6 Chinese New Year-themed outerwear collections to shop this festive season: from The North Face and Canada Goose’s cosy jackets, to Kenzo’s Year of the Dragon designs, and Zimmermann’s red down coat

Jan 29 , 2024

With Chinese New Year just around the corner, brands including Canada Goose are drawing inspiration from the dragon. Photos: Handouts

Hong Kong may be located in the subtropics, but the city has a definite winter, with the mercury normally dropping below 10 degrees Celsius at some point in January – as it has this year. It makes sense then that the best time to acquire a new statement piece of outerwear is in the run-up to the often chilly Lunar New Year.

Kenzo’s Year of the Dragon collection includes a women’s bomber jacket in red with an “8” dragon graphic on the back and tigers on the chest

There are also traditions to consider, with wearing new clothing on the first day of the Lunar New Year a symbol of prosperity and good fortune. Though red is often the colour of choice when it comes to dressing for the festivities, brands have also come up with alternative creative and eye-catching designs that nod to the auspicious season.

Read on for our picks of the best outerwear to shop this festive season.

1. Canada Goose

Canada Goose Heirloom Mystique parka with Messina black motif

Those travelling for the holiday may find themselves heading to a popular – and colder – destination, such as Hokkaido, Japan; Aspen, Colorado; or the Swiss Alps for a skiing holiday. On or off the slopes, a cosy coat is in order – preferably one filled with down.

Inspired by the prints found on blankets of the Basotho people in Lesotho, South Africa, Canada Goose’s Heirloom Mystique parka brings an understated hint of red to the holidays. The full-length parka with a down-filled hood is made from a luxurious performance satin and can be paired with a matching merino wool shawl in grey.

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2. The North Face

Bright orange and olive make a fine combination in the North Face’s Freeride collection

The North Face, too, offers cosy options for those headed for the cold. Its Chinese New Year collection features designs in bright orange and olive. The Ripstop Mountain light jacket, made with recycled nylon, promises breathability and mobility thanks to its lightweight Futurelight technology. Its double-layered panels with adjustable hood and sleeves provide maximum wind protection too, keeping you warm and dry on your wintry adventures.

3. Kenzo

A cardigan, combining the dragon and tiger motifs, from Kenzo’s Year of the Dragon collection

Some brands have opted to celebrate the year by embracing the zodiac animal. The dragon is considered one of the most auspicious creatures in Chinese culture – so much so that the Year of the Dragon often sees a spike in the birth rate across China. And wearing designs featuring dragon motifs is one way to carry dragon luck with you wherever you go.

Kenzo Paris denim jacket featuring dragon embroidery on the back

Kenzo’s Lunar Year Collection features embroidered dragons emblazoned on the back of jackets. Artistic director Nigo created a bomber jacket and a denim jacket that pay homage to this timeless motif. An oversized dragon, along with the lettering for Kenzo Paris, is a proud celebration of this most auspicious zodiac animal.

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4. Roots x Clot

Roots x Clot leather varsity jacket with white leather sleeves, a Roots patch and dragon embroidery

Canadian apparel brand Roots collaborates with Edison Chen’s Clot again to create a Lunar New Year collection inspired by the fierce dragon. The limited edition Stay Lucky collection – using organic cotton and other eco-conscious fabrics – features classic streetwear silhouettes accented with colourful embroidery. A highlight of the collection is the leather varsity jacket with white leather sleeves featuring a Roots patch and dragon embroidery.

5. Zimmermann

Zimmermann quilted faux patent leather down jacket

The Outnet’s Lunar New Year edit offers plenty of stylish options for that ultimate pop of red. Whether you’re looking for comfy and cosy or chic and edgy, bright red jackets add a splash of much-needed colour for that perfect Instagram-worthy Lunar New Year photo – against a backdrop of cherry blossoms or golden tangerine trees, of course.

Zimmermann’s quilted faux patent leather down jacket features knitted trim for added warmth – pair it with jeans or a full-length skirt for a touch of drama and festive energy.

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6. Stand Studio

Stand Studio Constance faux leather jacket in tomato red

Also available on the Outnet, Stand Studio’s Constance faux leather jacket in tomato red is a lighter weight option for those used to braving cooler winter weather. The bold hue of the jacket makes it a great option for colour blocking – pair pink or orange bottoms with this jacket for a look that will get you noticed amid a sea of red.

Lunar New Year

The North Face’s Ripstop Mountain light jacket uses recycled nylon and Futurelight technology, while the Stay Lucky collection from Roots x Edison Chen’s Clot features eco-conscious materials
Kenzo has dragon embroidery on a bomber jacket and denim jacket, while Canada Goose keeps things understated with just a hint of red in its Heirloom Mystique parka – great for a skiing holiday