As a purchaser of Coach handbags over the years, I’ve noticed a style change in the past 2-3 years.  Perhaps you have, too.

During my first few weeks at university, one of my friends was carrying a sleek, elegant handbag that I thought was a bit too fancy for college.  It looked like a slim briefcase but in a ladies’ purse version.  When I asked my friend about it, she was very proud of the fact that she had worked all summer and treated herself to this handbag.  It was from Coach.

Coach has been around since 1941 when it started as a family-run business in New York City.  An iconic American brand, Coach ‘went on to define “accessible luxury” for a generation’.  This year, Coach turns 75 and you can read more about its history and reputation as a quality leather house here.

Over the last few years, though, I think Coach has gone through some interesting times, especially with respect to styling.  Five years ago, Coach handbags could be described as highly monogrammed with almost every handbag featuring the signature ‘C’ logo on canvas or embossed in leather. Almost everyone was carrying these Coach handbags.

Today, you can still see some signature handbags in the store but they are not the focus.  The handbags in store have, for the most part, gone back to their original all-leather looks, with the classic features still there: turnlocks, brass hardware, quality leather, and the Coach hangtag.  With Executive Creative Director Stuart Vevers (Mulberry, Loewe) at the helm since 2013, you can really see the change in styling:

Rogue Bag in Suede

Tea Rose Applique Dinky Crossbody 24

Saddle Bag in Python

I like the new Coach handbags because in some ways they are not so obviously ‘Coach’ anymore.  The styling is classic featuring quality leather and craftsmanship.  What’s new are the edgier silhouettes, fashionable touches of color, and details like appliqued flowers, leather accents, and rivets.

The bag I’m featuring in this post is one of these newer bags.  Admittedly, I bought it in the fall but its summer version comes in a yellow/gold or a snakeskin print.

Here’s what I like about this bag:

• Its medium size features three inside compartments and an outside pocket
• The colorblocking means you can wear this with lots of outfits yet also allows the bag to be the center of a plain outfit
• Having an adjustable strap allows the bag to be carried as a shoulder bag or longer as a cross-body
• The Coach carriage logo is etched into the brass detailing but it’s very subtle
• A removable hangtag
• Small details like a wider top stitching on the flap
• The bag is mainly soft pebbled leather, with smooth leather accents that add interest

Other changes from Coach include newly renovated stores with elegant, New York-like interiors as well as a luxury line that debuted at last Fall’s New York Fashion Week called Coach 1941.  You may also have noticed that sales are not as frequent, adding cache to the brand.

Photos of Coach Swagger in Colorblock are taken by sweet lifestyle.ca and Lauren R.  All other photos are from coach.com

Have you noticed Coach’s new styling?  What do you think?  I’d love to hear your thoughts!