Coach Ditches All Things Logo, Gets An ‘A-’ For Spring 2016
In his first runway presentation for Coach, creative director Stuart Vevers enlisted Stefan Beckman (who also works with the likes of Alexander Wang and Marc Jacobs) to design a setting that celebrated the wide open spaces of America. This being New York, we were relegated to lower Manhattan. Luckily, there’s the High Line, and beautiful tall grasses — they’ll be donated for replanting — set against a delightfully sunny backdrop! Here’s how we graded the clothes, accessories, and the glittering front row attendees.
Inspiration: In his show notes, Vevers wrote that he wanted to explore “classic Americana and the sense of freedom and romance that comes from the cinematic quality of the great American landscape, set against the raw energy of New York City.” He also referenced the attitudes of “surf, skate, and punk cowgirl” which speaks to our inner rebel. We picked up on his vibe immediately. Grade: B+
Ready-to-Wear: When Vevers made his Coach debut in February of 2014, aside from focusing on accessories, he made a big push for coats. Then it was shearlings, today it was spring jackets of every conceivable fabrication and variation— leather, bomber, moto vests — paired with suede and leather patchwork skirts as well as baby doll dresses with disruptive but cool contrasting patterns. He also tapped into the ‘70s vibe with double breasted suits in shades of bright blue and cherry. Whatever your mood, there was a look to latch onto. Grade: A
A model wears a contrasting floral print dress and the Outlaw Satchel. Photo: Getty Images
Bags: The bread and butter of Coach has always been its bags. We’re past the god awful logo’d ones of yesteryear and for Spring, Vevers was big on the Outlaw Satchel, which came in several different variations and was slung over the models’ shoulders in a nonchalant fashion. Grade: A-
Shoes: All hail the Chelsea boot! The Western-inspired ankle boot was the star of the (footwear) show. It came in oxblood, blue patchwork, calf hair dyed to look like tiger stripes. There was also a zip-up version, and a shoe that resembled Vans. Are the days of high heels behind us? During Fashion Week, editors won’t mind riding into the sunset wearing one of these beauties. Grade: B+
Attendance: It was a packed house! All of the global editor-in-chiefs plus major star wattage in the form of Christina Ricci, Kiernan Shipka, Chloe Grace Moretz, Ciara, and Zoe Kravitz. Grade: B
Overall Grade: A- Vevers put on a good show filled with cool pieces that definitely appealed to all of the editors and celebs in the audience. Let’s see if the core Coach customer will bite.
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