Coach returns to its roots, reviving the American classics in a fresh new perspective and integrating sustainable practices in its artistry.
Stuart Vevers’ opening line at the coach SS25 show reads “I Love New York”. It’s such an iconic representation of the city and a celebratory nod to optimism and youth. Set on New York’s High Line, the striking pink ‘tree’ lends an electrifying tone to the show. The wind gushes rather wildly as the show is about to start, leaving guests, lining the periphery, on the edge of their seats. And as “I Love New York” walks down, smiles form on even the most deadpan of faces.
The Coach SS25 is fun and joyful. There is no tension between the looks as the pieces flow so beautifully on the runway. “I Love New York” stands out in Look 1 and Look 3, styled simply with an oversized dark-blue blazer, but Vevers takes it up a notch in Look 27, 30 and Look 33 with a more non-conformist styling – with shorter silhouettes, textures and rough edges.
Other standouts include Look 5 (just look at the delicious chocolate multi-pocketed leather jacket) and Look 37 with an all-grey trench look that’s oh-so tres chic. Look 41 flows effortless on the runway (the juxtaposition of the grey and the soft dusty pink combined spells urban romanticism). Look 26 offers an edgy look but the straight-out-of-bed glam in Look 18 truly captivates the audience.
Coach also finds inspiration from the success of its (Re)Loved program where thousands of heritage Coach pieces are restored and reinvented as new swanky up-cycled fashion pieces. Pre-loved chinos and jeans are pieced together to achieve the loose skater pant shape while ripped and exposed seams that resulted from the process are celebrated. There’s a fun mix-and-match component throughout the collection – the idea of taking a blazer, a T-shirt and chinos, and making an outfit that speaks to today’s American reality.
The show seemingly suggests that micro-trends are here to stay. The collection continues to cater to a demanding audience of Gen-Zs — they are Coach’s ‘secret weapon’ as some would say — and there is a huge emphasis on the details — if you look closer.
First up, the shoe charms. It can be easily overlooked but those shoe charms in shapes of New York cabs, cars, cassettes and Bambi make its first debut with Look 6 to many surprised attendees. Creativity thrives in Look 7 as the Soho Sneaker comes adorned in cute stickers.
But what actually stands out is the oversized bags that literally come out from the emoji bank. Think a large heart, a blue sauropod, lips, a teddy bear and that cutesy pink coin purse.
The coin purse buckle detail also gives such a cute feature to all the large bags, as compared to the regular zips and magnetic clasps. Charms also add up to the array of accessories in shapes of dinosaurs and stars – jumping back on the trend bandwagon (you can never have enough charms on your bags anyway).
Throughout the collection, Coach also teases with a bevy of arm candies in various sizes for the upcoming Spring/Summer season. Between weathered leather jackets or ‘demure’ coquette bows, Coach SS25 proves to be a head turning conversation starter for many through its varied facets. There’s a trend within a trend, something that keeps you interested as you zoom in to the details.
All images from Coach