NYFW: COACH Spring 2020 - Embracing Modern Luxury and Heritage

Discover the essence of Stuart Vevers' modern luxury and the heritage of Coach through its Spring 2020 collection debut at New York Fashion Week. Explore the evolution of Coach, its iconic designs, and collaborations with artists.

New York Fashion Week marked a momentous occasion for Coach as it unveiled its archival collection at the forefront of the runway. The debut showcased the creative prowess of Stuart Vevers, who in his fifth year of designing ready-to-wear for Coach, has steered the brand towards its roots and the cultural influences that established it as the Original American House of Leather.

This remarkable event ignited conversations and hashtags on Instagram, with Coach bags taking center stage. Meanwhile, the likes of Yara Shahidi and Michael B. Jordan embraced their roles as brand ambassadors, embodying the vision of a brand renowned for its distinctive Jacquard pattern on fabric.

A Glimpse of Coach's Iconic Heritage

The Spring Summer 2020 runway show unveiled a collection characterized by revitalized bags, vibrant jewel tones, sumptuous layers of leathers, turncock closures adorning every corner, and a commitment to gender-neutral clothing. This was more than a fashion show; it was a journey through time and craftsmanship.

The Roots of Coach 1941

Six artisans gathered in a New York loft with a shared ambition: to craft bags as durable and supple as a baseball glove. Out of their collaboration emerged genuine glove-tanned cowhide, a leather that would become synonymous with Coach. Initially focusing on men's bags and luggage, Coach's journey took a pivotal turn when Bonnie Cashin, the brand's first Creative Director, introduced a fresh perspective. She designed the iconic "Cashin Carry," a tote that resembled a shopping bag, featuring the brand's debut turnlock closure inspired by her own convertible car.

Cashin's visionary approach transformed leather into saturated colors, turning it into both a fashion statement and a lifestyle essential. This signature hardware would continue to resonate across Vevers' Coach collections, from 2014 to the present day.

Stuart Vevers' Remarkable Journey

Stuart Vevers joined Coach in 2014, infusing his creative energy into the brand's DNA. He orchestrated Coach's first-ever runway collection, heralding the brand's foray into women's ready-to-wear. Vevers' approach to fashion aligned seamlessly with Coach's vision, leading to a significant market presence in China. This presence spurred collaborations with visual artists from Shanghai and a refreshing reinvention of Coach's beloved mascot, Rexy, manifested in various forms.

Coach's creative boundaries expanded further through partnerships with talents such as Tabitha Simmons, Kaffe Fassett, and Richard Bernstein. The latter, renowned for his vivacious covers for "Interview" magazine during the '70s and '80s, added a touch of his illustrious artistry to Coach's evolving canvas.

This blend of heritage and innovation defines Coach's journey, continuously evolving and embracing the changing landscape of luxury fashion. As you delve into the Spring 2020 collection, remember that behind every design lies a rich tapestry of history, vision, and creativity.

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