With February marking the arrival of the Year of the Horse, the warmth of shared tradition and cultural ties cleanses the palette for 2026. A dynamic cast of actors, a celebrity chef, and an Olympic champion are united by rituals for Bottega Veneta’s Chinese New Year campaign.

Directed by Dorothia Zhang, the Italian house’s campaign film finds its inspiration in the iconic Mandopop song “Sweet Honey / Tian Mi Mi (甜蜜蜜).” The song anchors the campaign’s heartfelt theme of kinship, serving as the backing track to New Year’s rituals, shown through a series of intimate vignettes.

Celebrity chef Qu Yuyu moves through the kitchen, prepping a meal and softly singing the campaign’s inspirational song. The tune is carried on by actor Yo Yang and his wife while on a seaside bike ride. Actor Zhang Kang Le quietly sings as he buys a bright bouquet of flowers; Olympic champion swimmer Pan Zhanle puts on a fresh new outfit while the song is heard under his breath. Cinema legend—actor, singer, director, screenwriter, and producer—Sylvia Chang performs the song in karaoke with her son Oscar Wang and his partner, You Tianyi.

Whether celebrated in unison or apart, shared culture connects each star, bridging different industries, generations, regions, and perspectives. As the New Year signals renewal, reflection, and reunion, the nostalgic melody reveals a common ground. First released in 1979 and performed by the legendary Teresa Teng (邓丽君), Tian Mi Mi’s tender lyrics have inspired countless covers and iconic film and television moments, including Almost a Love Story (1996).

Bottega Veneta echoes this feeling of enduring beauty and legacy through craft and design. Each of the campaign’s looks are timeless, traditional, yet made personal through unique individual expression. Tender in message and sincere in design, the campaign captures the beauty and connection of the Chinese New Year.