LONGPAO JACKET
The Longpao Jacket celebrates the encounter between East and West through a festive reinterpretation of a precious Etro jacquard. The fabric tells the ancient story of the dragon, a creature that for centuries has symbolized luck, wisdom, prosperity, and imperial power in Chinese culture.
Once reserved exclusively for the robes of emperors, dragon motifs now adorn a garment designed for everyone. Its relaxed silhouette combines comfort with a strong, unmistakable presence. Lined entirely in pure silk, the Longpao Jacket offers a luxurious sensation against the skin, enveloping the wearer in the symbolic embrace of this noble and auspicious creature.
HISTORY
Longpao (龙袍, lóng páo), meaning “dragon robe,” was the ceremonial garment worn by Chinese emperors and members of the imperial court. Created by master artisans over many months of meticulous work, these robes were distinguished by elaborate dragon embroideries and auspicious motifs that communicated authority, dignity, and divine legitimacy.
In Chinese tradition, the dragon occupies the highest position in the animal hierarchy. Unlike the fearsome dragons of many Western legends, the Chinese dragon is a benevolent symbol associated with protection, wisdom, strength, and good fortune. For centuries, emperors adopted the dragon as their emblem, decorating garments, palaces, and ceremonial objects with its image.
In The Travels of Marco Polo, the Venetian explorer recounts encountering enormous serpents in the province of Carajan, describing creatures of extraordinary size and appearance. Such accounts helped shape the Western imagination of Asia as a land of marvels, where myth and reality often intertwined. The Longpao Jacket draws inspiration from this enduring dialogue between history, legend, and cultural exchange.
Dragon textile: jaquard- brand: Etro
Monochrome blue textile: 100% silk

