Coach made some of its most popular Coach Travel Bags as a result of America’s favorite pastime. It was founded by a group of leather-obsessed artisans in 1941, which marks the brand’s 75th year in business. Almost 17 years later, the company introduced glove-tanned cowhide, inspired by a baseball mitt, a material durable yet flexible that helped usher in a new type of bag for a new type of consumer, one for whom structured and “fussy” bags did not appeal.
The company’s first hit bag, after Miles and Lillian Cahn, acquired it in 1961 (they later became purveyors of Coach Farm goat cheese), was a leather tote designed by Lillian along the lines of a standard shopping bag. Bonnie Cashin, an American designer known for her ability to combine leather and fabrics, was invited to design handbags for the label the following year. In her first collection, she remade a canvas bag with a leather coin purse that had appeared in her leather line. In addition to the Cashin Coach Travel Bags, Coach also came out with other new styles that would strengthen the brand’s reputation as an “accessible luxury accessories brand” with well-made, dependable products.
As a niche player by 1996, Coach needed to reinvent itself to grow. The collection-obsessed collector Reed Krakoff, the company’s new creative director, provided it. Coach began offering new products in addition to the classic styles, such as the Bucket bag. Several of them were upscale and luxurious, such as a green crocodile shoulder bag. The “home team” entered the international league in this way and transformed from making millions to making billions. Until now.
Upon Krakoff’s departure, Stuart Vevers succeeded him, an ex-pat Brit who worked with brands including Calvin Klein, Louis Vuitton, Mulberry, and Loewe. Veneers say he wants to keep the label’s “essential American-ness” while adding a little bit of fun. A little bad behavior, rebelliousness, is what the designer likes, she tells Vogue. New rules of play, in other words, that are defining a new ballgame for Coach.
The newest Coach pieces will have you excited for fall if you’re a fan. Brand new picks include everything from the brand’s signature printed bags to everyday carryalls and cute Coach Travel Bags. Moreover, there are some great crossbody bags, classic shoulder bags, and new styles worth taking advantage of before they sell out. Take a look at these 11 styles from Coach if you’re looking for a new bag you’ll wear all the time. We would have bought them all if it were up to us, so believe us when we say narrowing it down was difficult.
You just have to add your favorites to your shopping cart from the list of best picks of the season. The Coach line includes travel backpacks, camera bags, Coach Travel Bags in fun colors, and stylish backpacks for traveling. Here you’ll find some statement bags you’ll love, and you’ll also find classic black bags that will fit your style. What’s more, quality investment pieces like these are ones you’ll keep for years to come, so what’s not to love? Browse all of them below.
