft Green Advisors may hold positions in securities discussed in this article.
Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
White House Deputy Press Secretary and Special Assistant to the President Kush Desai praises a new jobs report and inflation statistics on ‘Kudlow.’
DALLAS – As Kevin Warsh prepares to take the reins at the Federal Reserve, a newly elevated Trump ally at the central bank is signaling how he believes the job should be done — and how the next chair should navigate a pivotal moment for monetary policy.
Speaking at the Dallas Federal Reserve, Governor Stephen Miran offered simple advice for Kevin Warsh, Trump’s nominee to replace Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.
“Be forward-looking, not backward-looking,” Miran said. “If you’re going to be excessively backward-looking, you’re guaranteed to be behind the curve,” he added.
TRUMP NOMINATES KEVIN WARSH TO SUCCEED JEROME POWELL AS FEDERAL RESERVE CHAIR
Federal Reserve Governor Stephen Miran was nominated by President Donald Trump to join the central bank. (Victor J. Blue/Getty Images / Getty Images)
In Miran’s view, the current economic backdrop does not justify a strictly data-driven posture, diverging from the data-dependent approach that has defined the central bank under Powell.
“The time for data dependence is when you have enormous uncertainty. I don’t think we have enormous uncertainty.”
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Jerome Powell, chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve, is expected to complete his term in May. (Al Drago/Bloomberg/Getty Images / Getty Images)
Miran’s comments offer an early glimpse of how one of the Fed’s newest voices views the balance between anticipating economic shifts and reacting to incoming data.
President Donald Trump tapped Miran in August, shifting him from leading the White House’s Council of Economic Advisors to a seat at the world’s most powerful central bank. He joined the board amid mounting turmoil at the Fed, including a legal clash between the Trump administration and Governor Lisa Cook and a Justice Department investigation involving Powell.
Cook’s case is before the Supreme Court and Powell has not been charged with any wrongdoing.
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Warsh’s path to the Fed chair could face delays amid Republican opposition tied to the probe into Powell. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., has said he will oppose consideration of Fed nominees until the administration concludes its investigation — a stance that carries weight given his seat on the Senate Banking Committee.
Kevin Warsh, former governor of the U.S. Federal Reserve, was widely considered for other roles within the previous Trump administration. (Tierney L. Cross/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
With Tillis placing a hold on Warsh’s nomination, forcing it out of committee would require a discharge vote on the Senate floor — a maneuver that needs 60 votes and appears unlikely in a closely divided chamber.
Regardless of the timing of Warsh’s confirmation, Miran’s early remarks signal how the Fed’s policymaking framework and its dynamic with the White House could shift in the months ahead.
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![Heathrow has said passenger numbers were 60% lower in November than before the coronavirus pandemic and there were “high cancellations” among business travellers concerned about being trapped overseas for Christmas as Omicron spreads. The UK’s largest airport said the government’s travel restrictions had dealt a fresh blow to travel confidence and predicted it was likely to take several years for passenger numbers to return to pre-pandemic levels. This week ministers said passengers arriving in the UK would have to take a pre-departure Covid test, as well as a post-flight test, because of fears about the spread of the new variant. “[The] high level of cancellations by business travellers concerned about being trapped overseas because of pre-departure testing shows the potential harm to the economy of travel restrictions,” the airport said in an update. Heathrow said the drop in traveller confidence owing to the new travel restrictions had negated the benefit of reopening the all-important corridor to North America for business and holiday travel last month. Eleven African countries have been added to the government’s red list, requiring travellers to quarantine before reuniting with families. “By allowing Brits to isolate at home, ministers can make sure they are reunited with their loved ones this Christmas,” said John Holland-Kaye, the chief executive of Heathrow. “It would send a strong signal that restrictions on travel will be removed as soon as safely possible to give passengers the confidence to book for 2022, opening up thousands of new jobs for local people at Heathrow. Let’s reunite families for Christmas.” Heathrow said that if the government could safely signal that restrictions would be lifted soon, then employers at Heathrow would have the confidence to hire thousands of staff in anticipation of a boost in business next summer. The airport is expecting a slow start to 2022, finishing next year with about 45 million passengers – just over half of pre-pandemic levels. This week Tui, Europe’s largest package holiday operator, said it expected bookings for next summer to bounce back to 2019 levels. However, Heathrow said on Friday not to expect the aviation industry to recover for several years. “We do not expect that international travel will recover to 2019 levels until at least all travel restrictions (including testing) are removed from all the markets that we serve, at both ends of the route, and there is no risk of new restrictions, such as quarantine, being imposed,” the airport said.](https://wordupnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/shutterstock_1100012546-scaled-400x240.jpg)
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