TNF Year of the Horse
Marking the arrival of the Year of the Fire Horse and The North Face’s 60th anniversary celebration, The North Face unveils the “Year of the Horse Exploration Collection” defined by the brand’s “Never Stop Exploring” motto. Inspired by the spirit of the Fire Horse in the Lunar calendar, the collection embodies the concept of “Forged by Flame, Reborn in Motion” seamlessly merging natural elements with refined design aesthetics. Spanning pinnacle performance, outdoor functionality, and urban lifestyle, the collection honors six decades of relentless exploration and the boundary-pushing spirit that defines The North Face.
Born in the North, Never Stop Exploring
The North Face was born on the most challenging northern slopes of the mountain, destined for exploration. Since its founding in 1966, the brand has continued to break new ground — from the 1975 dome tent that revolutionized the basecamp experience; to the 1985 ICON jacket that set a new industry benchmark; the 1992 NUPTSE Down Jacket that captivated the world; and the Summit Series launched in 2000 for extreme expeditions. For sixty years, every product innovation has been driven by the same purpose: to help explorers push their limits and go further, climb higher, and reach beyond. As Stone Dong, Vice President and General Manager of The North Face Asia Pacific, said, “True exploration is not only about reaching distant places, but also about returning to our original spirit.” This spirit of exploration, deeply rooted in The North Face’s heritage, continues into the Year of the Horse to write a new chapter in The North Face’s unending journey.
Forged by Nature: Where Aesthetics Meet Performance
The North Face Year of the Horse Exploration Collection draws on Natural Essence and Totemic Momentum as its core design concepts, weaving together vast starry skies, rugged rock landscapes, and majestic horse totems. This fusion symbolizes the eternal, galaxy-like symbiotic bond between humanity and nature, paying homage to explorers' fearless spirit of charging toward the unknown.
The new collection draws inspiration from humanity's deep connection with nature, like the gravitational pull between stars. Colors unfold across three chapters: the Starlight Series captures the spirit of navigation and brand heritage through radiant hues like Star Glow Gold and Dawn Sand Gold; the Fire Horse Series gives symbolic life totems cosmic depth in rich tones such as Twilight Purple and Mane Crimson; and the Earth Series grounds everything in natural landscapes with steady shades like Mocha Brown and Flame Rock Gray.
The design draws inspiration from ancient pottery firing techniques, weaving galloping horse silhouettes into natural patterns to honor life's primal wildness. The totem design emphasizes momentum, referencing the Eastern Han Dynasty's Galloping Bronze Horse and the dynamic fluid lines of a galloping horse’s spine in modern ink-wash art, all seamlessly blended with The North Face's iconic Half Dome arch to depict a thousand-mile steed charging forward across the garment. Prints take cues from the trail marks of mapping and wilderness exploration, creating Exploration Marks that trace journey paths and ridgelines. Woven rope details in mountain hues symbolize humanity's deep bond with nature, with their form evoking saddle ropes that tie back to the equine theme. Each knot carries coiled tension, a firm resolve to charge toward the mountains and seas with a stallion’s stamina and power.
Collection Highlights: Functional Style for Diverse Exploration
The North Face Summit Series™ introduces professional-grade products built for peak performance. The M SUMMIT BREITHORN HOODIE features 800-fill-power PRODOWN™ water-repellent goose down insulation paired with 15D PERTEX® Quantum fabric to deliver extreme lightweight construction with superior warmth for high-altitude climbing and harsh environments. The CAYESH GTX Pro stands out for its lightweight durability, with rope-compatible pockets for easy gear access and an adjustable, helmet-compatible hood for versatile protection.
The North Face Year of the Horse Exploration Collection features the YOTH STORMPEAK FL JACKET with proprietary FUTURELIGHT™ 3L nano-shell technology that delivers exceptional breathability and waterproofing. The jacket incorporates Year of the Horse colorways and exploration patterns, accented by an exclusive galloping horse badge on the shoulders. The YOTH CASCADE DRYVENT JACKET utilizes DRYVENT™waterproof technology with multiple Horse Year-exclusive color options, perfectly balancing rugged protection with urban exploration aesthetics.
In urban lifestyle apparel, The North Face also delivers standout pieces. The Year of the Horse Exploration Collection's down jackets draw inspiration from the classic NUPTSE cut, featuring 700-fill-power RDS-certified goose down insulation, side zippers for enhanced wearability, and exploration pattern prints. This season's retro classic pays homage to the 1996 original with glossy ripstop fabric and 700-fill-power down, infused with galloping horse motifs inspired by ancient pottery firing techniques. The W NUPTSE SHORT JACKET reimagines the iconic design in a relaxed, cropped silhouette for versatile fashion styling.
The North Face Urban Exploration Year of the Horse Exploration Collection focuses on avant-garde city exploration. Teaming up with designer Liang Dong, the series reimagines Eastern aesthetics through a futuristic lens, weaving traditional Chinese design elements into forward-thinking functional apparel. Arc-shaped cuts and asymmetrical details break conventional boundaries, appeasing urban explorers who demand both texture and style in their garments.
From 1966 to 2026, spanning high mountain peaks to city streets, The North Face remains steadfast in its commitment to equipping explorers with innovative gear. This latest Year of the Horse Exploration Collection stands as both a stunning Lunar New Year tribute and a testament to The North Face's sixty-year Never Stop Exploring legacy. This new year, The North Face invites all those with a passion for discovery to embrace the spirit of Never Stop Exploring 探索是本命 and to set out boldly for the next journey.
Wherever you are, never stop exploring.
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