How to make a fresh start …
We are stepping into the Chinese Year of the Horse, one of the most dynamic and spirited signs in the zodiac, associated with freedom, passion, confidence and speed. If you are a believer in such notions, you may find yourself embracing change, pursuing long-delayed plans or just feeling in the mood to try something new. You may want to go out more, travel more and meet new people. Horses don’t wait, they run. Run at your own pace towards a version of life that feels more open and hopeful.
Designer Stella McCartney is galloping ahead. Look out for her collaboration with H&M (lace-trimmed camisoles and python prints) and her “Year of the Horse” collection. The campaign features famous friends, photographed by sister Mary McCartney, and the collection, with its double-breasted coats and draped dresses, is inspired by her famous parents’ wardrobes. Make a run for the Horse Girl tank and saddle-shaped Ryder bag!
The joy of now is the appeal of a fresh start and clean slate, a subject we cover in January’s issue. You may not have started 2026 with a cobweb-clearing sea swim or a vigorous hike. You might be still in bed with the last of the Christmas cake … no matter! At THE GLOSS, we aren’t enamoured of ambitious resolutions lists, but we do believe in using this time of year to resolve to make one or two small changes to propel us forward, shift something inside us, or give us the confidence to work up to a bigger transformation. “People either love or loathe lists,” says Sarah Reynolds of organising company Organised Chaos, “but I believe the act of writing the list is a powerful way to help us feel calmer. Getting what you need to do onto a piece of paper puts the jumbled thoughts in your brain in a logical order, increasing the likelihood you’ll actually get things done rather than just thinking about them. Beside every action, write down when you’ll do it. An effective list needs a schedule alongside it.” Whether you are hot to trot, or not, we wish you a Happy New Year.
THIS MONTH WE’RE …
STARTING FRESH: Swap cotton facecloths for sustainable biodegradable bamboo or muslin versions. Image; @theskinnyconfidential.
LOVING: Artisnal texture. Tassels, braids and crocheted finishes continue to reign in the fashion world. Image; @jonathan.anderson.
INDULGING IN: Gourmet grocery stores like Erewhon (California) and Meadow Lane (NYC) signal the next big lifestyle moment. Image; @erewhon.
VISITING: the National Gallery of Ireland to absorb the light from JMW Turner’s watercolours. Experience beautiful light on dull days.
SEEING: “Tracing Echoes” by Mark Francis at the Solstice Arts Centre in Navan, Co Meath from January 17, before the artist exhibits at the 61st Venice Biennale later this year.
MEETING: Contemporary Icons at Dublin’s Gormleys Gallery, from January 15 to February 2. It will feature masterpieces of contemporary art, including Warhol, above.
STEALING AWAY: for an afternoon to see Hamnet, adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s novel and starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, in the cinema. Oscar noms incoming!
LOCKING IN FOR LONG JOURNEYS: The hashtag #RoadTrip has over 75 million posts on Instagram. 2026 is the year of the long drive. Image; @gentlemandrivers_official.
PLANNING AHEAD: This is the month for planning trips and holidays. Travel consultancy Oroko Travel has a fresh approach – creating a masterplan for travel over the years, to make the most of your time. Every itinerary is tailored, whether a major adventure or a trip to mark a milestone moment.
SEE MORE: The Key SS26 Trends You Can Wear Now