Last Monday, we transformed Isshiki into a glowing celebration space to welcome the Year of the Horse with a Lunar New Year cocktail party that was equal parts intentional, joyful, and community driven. In partnership with the incredible Amanda Le, we co hosted an evening that brought together editors, influencers, creatives, and tastemakers within the Asian community and its allies, all gathering to celebrate new beginnings and bold ambitions for the year ahead.
From the moment guests stepped inside, the energy was vibrant and magnetic, a room filled with laughter, connection, and that unmistakable Lunar New Year sparkle.
A Lucky Arrival
Upon arrival, each guest was greeted with a traditional red envelope, but with a twist. Instead of just lucky cash, our envelopes held curated gifts from our generous sponsors or a personalized manifestation for the year ahead.
Inside, guests discovered surprises ranging from matcha sets and spa treatments to beauty gifts and jewelry pieces, each one thoughtfully selected to symbolize abundance, care, and intention for the new year.
Sips & Bites to Ring in the New Year
Isshiki Matcha proudly served signature matcha cocktails and specialty beverages throughout the evening, alongside refreshing seltzers from LUNAR and curated selections from Gopuff.
Guests sipped on Yuzu and Lychee Seltzers from LUNAR while mingling and setting their intentions for what they are “galloping toward” this year, whether that meant career milestones, creative risks, personal growth, or deeper community connections.
On the dessert table, the showstopper was a stunning dark red, double tiered Manhattan Blackout Cake from Claude Bakery NYC, rich, decadent, and perfectly on theme. Gopuff kept the bites flowing, ensuring no one’s glass or plate was ever empty.
Thoughtful Sponsor Moments
We are so grateful to our amazing sponsors who made the night extra special:
- Claude Bakery NYC (@claude_nyc) provided the unforgettable Manhattan Blackout Cake.
- Gopuff (@gopuff) supplied drinks and bites for the evening.
- ESW Beauty (@esw.beauty) gifted lip treatment gloss for a little extra glow.
- WTHN (@wthn) provided spa treatment experiences for restorative self care.
- Third Tone (@shopthirdtone) gifted gold hoops that felt like wearable luck.
- Sage + Saber (@sageandsaber) provided their signature clock choker and clock ring, a beautiful reminder that time is ours to shape.
- Peach Bling Nails (@peach.bling.nyc) offered gift cards for future nail moments.
- LUNAR (@drinklunar) served refreshing Yuzu and Lychee Seltzers.
Each sponsor contributed something meaningful, from beauty and wellness to fashion and food, creating a red envelope experience that felt abundant and celebratory.
What Are You Galloping Toward?
In honor of the Year of the Horse, a symbol of strength, freedom, momentum, and ambition, we invited guests to share what they are “galloping toward” in 2026.
The answers were inspiring.
✨ Launching new brands
✨ Prioritizing wellness
✨ Embracing creative risks
✨ Building stronger community
✨ Traveling more boldly
The Horse represents movement and drive, and the room was filled with exactly that, passion, purpose, and possibility.
A Night Rooted in Community
More than anything, this night was about gathering. It was about celebrating culture in a modern, elevated way while honoring tradition. It was about spotlighting Asian founded brands and creatives. And it was about stepping into the new year with intention, together.
We left the evening feeling energized, grateful, and deeply proud of the community we are building at Isshiki. If this is how we start the year, we know it is going to be a powerful one.
Here is to bold moves, lucky moments, and everything we are galloping toward. 🐎🧧✨
