Modern Luxury

Can you guess the designer behind this Fall 2014 collection? Could be Derek Lam, Altuzarra, even Phillip Lim. But that’s oh so wrong.

These are a few looks from the Coach Fall 2014 RTW collection that debuted under the vision of Stuart Vevers at fashion week in February. Yes, the same Coach who provided me with all of my Bar and Bat Mitzvah accessories and gifts (including the quintessential logo wristlet) is now making leather clothing, kick-ass shoes and some new bags you would think cost four digits (but yay for us…they don’t!) It seems like many brands are moving in this sort-of “cool girl” direction. Like J. Crew and Kate Spade, for example — two brands I’d never wear four or five years ago because they were just way too preppy for me (although if you asked me about Kate Spade in 2002, I’d tell you that was my favorite designer…thank you nylon backpacks). Anyway, bring in Jenna Lyons and this happens. Give me some quirky clutches and I’m sold. And as for Coach — when you’re known for leather and you make something like this, of course I’m going to be on board.

Yesterday, I read about how Coach wants to revamp the brand and take it in a more fashion-forward direction. And because fashion is all about exclusivity, they’re actually closing about 70 North American stores to “tighten the store’s image.” Hey, if there’s any way to get people to want your product, it’s to make it less accessible (especially when it comes to anything in the luxury market). And coming from a brand like Coach who already has decent prices, it’s a genius move if you ask me. In the words of Coach President of North American Retail, Francine Della Badia, “The overarching objective is to change brand perception from accessible luxury to modern luxury.” I couldn’t have said it better myself. And to add to their new vibe, Coach will soon be carried and two of the most prestigious stores in the world (both of which I happen to enjoy VERY much) — Colette and Net-a-Porter. So, to sum it up…Coach is pretty much killing it.

If you’re still not sold on Coach yet, take a look at some of these pieces. No C’s in site — just pure awesomeness. But that’s just my opinion…what’s yours? What do you think of the new Coach? Will you be buying anything from the Fall collection?

Images via Style.com

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