Happy Chinese New Year everyone! Seeing it’s the time of the year when everything is literally plastered in red, I thought I would share one of my favourite statement pieces from the wardrobe.

Funnily enough, I’ve never been bent on investing in a Burberry and I don’t even own a trench coat in classic neutrals. My mom just happened to find this striking beauty from a sale for a fraction of the cost! A scarlet coat is probably an unexpected addition to the wardrobe, but it’s become a Chinese New Year staple over the years and we no longer feel out of place when flaunting the reds.

Aquascutum translates to “water shield” in Latin, a nod to the brand’s patented waterproof cloth created for the British military during the Crimean war. Trench coats were popular on the frontline as they shielded wearers from both the cold and wet weather, though later on the garment became romanticised and stereotypically sported by journalists, detectives and femme fatales.

I love that the trench coat has a weighty, substantial feel to it and that the fabric is crease-resistant, it’s really a beautifully made coat. The shorter length and single-breasted design also make it easier to dress down with skinny jeans and a low heel. Despite being a bold, contemporary colour, it comes complete with classic details like epaulettes, belted cuffs, and even the warm detachable liner which used to double as bedding for soldiers.

Hong Kong is much too warm, so most days I wear it without and tie the belt at the back to cinch in the waist and open up the coat more. And yes, there are proper ways to tie the belt! I always go for the back knot or asymmetrical front knot to keep things clean.

Nobody ever asked… but If I ever had to dress up as a fictional character, it would be Carmen Sandiego in this coat.

Wearing:

Trench coat | Aquascutum

Sweater | ASOS

Jeans | Topshop — Leigh skinny jeans in mid blue

Heels | Sam Edelman — Leah Cap Toe Pumps (similar)

Bag | Celine — Medium Box in red box calfskin

Sunglasses | Gentle Monster — Sign of Two (similar)

Rings | Linjer – Siri Wrap Ring, Diamantti Per Tutti – Suerte Ring

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