Horses are symbols of movement and journey—they carry us forward. Similarly, like a horse propelling a rider, Johnnie Walker propels whisky enthusiasts toward new experiences, while staying rooted in its tradition and heritage. In conjunction with the Year of the Horse, the world’s number one Scotch whisky brand unveils a stunning new Johnnie Walker Blue Label limited edition design for the Lunar New Year, continuing a tradition established in recent years. After two years of collaborating with visual artist James Jean to celebrate the Dragon and the Snake, the brand turns to another art form for 2026: haute couture.
Johnnie Walker gallops into the new year by working with renowned Hong Kong-born, London-based fashion designer, Robert Wun, who has made a mark in the fashion world with his surrealist and avant-garde designs. With this partnership, the house continues to exhibit its commitment to collaborating with visionary cultural voices who push boundaries and redefine modern luxury. For years, Wun worked in relative obscurity despite his talent but, in 2023, he finally became the first Hong Kong designer to join the prestigious Haute Couture Calendar in Paris. Named one of fashion’s most influential individuals by Vogue Business 100, Wun has dressed artists such as Beyoncé, Celine Dion, and Lady Gaga, and was also commissioned to create a piece for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay—Part 2.
Luxury Encapsulated
The design features Wun’s signature dramatic aesthetic and exceptional craftsmanship, depicting a spirited horse charging forward, accompanied by a figure dressed in Robert Wun couture, with flowing layers of fabric. The artwork is ethereal and enthralling, much like the taste of Johnnie Walker Blue Label contained within, which will linger in your mind long after the last sip. The beautifully illustrated, limited-edition pack is an ultimate gift for those with a refined taste for spirits this Lunar New Year, symbolising wishes of prosperity to all who walk with you.
There are parallels within blending whisky and constructing a couture piece after all, as Wun says, “When you pour commitment, skill, and heart into something, it becomes more than the everyday. Johnnie Walker has more than 200 years of craft behind it; couture has about a century of artisans pushing clothing beyond function into identity and culture. Both worlds are about refinement, beauty, and elevating the human spirit.”
Each bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label is a rare blend, crafted by master blender Dr Emma Walker. Like haute couture, exclusivity and luxury are its hallmark, with only one in 10,000 casks possessing the character required for inclusion. Crafted using whiskies from iconic distilleries and even some long-closed ghost distilleries, it features flavours of citrus, rose petals, dark chocolate, vanilla, and hazelnut, wrapped in a signature smoky finish.
Stirring The Creative Spirit
Wun’s inspiration was fuelled by the experience of savouring the inimitable whisky. “Johnnie Walker Blue Label has such richness and depth—and knowing the level of refinement and craftsmanship behind it really inspired me,” he says. “It mirrors the spirit of couture: taking an everyday thing and elevating it through centuries of knowledge, precision, and beauty. Feeling the history and craft in every sip gave me a deeper sense of responsibility to design something equally meaningful.”
Wun drew on his perspective as a Chinese designer who has lived and worked internationally and sought to interpret Chinese culture and the Lunar New Year through a modern and deeply personal lens. “I wanted to move away from the stereotypical, overly literal imagery often used for Lunar New Year, especially from an international gaze. Instead, I leaned into the deeper spirituality and poetry of Chinese culture, interpreting it in a modern, soulful, and personal way that I hope younger Asians feel proud of.”
Wun also set out to capture the horse at its most majestic. “From the very beginning, I wanted to imagine the horse as the best version of itself—roaming free, running against the wind, with its mane flowing,” he explained. “That sense of freedom, majesty, and spirituality became my starting point. I studied how people emotionally connect with a horse in motion and used wind as a visual element pushing it forward into the future. It was about turning a small, universal symbol—a horse running—into a large, poetic visual that embodied majesty, movement, and hope.”
In addition, Wun has extended his talents into creating a vibrant Year of the Horse limited edition for John Walker & Sons XR 21 Year Old. Each bottle is crafted from whiskies aged for at least 21 years, using a rare three-stage process, resulting in a smooth and indulgent whisky with layers of honey, spice, tropical fruits, and a warm, lingering finish.
The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Lunar New Year limited-edition designs by Robert Wun are available in formats of 70cl, 75cl, and 1L.
In Conversation With Robert Wun
You’ve spoken about embracing fear and longing for recognition early in your career. How do you ‘Keep Walking’?
For me, ‘Keep Walking’ aligns perfectly with the symbolism of the horse—moving forward with spirit, power, and determination. It’s the same energy I bring to my work: pushing boundaries, stepping into the future, and not letting fear hold me back. That forward momentum feels very natural to me.
What do you hope consumers and collectors feel or understand about Johnnie Walker through your design?
I want people to feel the soul, poetry, and spirituality of Lunar New Year—not just the superficial symbols. This bottle is meant to connect people emotionally to heritage, family, and renewal. It’s meaningful, modern, and intimate, rather than stereotypical. I hope it resonates with younger generations in a way that makes the traditions feel personal and alive.
Can you tell us more about the faceless figure depicted on the box?
The faceless figure symbolises the universal, timeless spirit of the journey—it’s not about a single person, but about every individual stepping into the future with intention and courage.
If you could design the perfect moment to enjoy Johnnie Walker Blue Label, what would it look like?
For me, it’s about being with people I love—close friends, family, the ones who ground me—especially around Lunar New Year. Something intimate, warm, and rooted in gratitude, connection, and celebration.
What is your own Chinese Zodiac?
My own zodiac isn’t the horse, but the Year of the Horse is especially meaningful for me because my mother’s zodiac symbol is the horse. So, this design connects directly to family and home.
What is your favourite Chinese New Year tradition and how does it pair with Johnnie Walker Blue Label?
My family in Hong Kong celebrates traditionally—staying up late, keeping the lights on, exchanging red envelopes, and visiting relatives. When I’m in London during Fashion Week, I celebrate more intimately with close friends over dinner in Chinatown. Johnnie Walker Blue Label fits beautifully into that moment—it elevates the togetherness and makes it feel special.
