Rare. Restless. Relentless.
The Year of the Fire Horse arrives once every sixty years, and it doesn’t do quiet entrances. In Lunar tradition, the Horse symbolises freedom, movement and strength. Paired with fire, that energy ignites into momentum, courage and prosperity in motion.
This is a year about charging forward.
About trusting instinct.
About turning change into fuel.
For Knobby, it felt like a moment worth marking properly.
Inspiration
The Fire Horse represents a powerful duality — tradition and transformation, heritage and forward motion.
In Lunar mythology, the Horse is independent and unstoppable, always moving toward what’s next. Fire amplifies that spirit, bringing intensity, confidence and a willingness to take risks. It’s a symbol of growth through motion, not stillness.
This collection explores that idea through a modern Australian lens — honouring Lunar symbolism while allowing it to live, breathe and evolve alongside the people who carry it today.
photo: Liz Ham, Semi Permanent 2021
The Artist
This collection was created in collaboration with Chris Yee, a Sydney-based illustrator, designer and animator whose work sits at the intersection of heritage and contemporary culture.
Growing up in 90s Ryde, influenced by the strong Asian-Australian communities of Eastwood, Chris’ creative practice reflects hybridity — blending classical symbolism with modern storytelling. His work draws inspiration from comics, wrestling, K-pop, punk and early 2000s hip hop, creating characters and worlds that feel expressive, layered and alive.
For Year of the Fire Horse, Chris reimagined traditional Lunar motifs through movement and emotion. The horse isn’t static or ornamental — it’s charging, surrounded by fire and florals that feel ceremonial yet raw. Tradition isn’t preserved behind glass; it’s carried forward in motion.
Design
This print is rich with symbolism and detail.
The Fire Horse takes centre stage — powerful, energetic and mid-stride — surrounded by cherry blossoms, flowing flames and layered textures that reference both celebration and ritual. The palette balances warmth and contrast, creating a design that feels ceremonial without being rigid.
Every element has intention, from the line work to the composition, making this a design that rewards a second (and third) look.
Production
As always, comfort and craftsmanship sit at the core of this collection.
Available in:
- BottleBlend® — made from recycled plastic bottles for breathable, moisture-wicking performance
- Knobby Naturals — crafted from ultra-soft TENCEL™ Modal for everyday wearability
Special details include:
- Knobby waistband finished with gold thread
- Gold foil cherry blossom detailing
- Pip label in Chinese script reading “May you be happy and prosperous”
Each piece is ethically and sustainably made in China, produced with care and respect for both craft and process.
The Packaging
This collection is presented in custom Lunar New Year noodle box packaging, designed to feel celebratory, thoughtful and gift-ready.
Details include:
- FSSC-certified packaging
- Gold foil print
A nod to tradition, reimagined for now - making the unboxing feel just as meaningful as what’s inside.
The Feeling
Momentum. Confidence. Intent.
The Year of the Fire Horse isn’t about waiting for luck to arrive — it’s about growing into it. It’s a reminder that movement creates opportunity, and tradition lives strongest when it’s allowed to evolve.
This collection is for those who honour where they come from while stepping forward with purpose.
Year of the Fire Horse.
Run toward the fire.
