Launched in 1941 in New York City, Coach has built a brand known for exceptional craftsmanship and design. Today, as it moves towards the future, it looks to be a responsible fashion brand, as well. For example, its 2021 Spring “Coach Forever” collection, a mix of past, present, and future designs.
“Created in unprecedented times, Coach Forever spotlights the optimism of craft, community and responsibility to the planet through new, vintage, and archival Coach designs. Coach Forever is a reflection on what matters most right now, and a statement about responsibility, renewal, and reduction. Inspired by Coach Creative Director Stuart Vevers' vision of practical optimism, the collection tells the story of Coach bags beyond the runway as they are worn, cared for, personalized and passed down. Grounded in Coach's legacy of craft, it offers a vision of a more mindful future featuring better-made things,” says Coach representatives.
Some key pieces include the Recycled Tote 30, which is crafted of fabric made from 17-25 recycled plastic bottles, and made 100% from recycled materials—even the thread—as well as The Coach Originals Upwoven Leather Coach Ergo Shoulder Bag and Upcycled Woven Leather Field Tote 30, which are both crafted of leather scraps from its past collections.
Coach is committed to a legacy of craftsmanship, which means that its handbags are crafted to the highest standards and meant to last—to be used, loved, and passed down. And, the longer they last, the less waste that ends up in a landfill, which is better for the environment.
Leathercraft has been the defining feature of Coach since its launch, and it is well-versed in how it is sourced, made, and crafted into designs. In 2019, the company sourced 63% of its leathers from Leather Working Group Gold- and Silver-rated tanneries—the highest environmental standard in the industry for leather-making.
And, the company has a goal to source 90% of its Tapestry family leathers from Gold- and Silver- rated tanneries by 2025.
Additionally, 100% of its leather is a by-product of the food industry, ensuring that it is only using a recycled resource that would otherwise end up in a landfill.
“Today, the same way we care about every stitch that goes into our product, we care about the impact we have on people, communities, and the planet. Everything we make, we craft to last with the belief that better-made things create a better made future for all,” says the company.