I have been collecting clothing for some 50 years now, yet I have to say that this is one of the most exquisite jackets I’ve come across in my now many years. Simply put, I’ve never seen anything like this. The detail that went into creating the design of this sweater, the time it must have taken – it seems almost implausible – and today, I would venture to say that sweaters as such are extinct. Name a brand these days, that will go through the effort of painstakingly etching what is a complex design (not only on the outside, but also the INSIDE) by hand? This is beyond a doubt the only of its kind in existence. There are a few other models out there designed by Pringle for Shannon Free Airport Ireland, but none of these Scottish made sweaters. Or jackets are on a level remotely close to the model seen above. This is a special edition piece, of which a VERY finite amount were made. This jacket is Scottish made. The exterior has a military, Olive Green complexion – and a silky, slightly textured fabric. Think those running pants that make a slick, slick sound when one leg brushed up against the other. Its is very militaryesque, as was the designers intention. This is a throw on jacket – no fasteners, no buttons, the lapels just simply meet. I find the design to be absolutely one of a kind. There are placeholders for buttons, but no buttons themselves. Take the lapels for example – there are slots in which buttons would be pushed through on BOTH sides, whereas on your normal jacket – you would have one lapel with slots for buttons, the other bearing the buttons themselves. This is a no button ensemble, with a myriad of button push throughs. Never seen anything of the like! The no button and large visible seam aesthetic was likely done to give this jacket a rugged feel. Theyve accomplished this rugged aesthetic beautifully. While the exterior of the coat is thin, the interior is THICK – this could has a lot more weight to it than it might seem. The real element of design at the exterior comes at the back. The back of this jacket is absolutely otherworldly… What always catches the eye first is the large dragon dead center. LOOK AT THE INTRICACY OF THE DRAGON ITSELF. This can be described as nothing less than a work of embroidery art, that happens to be on a jacket. Note the hundreds of perfectly defined scales, the face, the body, the claws… Just above the dragon are four, beautifully clean and crisp Chinese characters. The dragon is a high vibrancy orange, which radiates BRILLIANTLY from an Olive Green background. Of course, this jacket does not set out to keep the outside interesting and leave the interior plain. This is a REVERSIBLE piece. Never before have a seen such a crazy contrast of designs on a reversible jacket. The inside is padded – and has the feeling of a soft towel. It is textured (think beach towel) and covers the spectrum in terms of color! The colors at the interior (in contrast to the monotone military olive green at the front) are light high contrasting high vibrancy hues! The colors are deep, and have not washed out over time – not surprising, as this jacket has never met the wash (or dryer). The interior is composed of blue, white, yellow, green, and orange. It resembles the sky and clouds – and has a Tie Dye sort of pattern. At the back of the interior, the bold font ARMY phrase – above that ARMY insignia, 4 orange high color Chinese symbols – floating in the sky. I cannot adequately summarize in words how comfortable of a wear this piece is. And appreciate all of this. It drapes over a layered outfit with finite ease. It is also aerated at the armpits (see above photos) which means that there is airflow throughout the piece at all times, but not so much that you will find yourself cold. Why would someone go through all of that effort when it comes something traditionally hidden on the piece? Why go with a reversible, when the front exterior is something in and of itself to satisfy? Well, because this isn’t Gucci, this isn’t Armani, this isn’t a mega company who is totally profit driven – this is the work of an artist who creates to connect on a personal level. This is someone who loves what they do, and wants you to love what they do too. This piece is in beautiful condition. As noted in the description, the former owner hardly wore it. This piece was a gift – and overlooked for many years. There are a few holes you will see at the exterior – these holes are INTENTIONAL. This is an Army themed jacket, made to look rugged/distressed – hence the few (well placed, and effective) small holes. Those holes (be design) do not carry over into the interior of the jacket lining. You will also see some variation in hue at the exterior, some lighter spots. Again, this is in keeping with the distressed theme. Distressed, intentionally and wonderfully so! Again, this is a piece that does not exist beyond this listing. I LOVE the vintage 90s Traditional Chinese Aesthetic at the frontpaired with that otherworldly interior. Looks aside, however, this is quite possibly the most quality build jacket I’ve seen at my now old age. I will get back to you promptly. 52 Inch Chest (26 Inch Pit to Pit). 27.5 Inch Helm (keep in mind the helm is open). 33 Inch Length (shoulder to helm). 22.5 Inches Shoulder to Shoulder. The item “RARE Pringle of Scotland REVERSIBLE Traditional Chinese Military Dragon Jacket” is in sale since Sunday, January 31, 2021. This item is in the category “Clothing, Shoes & Accessories\Men\Men’s Clothing\Coats, Jackets & Vests”. The seller is “uniqueluxurygoods” and is located in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Size: Large
- Handmade: Yes
- Accents: Handmade
- Model: Pringles for Shannon Free Airport
- Character: Dragon
- Country/Region of Manufacture: Scotland
- Department: Men
- Style: Military Jacket
- Fabric Type: Microfiber
- Outer Shell Material: Silk Blend
- Season: Fall
- Product Line: Traditional Chinese
- Theme: Chinese
- Performance/Activity: Bodybuilding
- Pattern: Dragon
- Type: Jacket
- Features: Aerated
- Color: Olive Green
- Year Manufactured: 1990-1999
- Vintage: Yes
- Garment Care: Dry Clean Only
- Character Family: Dragon
- Closure: Open
- Occasion: Casual
- Brand: Pringle of Scotland
- Manufacturer Color: Olive Green Exterior/ Multicolor Interior
- Personalized: No
- Lining Material: Cotton
- Insulation Material: Down
- Size Type: Regular