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Lunar New Year lets luxury brands woo China’s big spenders

Luxury brands from Harry Winston to Loewe are going all in on Lunar New Year collections in a bid to attract Chinese customers.

Ahead of the Year of the Horse, which starts on Tuesday, Harry Winston unveiled a limited-edition, $81,500 rose gold watch with diamond bezels and a red lacquer horse. High-end fashion brand Chloé released a capsule collection, ranging from $250 silk scarves to a $5,300 snakeskin and leather shoulder bag with a horse head and tail linked by a horsebit chain. A slew of other brands, including Loewe, Gucci and Loro Piana, have introduced new bag charms with horse motifs.

The Year of the Horse arrives at a time of cautious optimism for designer brands and could mark the start of a China’s luxury market comeback.

Chinese consumers were once the primary driver for the global luxury sector but have cut back sharply in recent years, weighed down by the country’s slowing economy and depressed housing values.

The Chinese luxury market stood at about 350 billion RMB in 2024, or about $50 billion, according to estimates from Bain. While the consultancy estimates that market contracted by 3% to 5% in 2025, Bain analysts noted that the sector started showing signs of recovery in the second half of 2025 on the back of stronger stock market performance and consumer confidence.

Bernstein senior analyst Luca Solca said he predicts Chinese luxury spending will stabilize, forecasting mid-single-digit percentage growth in 2026. However, the market is still far more competitive than at its peak, he said.

Before the Covid pandemic, Chinese consumers accounted for about one-third of the global luxury goods market, according to Solca. That percentage has since dipped to about 23%, he said.

The luxury market’s fortunes do not solely rest on Lunar New Year, but it is an opportunity for Western brands to show respect for Chinese culture, he said.

The annual holiday is associated with the colors red and gold, which symbolize good luck and fortune in Chinese culture. Each Lunar New Year is represented by one of 12 Chinese zodiac animals. Last year’s animal was the snake.

But Solca said in order to best capture the Chinese luxury consumer, brands need to go beyond the expected motifs.

“The Chinese are no longer in awe of anything that comes from the West,” Solca said. “A perfunctory interpretation of CNY is not going to go far.”

Veronique Yang, who leads BCG’s consumer practice in Greater China, said literal interpretations can come across as lazy or even disrespectful to Chinese consumers. Younger shoppers are also looking for fresher takes, she said.

“Chinese young people, they respect the old Chinese culture, but to be honest, a lot of parts of it they don’t understand, or they want it to be reinterpreted in a modern way,” she said. “It’s important to weave a narrative that connects the heritage with a contemporary vision.”

Lunar New Year collections date back to the early 2010s, as Western brands were eager to tap into the rapidly growing Chinese luxury consumer market, according to Daniel Langer, professor of luxury strategy at Pepperdine University. At the time, newly wealthy Chinese consumers were eager to spend on designer goods, especially when they traveled abroad, he said, as there were few luxury boutiques in China outside major cities like Shanghai and Beijing.

Now, with broader access and more choice, brands have to work harder to bring in new clients.

And in the 12 years since the last Year of the Horse, Chinese high-income consumers have become more discerning, Langer said.

“They’ve been to the best places in the world. They’ve dined in the best restaurants in the world. They’ve shopped in the best shops in the world. Their expectations towards brands are significantly higher,” he said. “China has completely changed from a country where there was pent up demand for luxury goods to a country of the highest sophistication.”

They also have grown accustomed to spending less on Western brands between pandemic travel restrictions and the rise of domestic high-end labels, according to Langer.

Before the pandemic, Chinese consumers did most of their luxury shopping abroad. Pandemic travel restrictions permanently changed that dynamic. According to Bain, two-thirds of Chinese luxury goods spending was done abroad in 2019. Last year, overseas spending made up only a third.

The Year of the Horse provides a natural opportunity for a sizable number of Western brands to connect to the holiday. Langer said he preferred brands who take a less literal approach, such as Loewe, which adorned its signature Puzzle bags with fringes and tassels for a cowboy aesthetic.

Yang noted, however, that the year’s zodiac animal is a good luck symbol only for people who were born in that year, which makes playing too much into horse imagery a risk.

Instead, she said, brands can use immersive experiences to connect to Chinese customers, especially younger ones, in a more authentic way.

Valentino, for instance, held a three-day lantern festival in January at Tianhou Palace, a historic temple along the Suzhou Creek in Shanghai. Burberry launched an extensive Lunar New Year campaign in mid-December, with Chinese brand ambassadors and a pop-up boutique and ice rink in Beijing.

“There’s a lot of different cultural elements that you can integrate and build a narrative around,” Yang said. “It’s not only about animals.”

CNBC

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CEO of International Modern Hospital Dubai Dr. Kishan Pakkal: Nation-First Leadership Is Key to Advancing Healthcare Excellence

Dr. Kishan Pakkal, CEO of International Modern Hospital Dubai, believes that the words of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum reflect a fundamental principle of responsible leadership, particularly within the healthcare sector, where the true measure of success extends beyond individual accomplishments to the wellbeing of the entire community.

According to Dr. Pakkal, the concept of responsibility as a trust carries special significance in healthcare, where every decision has a direct impact on patients, families, and society as a whole. He emphasizes that leadership in healthcare is not merely about managing institutions, but about ensuring that healthcare systems continue to deliver safe, high-quality, and sustainable care for all.

“Responsibility as a trust means placing people at the center of every decision,” said Dr. Pakkal. “In healthcare, our duty goes beyond providing treatment. It involves continuously improving the quality of care, investing in our medical professionals, and creating an environment that empowers them to perform at their very best.”

He added that one of the defining characteristics of successful leadership is the ability to create opportunities for others to succeed. In his view, a strong healthcare organization is built on collaboration, transparency, mutual respect, and shared accountability, where every member of the team contributes to a common purpose.

“A truly successful leader is one who enables others to achieve success as well,” he noted. “When healthcare professionals are supported, valued, and empowered, patients ultimately benefit from higher standards of care and better health outcomes.”

Dr. Pakkal further stressed that putting the nation’s interests above personal gain is particularly important in the healthcare sector, where decisions must always prioritize patient wellbeing, public health, and the long-term sustainability of healthcare services.

He explained that this principle aligns closely with the UAE’s vision of becoming a global leader in healthcare excellence, innovation, and quality of life. By focusing on the needs of patients and communities, healthcare institutions can play a vital role in supporting national development and strengthening the country’s position as a destination for world-class healthcare.

“The UAE has demonstrated that sustainable progress is achieved when leadership is guided by service, responsibility, and a commitment to the greater good,” said Dr. Pakkal. “As healthcare leaders, we have a responsibility to uphold these values by continuously striving for excellence, supporting our healthcare workforce, and ensuring that every decision contributes positively to the lives of those we serve.”

He concluded that nation-first leadership remains one of the most important drivers of progress in healthcare, helping organizations build trust, improve patient outcomes, and contribute meaningfully to the continued advancement of the UAE’s healthcare sector.

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Sickle Cell Disease in Newborns: Why Early Detection Can Save Lives

Dr Mamata Bothra, specialist pediatrics and neonatologist, International Modern Hospital Dubai Pedia IMH

Sickle cell disease is one of the most common inherited blood disorders worldwide and remains a significant public health concern in many regions, including the Middle East. Although affected babies often appear healthy at birth, the disease can begin causing serious complications during infancy if it is not detected and managed early.

Healthcare professionals emphasize that early screening, parental awareness, and timely medical intervention can dramatically improve outcomes and help children with sickle cell disease live healthier and more fulfilling lives.

Understanding Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder that affects hemoglobin, the protein inside red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. In healthy individuals, red blood cells are round and flexible, allowing them to move easily through blood vessels. In children born with sickle cell disease, however, red blood cells become rigid and crescent- or sickle-shaped.

These abnormal cells can block small blood vessels, reducing blood flow and oxygen delivery to organs and tissues. As a result, affected children may experience painful episodes, chronic anemia, increased susceptibility to infections, delayed growth, and, in some cases, serious organ complications.

Because the disease is inherited, it is present from birth even if symptoms are not immediately visible.

The Critical Importance of Newborn Screening

One of the greatest challenges in managing sickle cell disease is that newborns often show no obvious signs of illness during the first months of life. This can create a false sense of reassurance for families while the disease remains undetected.

Newborn screening programs play a crucial role in identifying affected infants before symptoms develop. Early diagnosis allows healthcare providers to begin preventive care measures, closely monitor the child’s health, and educate parents about potential warning signs and complications.

Early detection also enables doctors to ensure that children receive appropriate vaccinations, preventive medications when necessary, and regular medical follow-up. Studies have consistently shown that children diagnosed through newborn screening have better survival rates and experience fewer severe complications than those diagnosed later in childhood.

Can Children with Sickle Cell Disease Live Normal Lives?

Advances in medical care have significantly improved the outlook for children born with sickle cell disease. Today, many patients grow up to lead active, productive, and successful lives.

The key lies in ongoing medical supervision and preventive care. Regular health check-ups, infection prevention strategies, adequate hydration, balanced nutrition, and prompt treatment of illnesses all contribute to better health outcomes.

Families who work closely with healthcare providers and follow recommended care plans can help reduce complications and improve their child’s quality of life.

Why Family Screening Matters

Prevention begins even before a baby is born. Since sickle cell disease is inherited, parental screening is an essential step in identifying potential risks.

A simple blood test can determine whether an individual carries the sickle cell trait. If both parents are carriers, there is a significant chance that their child may inherit sickle cell disease.

Knowing this information before or during pregnancy allows families to seek genetic counseling, better understand the risks involved, and make informed healthcare decisions. It also provides an opportunity for early planning and preparation should the baby be diagnosed with the condition.

Warning Signs Parents Should Never Ignore

Although symptoms can vary from one child to another, parents should seek immediate medical attention if their infant develops any of the following signs:

Fever
Swelling of the hands or feet
Unusual paleness
Poor feeding or refusal to feed
Excessive sleepiness
Breathing difficulties
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
Persistent crying or signs of unexplained pain

Prompt medical evaluation can prevent complications and ensure that appropriate treatment is provided as early as possible.

Protecting Children Through Awareness

Beyond medical treatment, awareness remains one of the most powerful tools in combating the impact of sickle cell disease. Educating parents about the condition, encouraging participation in screening programs, and promoting genetic counseling can help reduce the burden of the disease on families and communities.

Healthcare professionals stress that while sickle cell disease can be a serious condition, it is no longer the life-limiting diagnosis it once was. Advances in screening, treatment, and supportive care have transformed outcomes for many children.

A Shared Responsibility

The fight against sickle cell disease begins with awareness and early action. Newborn screening programs, parental education, and access to specialized medical care are essential components of protecting affected children.

Every family should understand the importance of carrier screening before pregnancy, recognize the value of newborn testing, and remain alert to early symptoms during infancy. Through timely diagnosis and continuous care, children with sickle cell disease can thrive, achieve their potential, and enjoy a better quality of life.

Early screening saves lives. Family screening prevents surprises. And ongoing medical care gives children the best possible start for a healthier future.

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Naomi Watts urges women to own menopause

Oscar-nominated actress Naomi Watts has continued to have fame on the screen into her 50s, but she is building more of her life story around navigating deeply personal and often unspoken health and aging issues.She has become increasingly open about topics many public figures, and Hollywood actresses in particular, avoid, using her platform to normalize conversations regarding fertility, aging, and physical changes, with the goal of helping women feel confident in their body no matter their age.

“I am trying to put forward the messaging that we can be okay with how we look,” Watts told CNBC’s Julia Boorstin at the CNBC Changemakers Summit in New York City on Thursday. “It’s okay to be 57 and look 57.”

Watts launched Stripes Beauty in 2022, a company focused on helping women navigate the challenges associated with perimenopause and menopause, while aiming to address everything from skin to hair changes to overall wellness.

Menopause was considered very taboo to talk about in many cultures mainly because of the age-fertility link and generational gatekeeping. In many societies a woman’s “value” was tied to her youth and ability to bear children. Talking about menopause meant admitting those stages were over. Many women in different generations were taught to silence it and view it as a private burden and not share it.

At the Changemakers Summit, Watts said searched for reasons to help explain why no one talked about it, and even used an anonymous Instagram to search for clues. “Why isn’t there any information? Why is it so hard? Why is it so taboo when we are half the population?” she said. “It is just biology.”

Founder and chief creative officer at Stripes Beauty, Watts was featured on the 2025 CNBC Changemakers list.

Menopause typically occurs around ages 45 to 55 and gets diagnosed after a woman does not get her period for 12 months. According to information from Midi Health, whose CEO Joanna Strober was also named to the 2025 CNBC Changemakers list, 6,000 women hit menopause every day in the U.S., which equates to 1.3 million women annually, while four in five midlife women experience symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes.

Watts experienced early menopause in her mid-30s. She faced the common symptoms like night flashes and hot flashes. Watts has said in the past that she felt as if “I didn’t have control over my own body.”

Stripes Beauty has expanded into major retailers like Ulta Beauty and Sephora, with the once niche, uncomfortable category now becoming a mainstream part of women’s consumer health and beauty. The company was acquired in a deal between Watts and private investment firm L Catterton, which is backed by Louis Vuitton parent company LVMH, in 2024. It launched “National Hot Flash Day,” celebrated Sept. 9, to reinforce the message that the menopause journey is a completely natural and shared experience.

Watts says women should make “a bet on themselves” no matter what society is telling, or not telling, them.

“After 50, I have felt so much better about knowing who I am, so much more comfortable in my skin,” she said. “Stay connected to women. Women are everything. I am nothing without the community of women I have around me.”

Watts said in the past, when people came up to her in public, she often worried that requests to take selfies would follow, and she couldn’t help but think about being pictured without makeup on. But she says her menopause advocacy in recent years has changed many of these public interactions. “They’re coming up to me with tears in their eyes sometimes, or just wanting to say thank you for giving me the permission, or the dialogue, so I could speak with my husband or partner or family members and not have shame about it. … that gives me great joy. It’s so heartening to know the risk I took had a meaningful effect on others.”

CNBC