The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Year of the Horse limited edition depicts a dynamic horse in full stride, with a figure dressed in Wun's signature dramatic couture. — Photos: Handout
Chinese New Year is still a month away, but the Year of The Horse is already galloping gallantly all around us, from mall installations to various CNY releases.
When it comes to CNY editions, Scotch brand Johnnie Walker has always been one of the most highly anticipated releases every year.
This year, the brand has collaborated with haute couturier Robert Wun for its Year of the Horse Limited Edition Designs for its esteemed Johnnie Walker Blue Label expression.
The Hong Kong–born and London-based Wun is celebrated for his surrealist aesthetic, sculptural forms, and boldly layered haute couture silhouettes.
Wun’s design for the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Year of the Horse depicts a dynamic horse in full stride, with a figure dressed in his signature dramatic couture.
The Horse represents courage, vitality and steadfast forward momentum in Chinese culture, and thus, the design reflects this spirit while aligning perfectly with Johnnie Walker’s ‘Keep Walking’ philosophy.
“For the Year of the Horse, I wanted to reflect the grace and power of this creature through form, movement and texture – a poised sense of progression and prestige,” said Mariana Assis, Global Head of Johnnie Walker Luxury Innovation.
“Robert Wun is a true pioneer – an artist whose craftsmanship, imagination, and cultural influence mirrors the values at the heart of Johnnie Walker.
Wun is best known for his surrealist aesthetic, sculptural forms, and boldly layered haute couture silhouettes.
Born in Hong Kong, Wun graduated from the London College of Fashion in 2012, and launched his eponymous label in 2014, choosing to focus on custom order-only womenswear collections.
He soon made a name for himself through his fresh take on shoes and accessories and unique tailoring, which drew inspiration from the world of nature and also movies.
Wun was named one of the most influential individuals in the fashion industry by Vogue Business 100 and Tatler Asia in 2023, and has dressed numerous celebrities, including Beyoncé, Celine Dion, Lady Gaga, Adele, Cardi B, Florence Pugh and Billy Porter.
The designer has also worked with the Royal Ballet in London, and was invited as a guest designer to create costumes for the 2015 film Hunger Games: Mockingjay.
Within Wun’s design, the flowing fabrics also echo the depth, complexity, and layered flavours found in Johnnie Walker Blue Label
Aligning philosophies
Wun’s exemplifies both his signature style, and also Johnnie Walker’s brand philosophies, Assis says.
“Robert’s vision for the Year of the Horse defines both this Lunar New Year and our own more than 200-year journey,” she added.
Within Wun’s design, the flowing fabrics also echo the depth, complexity, and layered flavours found in Johnnie Walker Blue Label, while also celebrating the craftsmanship that goes into each bottle of whisky.
The Johnnie Walker Blue Label whisky itself is a striking expression of both artistry and rarity, as only one in 10,000 casks from the brand’s reserves possesses the richness required to be selected for Blue Label.
With a flavour profile that includes mellow smoke, rose petals, citrus, vanilla, honey, hazelnut, caramel and dark chocolate, the whisky is best enjoyed neat, with alternating sips of ice-cold water to reveal its depth and nuance.
The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Year of the Horse Limited Edition is now available in Malaysia at selected participating retail stores and outlets, at the recommended retail price of RM1,208.
