When it comes to American handbag brands, few are as storied and well known as Coach. Founded in 1941, the brand began as a family-owned and operated leather goods business before it evolved into the large corporation that we know it as today. While the brand made its name producing quality leather bags that are easy to wear, yet stylish at the same time, over the years the brand has seen many changes.
For some handbag lovers, Coach is synonymous with nostalgia, and I, like so many others, began loving handbags when Coach was in its heyday. Throughout the 2000s my wishlist consistently listed a handful of Coach bags that I was lusting for. Most notably I remember a monogram denim bag that was released around 2007-2008, but I also have memories of the Coach leather bags my older brother’s stylish girlfriend used to carry.
Like many bag lovers, as I grew up my love of bags intensified, and Coach bags sort of fell off of my wishlist. As my tastes changed, so did the Coach aesthetic. However, when Suart Vevers took over creative direction, he began revitalizing the brand and now it seems that the Coach comeback is finally in full swing.
Coach has long made itself accessible to people outside the world’s biggest fashion cities and top tax brackets, and its broad range of bags can be found on an even broader range of people. Because of this we’ve always covered Coach in some degree, but lately Coach’s offerings have been more desirable than in recent years past.
The brand’s latest offerings not only have me feeling nostalgic for the Coach of yesteryear, but they also posses an easy, wearable vibe that’s poised to stand the test of time. Coach has long been in the running for a comeback and I think it’s finally here. Take a look at some of our current favorites below and let us know what you think!
Coach Rambler Crossbody 16 ($295)
Mini Top Handle Saddle Bag ($295)
Coach Willis Top Handle 18 ($350)
Coach Tabby Shoulder Bag 26 In Signature Chambray ($350)
Coach Mini Barrel Bag ($295)
Coach Trail Bag ($350)
Coach Turnlock Lunchbox Pouch ($350)
Lora Bucket Bag With Whipstitch Detail ($350)
I remember when they were made in New York and didn’t go on sale. My favorites are the traditional styles and turnlock.
Me too …1992 mom bought Me one caramel color … like the saint laurent new Styles no logo … i instantly fell in love ? really good craftmanship savoir fare i could say ??
Those of us who grew up with and knew the REAL Coach of yesteryear, remember all too well the brand proudly made its products in the USA and employed many high-quality artisans in their production facilities (and yes, they made a profit, but apparently they wanted even more $$$). Where are these bags made? Until they bring manufacturing back home, their resemblance to the authentic Coach of yesteryear is barely skin deep. And their website claims of offering an “all American” and “New York” style ring hollow.
Exactly
If you watch the documentary “13th” on Netflix, a lot of American companies use prison labour (which is unpaid or paid very very little) to manufacture their products yet still proudly stamp them with Made in America. Bringing manufacturing back to the US is great, but companies also need to be transparent about having fair labour practices.
Thanks for the tip. I will definitely watch.
If there’s a perfect time, economically, to bring Coach manufacturing back to USA, it’s now. The jobs it will create will inspire many. They can have a Welcome Back commemorative collection like with the 96 Olympics.
I agree! What really bothered me about their move overseas is that they were making a decent profit. But they wanted more and were willing to throw their highly skilled workers under the bus to get it. And to RR, yes about the quality. If you look at a true piece of classic Coach, the materials and craftmanship that went into it were outstanding. And made to last.
I agree. The revival pieces are much lower in quality.
Coach has been killing it lately with their more classic/simple designs. The price to quality ratio can’t be beat.
I have been looking for a vintage Willis, but for now this iteration will certainly suffice! I love the look, it’s timeless Coach Americana at it’s finest!
The Vintage Willis was originally called the STATION bag. Try searching under that name.
BTW, the thickness and quality of the original surpasses the “Willis” by leaps and bounds. And the price of it back then was not too far off from today’s asking price. The more it was used, the better it looked.
There are vintage Willis bags all over the place now! If you’re comfortable shipping places like postmark you’ll find a ton.
These remind me their legacy collection on 2012. Love it so much
They certainly have the look, but I REALLY wish they kept the leather/suede interior finish instead of the fabric one. I took a look at this new Rambler and it’s nothing like the ones of old…
Some of the bags are better than others. The Willis has a beautiful leather interior in a contrasting color from the exterior but the Parker has a cheap fabric lining. It really ruined the otherwise luxurious feel of the bag and was the reason I didn’t end up purchasing it.