Never has it been clearer that fashion is ripe for change. It’s an empowering moment to reimagine the life cycle of your wardrobe and to seek out repurposed staples that are crafted to last. This autumn, a bag from the Coach (Re)Loved Collection feels like a step in a more responsible (not to mention stylish) direction. The iconic NYC label designs by the principle that better-made things equate to a better-made future, and the pre-owned, restored bags in the collection take an imaginative approach to sustainability that mirrors this set of values.
There are four categories in the Coach (Re)Loved Collection: Coach Restored, Coach Vintage, Coach Upcrafted, and Coach Remade. The trade-in program begins when you bring in your gently-used, authentic leather Coach bag to one of 15 pilot stores to be refreshed, reimagined, or recycled in exchange for store credit (from $10 up to $140). If it’s still in good condition (light scratches, no discoloration), you bid adieu to your bag for good, and it’s whisked away for a revamp by Coach’s in-house workshop of craftspeople. If it’s rough around the edges and not eligible for trade-in, the Coach Cares team will help you explore other avenues (such as repairs) to extend the lifespan of your well-loved bag. Whichever route you choose, you’re helping create a less wasteful way of doing things.
The trend cycle is always evolving, and so too should your taste and fashion preferences. But rather than shelving (or tossing) a bag whenever the trend winds shift, this season, consider trading in it in to buy a pre-loved masterpiece or enlisting the Coach team to breathe new life into your existing bag. These four picks from the Coach (Re)Loved Collection show how you can be part of a more circular and sustainable way of shopping.
VINTAGE
Zackery Michael
For those who are energized by the perfect old-school find, Coach’s game-changing Vintage program is where you can discover a handpicked edit of rare and archival styles from decades past, all lovingly and meticulously restored. And because these Coach pieces are coming straight from the source, uncompromising authenticity is always a guarantee.
ZACKERY MICHAEL
This white Knapsac—a silhouette originally introduced in 1974—was expertly cleaned, conditioned, and restored by Coach leather specialist Debi Barros. Its minimal color palette and sleek shape give a nod to an iconic moment in America’s fashion history that you can carry into the 21st century, all thanks to the Coach community member who traded it in rather than letting it possibly end up in a landfill.
RESTORED
Zackery Michael
For bags that have been artfully refurbished to their original condition, the Restored program reigns supreme. This collection proves that you should never give up on a bag due to subtle wear and tear; all it takes is a little Coach-assisted TLC to render your bag like new.
Zackery Michael
This gently-worn Callie design made its way to the Coach Repair Workshop and—thanks to the technical skill of their talented craftspeople—she’s got a new lease on life. Crafted in a convertible clutch silhouette with a chain strap and featuring a patchwork of signature canvas, leather, suede, and genuine exotic snakeskin, it can be worn three ways: on the shoulder, as a crossbody, or carried as a clutch.
UPCRAFTED
Zackery Michael
The Upcrafted collection is where gently used bags are masterfully reimagined by Coach’s craftspeople. Think of it as a step up from simple repairs and a transformation with one-of-a-kind artisanal elements like painting, embellishment, or whatever other brilliant touches the team dreams up.
Zackery Michael
Take, for example, this Rider Bag made from black glovetanned leather. It arrived at the Coach workshop with a broken frame hinge, a missing strap, and light marks and scratches. After replacing the strap and frame, designer Rose Oliva hand-painted a clever pattern motif, a process that took over seven hours to complete. Et voila—a classic black bag with a playful, repurposed personality.
REMADE
Zackery Michael
Coach’s Remade program is ideal if you live for a makeover moment (don’t we all?). Rescued and remade from deconstructed pre-owned bags, this collection features gifts like trays and pouches crafted from leather bags that previous owners have decided to part ways with.
Zackery Michael
In a former life, this pouch was once the siding of a much-loved Coach tote bag. When the bag was no longer usable, the brilliant hand of the Coach team strategically spliced and salvaged the materials from the tote to create an assortment of items, including a leather jewelry tray, a luxe cup holder, and two chic little coin pouches. Consider your holiday gift ideas found.
Art Direction by Sonja Georgeovich, Styling by Cassie Anderson; Styling Assistance by Laynie Rouch; Hair by Nai’vasha Johnson; Makeup by Nolan Eakin; Collages by Lola McDonnell.
Look 1: Jacket by Stetson; bra by Araks; jeans by Levi’s; earrings by Jennifer Fisher; necklace by Daisy London. Look 2: Coat by Schott x Coach; bodysuit by Skims; boots by Stuart Weitzman; earrings by Jennifer Fisher; bracelet by IVI; ring by Past Midnight. Look 3: Trousers by Khaite; belt the stylist’s own; earrings by Jennifer Fisher; watch by Tabio. Look 4: Dress by Retrofete; boots by Stuart Weitzman; earrings the stylist’s own; bracelets by Jennifer Fisher.
