New York Fashion Week: Coach unveils spring/summer collection at its first major womenswear showcase

The brand has blossomed in the hands of University of Westminster graduate, Stuart Vevers
Karen Dacre|Fashion Editor18 September 2015

Coach continued its transformation from out of date household label to luxury super brand when it unveiled its spring/summer collection at New York Fashion Week yesterday.

Taking to the city's picturesque High Line to celebrate its 75th anniversary with its first major womenswear showcase, Coach drew a battle line with British equivalent Burberry - a brand whose reinvention the U.S. house seems determined to replicate.

Coach, which bares a great deal in common with it's British competition, including the nationality of its creative director, is intent on doing for New York Fashion Week what Burberry does for a London with a big budget production which allows it to showcase its role as a luxury leather purveyor with the ability to turn its hand to high fashion.

Coach at New York Fashion Week

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Incidentally, Coach will host its own event on the London schedule later this week.

The brand, which has blossomed in the hands of former University of Westminster graduate Stuart Vevers, also set out to cultivate a reputation for an being an edgy, albeit expensive, global super force which embodies a specific breed of New York cool.

In essence, this was a show through which which Vevers offered up Coach as an embodiment of American style.

Riffing on a whole repertoire of typically American cultures including Americana and and the inner city skating scene, the designer unveiled tiered floral print dresses with drop waist details and patch work prints.

Some were worn over luscious leather biker jackets others came layered with waistcoats. Skater shoes in a host of skins and saddle bags brought to life by accents of fuchsia also stood out and looked destined to become best sellers for the brand.

Nature, and the great landscapes of the U.S, had also been on Vever's mind. But there was nothing in this collection that felt provincial.

Delicate florals were lent toughness through the inclusion of suede trims and inset leather panelling while a series of beautiful oversized parkas continued the theme.

Suede suiting, destined for bank busting price tags when Vever's latest collection hits stores next year, served as proof that Coach has it eyes set firmly on attracting serious spenders to the formerly faltering leather label while the inclusion of sunglasses and modestly sized accessories suggested it was also looking to boost sales among its more affordable categories.

Coach's trump card is undoubtedly its broad ranging appeal.

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