Archive · 27 Aug 2026
Kenneth Cole Plans Revival of Anthony Bourdain’s Famous Leather Jacket
Kenneth Cole is bringing back a leather jacket connected to Anthony Bourdain.
Bourdain wore the jacket often on No Reservations.
That made the jacket part of his recognizable look.
Cole says it came from his autumn/winter 2003 collection.
He thinks much of its worn appearance came from Bourdain using it while traveling.
The original jacket was later sold for thousands at auction.
Cole plans to return to leather clothing and relaunch in Europe soon.
The new jacket may be the same style, but the exact details are secret.
Kenneth Cole plans to re-release a version of Anthony Bourdain’s leather jacket.
The jacket came from Cole’s autumn/winter 2003 collection.
Bourdain frequently wore it while traveling for No Reservations.
Cole said its worn appearance likely came from extensive use, not pre-distressing.
The revival’s exact details remain secret, with a European relaunch planned soon.
- Who
- Designer Kenneth Cole and the late chef and television host Anthony Bourdain.
- What
- Cole confirmed plans to re-release Bourdain’s famous leather jacket or a version of it.
- When
- The announcement was published on August 26, 2026; the relaunch is planned for soon and the return to leather outerwear is expected this autumn.
- Where
- The announcement appeared in British GQ, and the relaunch is planned in Europe.
- Why
- Renewed interest in the jacket, following a British GQ investigation, helped prompt Cole to consider reviving it.
- Original collection
- Kenneth Cole’s autumn/winter 2003 collection
- Associated program
- Anthony Bourdain wore the jacket on No Reservations
- Jacket appearance
- Cole said it was not necessarily pre-distressed and likely became worn through extensive use
- Original jacket
- It was later sold for thousands at auction
- Planned relaunch
- Kenneth Cole plans to relaunch in Europe soon
- Product status
- A Bourdain jacket or version of it is being discussed, but details remain top secret