By: Diamond Johnson
Coach's latest collection is a standout in the Fall/Winter 2024 season, paying tribute to the city where the brand was born. Creative Director Stuart Vevers opted to showcase the collection in an intimate runway show at the historic James B. Duke house on the Upper East Side. The collection is inspired by the '90s, featuring nostalgic pieces and playful references to both Times Square and Dimes Square, celebrating the city's vibrant energy in a unique way. The collection expands upon Coach (Re)Loved, their program for exploring circular craft that gives pre-loved coach bags and materials a second life. The latest collection introduces various pieces of denim, leather, and shearling, crafted from second-hand materials and patchworked into new designs.
Photograph Credit: Vogue
The show had a pre-loved vibe, with distressed leather boots and worn-in jackets that exuded downtown cool. Straight-leg denim, breezy cotton maxi skirts with charming bows, and relaxed trench coats all contributed to the nostalgic feel. Bows were a vital element of the collection and were used to adorn skirts, tops, and even casual suits. The breezy cotton cardigan jackets in pastels and blue denim added a formal touch without feeling stuffy. The brand's unwavering commitment to sustainability was evident in several bags and coats, showcasing that major brands have no excuse not to prioritize the environment when creating fashionable clothing and accessories.
Photograph Credit: Vogue
The love for detail was evident in Coach's latest leather goods collection. The New York collection introduced new designs, such as the Brooklyn bag and the Empire Carryall, crafted with the brand's signature leathers. The accessories were adorned with charms inspired by iconic New York souvenirs such as the Empire State Building, yellow taxis, the Statue of Liberty, the Big Apple, and personalized postcards.
Photograph Credit: Vogue
While not everything in the collection was made from recycled materials, Coach's goal is to shift the perception that fashion is disposable. The company has established facilities where customers can have their old Coach products refurbished to extend their lifespan.
"What's different about how we approach sustainability in the show versus the brand is that generally the show is all about experimentation and trying new things,” he said to Vogue. “So, we’re pushing ourselves creatively and aesthetically, but also experimenting with sustainability and some things work and some things don't. Approaching things without fear was a big shift for me. And sometimes seeds of an idea become big ideas within the business later.”
Photograph Credit: Vogue