In his relatively short time at the creative helm of Coach, Stuart Vevers has done a more-than-convincing job turning the company from an accessories brand into a full-on fashion label. That’s largely due to his creation of Coach 1941, which is the line shown at the brand’s runway shows. It’s more fashion-forward and pricier than the label’s other wares, and it gives Vevers an opportunity to flex his design muscles and reach consumers who are looking for a premium product.
Coach showed its Pre-Fall 2017 Coach 1941 collection (which also marks the brand’s 75th anniversary) for both women and men in New York on Thursday, and the clothes and bags were the next step in the quirky, eclectic look that’s pushed the brand in a more experimental direction. In addition to the sublime outwear that’s become one of the brand’s biggest non-accessory calling cards, the collection included lots of vintage-inspired pieces, many emblazoned with old-school NASA logos or the brand’s Rexy dinosaur mascot. Rexy also takes a starring role in his own capsule collection of frame bags, clothes and accessories, which are available at Coach.com now. Take a look at the full collection’s bags for both men and women below, and keep in mind that these are the most forward-thinking pieces the brand will do for the season. If you’re looking for more conventional Coach pieces, those will also be available.
Not a fan of the collection as a whole, but there are a couple of pieces that are okay. Slide 43 and the NASA charms. I’m not getting a cool girl/boy vibe. What I’m getting is a mediocre attempt at being Moschino.
I like looking at his work but I wouldn’t buy any of these. The style’s more suited to “girls,” not women, but I wonder how many could afford these bags? Most of will wait for markdowns. Those of us who are older and can afford to splurge on bags are more likely to choose established premier designers. Thus Coach continues to be relegated to the “first bag” club.
Love the jackets, but I could take or leave the bags. I’m happy that Coach is reinventing themselves, though!
The COACH 1941 line is absolutely gorgeous (the details, the leather, the styling, etc) and demonstrates a clear artistic point of view, which the rest of the Coach collection lacks in my opinion. I used to despise Coach but Stuart V has led an incredible turn around! Obviously, this is not for everyone and I would not buy every piece, but I see a lot of cool stuff! The price point is still lower than all premium designers but the quality is excellent. So it really makes you think twice about paying top dollar for Gucci’s plastic bags!
Are these a joke?
Coach reminds me of gucci in a fun and fresh way!
This collection is like a joke I am not in on.
These “most forward-thinking pieces” are decidedly retro.
I hope it’s not off-topic to say that socio-political events on both sides of the Atlantic has turned me off nostalgic kitsch.
These aren’t for me personally, but at least Coach has a point of view these days. I never thought they would succeed in extracting themselves from monogram-heavy, outlet purgatory. I probably would have been into these when I was in my twenties, and they’re in the right price point for that demographic.
I do think Stuart Vevers has taken Coach in a really nice direction but this collection is really not suited to women. I did recently break down & buy the Rogue after going back & forth on it but so far that’s the only bag I’ve liked in the 1941 collection.
May be you want to check Swagger style. I had the same thought but in retail store I was able to change the mind and see how Swagger, Dinky also fits my choice..
I think Coach is doing really great things these days. This is our American flagship brand, and I think it’s awesome. I’ve noticed that their designs, no matter how funky, are including a considerable amount of internal organization which I really appreciate. The leather ages beautifully so they are not a “one season” bag. They are using a lot of gorgeous suede for the linings of some bags also. It’s a lot of quality for the money, and a lot of practicality also. Love it!
I bought my fist coach at 18 and was a huge fan for years. Since then, I have sold off or given away all but 1 piece as I transition into a higher end collection. Nevertheless, I am thrilled to watch the brand reinvent itself so that it can be to others what it was for me.
When can we start seeing Pre Fall collections in store?