New York is among the many cities that have inspired young artists to create works such as poetry, films and especially fashion. Coach’s creative director Stuart Vevers brought the love and creativity back to the brand with its new Spring/Summer 2022 collection.

Stuart wanted to bring to life the vision that once was of Coach’s first designer Bonnie Cashin, and brings back the iconic legacy of American style, but with more energy and diversity. As the Met Gala just commenced with the theme of American Independence, Coach’s runway show could not be more important. Celebrating America through fashion is a hard challenge to get right, but with the help of Cashin’s archives and Stuart’s vision, Coach has set the scene for a very American collection. 

Before New York was all about high-end fashion and silhouettes, it gave a representation of the true New Yorker and their busy everyday life of commuting around the city, grabbing food any time of night, and really showing off their sense of street style. Now, with Stewarts’ collection, the runway show truly brought back what American fashion once was, and found its roots. 

Bringing homage to the brand that was created in 1941, Coach’s new collection was inspired by Central Park, Zabars, and the Brooklyn Bridge, all places that are some of the most inspirational and iconic places in all of New York. 

With the return of Coach to the New York runway, Coach created a TV special titled Public Access which brings inclusivity and a communal approach to the program of the runway. Coach TV will feature content that shows the inspiration behind the collection, and ingenious direction of breaking the fourth wall, that can be showcased to audiences all around the world. Stewart quoted, “A celebration, too, of the colourful, upbeat optimism of Coach’s first designer Bonnie Cashin, it’s a collection I designed in response to the times we are living through—and a collective wish for a better, brighter future.” 

As a celebration for the brand and for American fashion Stewart created a collection that celebrates and collaborates with so many people. One of the collection’s main features is the tote bag that was crafted in collaboration with local and independent craftspeople, a way for the brand to celebrate, and support the community of New York fashion. 

The tote bag not only represents Coach’s legacy, but it brings new insight into where the brand is heading from here on out. The house has made a commitment to sustainability, not only for the environment but for the pieces as well, making them pieces that will last. Inspired by Bonnie, the Cashin Carry Tote is an environmentally responsible leather bag that is crafted from upcycled baseball gloves. A brand initiative is one that wants to create ready-to-wear collections from upcycled materials like denim, and reimagined vintage. 

 

Article published by HOLR Magazine