Classic Coach Bags: An Ode To Timeless Simplicity

Today I would like to talk about the original range of Coach handbags. For me, the ideal bag is one that is simple, durable, versatile and timeless. The Coach Classics line, as these handbags are generally referred to, fulfil all these requirements perfectly. Founded in New York City in 1941, Coach thrived on their leather-handling expertise and became known for creating finely-crafted but practical accessories. Regarded today as a distinctly American brand, with a national tie similar to Tommy Hilfiger or Michael Kors, Coach remains up-to-date with changing fashions and advertising strategies (remember their Fall 2013 campaign with Karlie Kloss and Liu Wen - I loved it... but maybe that's because I was born in NYC!).

However, as much as I value the Coach brand and wish it continued success, I cannot help but notice that the designs which capture my heart most, are no longer available. A proud possession in the 80s and 90s, these simple, undecorated, classic bags were believed not to appeal to the more frivolous styles of the early 2000s and were substituted for accessories made of combined materials monogramed with the letter "C". While these new designs did become fashion favourites themselves, let's not forget that fashion is cyclical and less is (always) more. After a decade and a half, demand for timeless simplicity and designs that last unsurprisingly returned. Coach has since attempted to create an updated version of its classic line and launch models which borrow design features from the originals. Although some of Coach's modern bags do occasionally tempt me, it is the vintage ones that are forever etched in my memory!

My own first acquisition from the Coach Classics line was the Willis bag and then the Regina model. Pictured in the title photograph, they are both made from black cowhide leather and were purchased online -- the former on Asos Marketplace and the latter through Ebay. I filmed a video (below) featuring additional information as well as reviews of both bags for anyone considering acquiring one. The full range of classic bags contained more than the five models pictured in the photograph below and I often stumble upon alternative versions that fit seamlessly into the line. It truly must have been a very popular bag.

Below: An excerpt from a catalogue advertising the Shoulder Purse.

https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/authenticate-this-coach.818914/page-174

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/4e/7a/0a/4e7a0a035361bfdbfab3912d1566c3d6.jpg

http://www.extrapetite.com/2013/02/vintage-coach-review-shopping-care.html

http://the-atlantic-pacific.com/2011/08/25/jacket-gap/

Above: A photo from an outfit post by Blair, writer of the blog Atlantic-Pacific, from August 2011 - the bags made a brief comeback around this time and they have been on my radar ever since.