Style Staples is a monthly series where we spotlight the best luxury bags to invest in. In this edition, we explore Coach’s craftsmanship and iconic designs to bring you five must-have pieces that will always have a place in your life.
Founded in New York in 1941, Coach began as a small workshop with six artisans, handcrafting leather goods that were both practical and beautiful. Over the decades, the brand has grown into a global fashion house, earning its title as the Original American House of Leather. Guided by the vision of Lillian and Miles Cahn, Coach transformed from a family-run business into a leader in timeless craftsmanship and authentic American style.
A turning point came in 1962 when Bonnie Cashin, Coach’s first lead designer, brought bold innovation to the brand. With her fearless use of color, playful proportions, and unique designs, Cashin captured the vibrant spirit of 1960s New York, redefining the brand as a reflection of modern freedom and equality.
Today, Coach’s legacy is carried forward by Stuart Vevers, Creative Director since 2013. Inspired by the inclusive and daring spirit of New York City, Vevers has introduced a new generation to Coach with collections that blend heritage craftsmanship and American pop culture. His work has earned him accolades such as the CFDA Accessory Designer of the Year award, solidifying Coach’s place as a symbol of enduring style and innovation.
True to its roots, Coach remains committed to crafting products that celebrate authenticity, community, and sustainability, believing that better-made things create a better-made future. Let’s take a closer look at five of Coach’s most iconic bags that deserve a spot in your collection.
Brooklyn
The Brooklyn is an elegant, minimalist silhouette that exudes a distinctly New York attitude. Crafted from natural grain leather, it boasts a beautiful texture and a soft, luxurious feel. This generously sized hobo-style bag is as practical as it is stylish, featuring a spacious interior and an inside snap pocket for easy access to essentials. The Brooklyn is finished with a comfortable wide shoulder strap and a secure magnetic snap closure, making it perfect for everyday use.
Available in a variety of sizes and colours, the Brooklyn tote effortlessly blends classic and contemporary elements, making it a true staple for any wardrobe. The largest size, at 39 cm, can easily fit a 38 cm laptop, making it an excellent choice for a work bag. The medium size at 28 cm offers a balance of style and practicality, while the smallest size at 23 cm includes a detachable chain strap for crossbody wear, adding versatility to this timeless design.
Shop Brooklyn here.
Hamptons Hobo
The Hamptons Hobo Bag is a standout piece from The Coach Originals, a collection that pays homage to the brand’s legacy and authentic New York heritage. This glovetanned leather hobo is a reimagining of a 2005 best-selling design, updated with modern touches while retaining its timeless appeal.
The structured zip-top silhouette is paired with Coach’s signature sleek clip hardware closure, giving it a refined and contemporary edge. Designed for convenience, it features an adjustable short shoulder strap that rests comfortably just beneath the underarm, ensuring hands-free ease. Inside, the bag offers a spacious interior with a snap pocket and a credit card slot, making it perfect for carrying your phone, wallet, keys, and other daily essentials. With its impeccable craftsmanship and functional design, it’s no wonder some styles, like this one, are just too good to stay in the archives.
Shop Hamptons Hobo here.
Lana
The Lana Bag is the ultimate everyday wardrobe hero, blending easy organisation with sophisticated style. Compact yet spacious, this polished pebble leather 23 features Coach’s Signature hardware and a thoughtful design with a centre slip compartment to secure belongings, two open compartments, and a magnetic snap closure. Versatility is key, with handles that have a 13 cm drop and a detachable crossbody strap with a 54.5 cm drop, allowing for multiple ways to wear it.
Perfect for workdays or casual outings, the Lana is sleek, stylish, and functional – basically everything you need in a bag. Whether paired with a tailored suit or a flowy dress, the Lana bag’s versatility ensures it’s always in tune with your style. It also comes in Signature jacquard and glovetanned leather options, making it a timeless staple that fits effortlessly into any wardrobe.
Shop Lana here.
Tabby
When it comes to Coach’s most iconic bags, the Tabby is a must-have. A modern reimagining of a 1970s archival design, the Tabby bag has earned its place as a favourite thanks to its structured yet playful silhouette. Its standout feature is the bold ‘C’ hardware on the flap, a signature detail that makes it instantly recognisable as quintessentially Coach.
Beyond the classic shoulder bag, the Tabby has expanded into a versatile collection, including wallets, wristlets, backpacks, and more – each offering the same blend of timeless elegance and contemporary flair. Whether you go for the polished leather version, plush Pillow Tabby for a trendy vibe, or any of its other forms, the Tabby is undeniably a signature piece that deserves a spot in your collection.
Shop Tabby here.
Willow
The Willow bag is the epitome of versatile luxury, designed with both style and function in mind. Crafted from polished pebble leather and Signature coated canvas, it offers a sophisticated combination of textures. This spacious bag features a centre zip compartment for secure storage, along with turnlock and magnetic snap closures for added convenience. The leather and fabric lining ensures a premium feel, while the removable zip pouch adds extra practicality for organising smaller items.
What sets the Willow apart is its dual functionality: you can carry it as a sophisticated tote for work or use the detachable shoulder strap for a more casual vibe, making it a staple for the modern woman on the go. With its timeless appeal and practical design, the Willow is an investment piece that you’ll find yourself reaching for time and time again.
Shop Willow here.
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