A dreamlike ode.
Maison Valentino ushers in the Lunar New Year with a poetic campaign marking the “Year of the Horse”, celebrating renewal, hope, and the promise of new beginnings as the festivities commence on February 17th 2026.
Conceived by Creative Director Alessandro Michele, and brought to life through the lens of photographer Julie Greve and director Marcus Tang, the Lunar New Year 2026 campaign unfolds as an intimate narrative centred on dreaming and togetherness. It stars Chinese actress and Valentino Brand Ambassador Lareina Song alongside model Yi Fan, both dressed in looks and accessories from the Valentino Cruise 2026 collection.
Set within a quiet, evocative interior, the story is rich with symbolic detail. A zoetrope carried by the protagonist becomes a recurring motif, introducing themes of motion, transformation, and desire. As the two characters connect, their gestures soften and the atmosphere grows increasingly dreamlike, culminating in a fluid dance. The image of a horse endlessly circling within the zoetrope serves as a powerful metaphor for infinite possibility and the forward momentum of a new chapter.
Through this lyrical lens, Valentino frames the Lunar New Year not only as a celebration, but as a moment of emotional and imaginative rebirth. Take a look at the full campaign below.
PHOTO CREDIT: Maison Valentino
