Canada's Supreme Court retires red 'Santa robes' for sleek black design

The Supreme Court of Canada has bid farewell to its famous red and white ceremonial robes, adopting a more minimalist black design to mark its 150th anniversary and the opening of a new judicial year.

The new robes, featuring red piping and crisp white collars over black Korean silk, made their official debut in Ottawa this week. They replace the bright red, fur-trimmed regalia that justices had worn since 1875 — attire affectionately dubbed the “Santa robes.”

Chief Justice Richard Wagner unveiled the new look on Monday, noting that the updated robes strike a balance between tradition and modernity.

The robes were crafted in Quebec by Les Rabat-Joies, a specialized maker of judicial attire. Each robe requires about 40 hours of work, featuring hand embroidery, custom SC buttons, and high-quality silk imported from Korea.

The company described the new design as “the pinnacle of our craft,” adding in a statement that the project was about more than aesthetics:

The red ceremonial robes, long reserved for formal occasions such as Parliament openings and judicial swearing-in ceremonies, were a hallmark of the Court’s British heritage. During normal proceedings, Canadian justices traditionally wear simpler black robes, a practice dating back to the 14th century in England.

The shift to all-black ceremonial attire marks a symbolic departure from colonial-era formalities, aligning with the Court’s effort to project a more inclusive and accessible image to the public.