The collection takes us back to Coach's roots. On its inception in 1941 the Gail Manufacturing Company, as it was called then, was more famous for its wallets and billfolds than women's handbags. In fact, the feminine accessories weren't introduced until the '50s when Miles Cahn joined the team. An avid baseball fan, Cahn noticed the leather used for the sport's gloves grew softer and suppler with wear.

Inspired by the catcher's mitt, Cahn developed new leather processing techniques which were as strong and soft as the sports equipment. Using this cowhide was revolutionary at a time when handbags were generally made of thin leather pasted onto cardboard.

But why use leather that’s reminiscent of the skin from a baseball glove when you can simply use the real thing? The Coach crew spent the last 12 months sourcing vintage mitts from eBay for the collection. Each one of 200 purses in the limited edition line is crafted from mitts that are at least 70 years old. Each one is stamped for authenticity and priced at $348 from Coach outlets.

It might seem like a gimmick, but the quality of the vintage materials and the reduced carbon footprint actually makes this collection pretty smart. What do you think of Coach's latest line?

[Source: PSFK]

Coach Wallets on eBay

NWT COACH GALLERY BLUE SIGNATURE SCARF PRINT ZIP AROUND WALLET 46774 US $119.99   Auction Ends: 31m Make it yours...

NWT COACH PASSPORT HOLDER ID WALLET CREDIT CARD PINK PEONY 61483 US $42.99   Auction Ends: 31m Make it yours...

While some fashionistas may accuse Coach of playing it safe here, I love the City Bag's clean, uncluttered design. The rich orange-red leather is an eye-catching alternative to the signature prints of old. The striking color lifts the City silhouette which has been a Coach staple since 1987. Shy retiring types may prefer something more sedate, but I think Coach really needed a bold hue to modernize the style.

The colors have changed and the leather has become lighter, but it's nice to know that some of our favorite City features remain. I'm thrilled to see Coach retain the original hardware, including that iconic turnlock clasp.

The Classics City Bag is petite by modern standards but it's roomier than you might expect. The well designed interior has space for everything you really need inside, and its interior and exterior pockets should see that those items stay organized.

Coach serves up the best of both worlds here, a style that dates from fashion's heyday with a few contemporary innovations. This new City Bag is a bit more expensive than the original incarnation, but at $278 it's still affordable by modern standards.

More Features of This Coach Classics Shoulder Bag

• A single strap with a 20 inch drop
• Measures 11 x 8 x 3.75 inches

Get this Coach City Handbag:

• Available to buy at Coach
• Search online for this bag

You may also be interested in:

• More Coach bags on BagBunch
• The Coach Flagship Leather Dowel bag, a great alternative to this red leather bag.
• Searching for more Coach bags on eBay
• Other Coach City bags on eBay:

NEW Coach Vintage Classic MAHOGANY BROWN CITY BAG Purse Made in UNITED STATES US $299.00   Auction Ends: 28d 20h 34m Make it yours...

Austrian WWI Generals in coach in occupied French City Photo US $5.00   0 Bid Auction Ends: 8h 32m Make it yours...

American artist James Nares has teamed up with Coach for a colourful new tote collection.

James Nares usually hangs from a harness and splashes his paint in enormous waves across massive canvases. For this line the same technique has been interpreted in miniature, and finished with leather handles and trim.

There are six different canvas bags in all, and just 175 of each design. With such limited numbers I'm sure they won't last too long, despite the far too high $798 price tags. I really struggle to spend any more than $100 on a canvas tote, but the limited edition status of these may see other fashion fans throwing caution to the wind!

This collaboration is the latest in a long line of partnerships between artists and leading handbag labels. It wasn't too long ago that Coach tapped Hugo Guinness for a masculine accessories line. And who could forget Japanese artist Yayoi Kasuma's recent work with Louis Vuitton, or Christian Dior's gorgeous handbags adorned with Anselm Reyle's artworks.

The James Nares for Coach bags will hit the label's boutiques on April 20. If you want one I suggest contacting your local store to determine whether they'll have the totes in stock, and then fronting up bright and early on Friday morning!

[Source: Purse Blog]

Coach Canvas Totes on eBay

COACH Heritage Tattersall Coated Canvas Shopper Tote 19176 US $108.50   8 Bids Auction Ends: 4h 55m Make it yours...

Coach bleecker signature C canvas and leather tote US $175.00   Auction Ends: 5h 24m Make it yours...

Coach has continued its commitment to tradition by following last year's Classics collection with its new Legacy line.

The comprehensive range features timeless handbags alongside small leather goods, technology cases, footwear, hats, apparel, and even office desk accessories. Each piece celebrates classic design, although the pretty color palette, which includes some fun shades like coral pink and aquamarine, give the items a fun youthful feel.

Many designs like the women's bucket bag and men's rucksack take their cues from designs in Coach's archives. However even these items have been modernized with more contemporary shapes and hues, and fun details like oversized tassels.

There's a lot to like in this line. It's rare to find a female-focused fashion house creating so many products for men. The gorgeous rainbow of colors is also perfect for spring. And isn't it great to see more Coach handbags free of that unsightly signature print of old? We also can't argue with the prices. A small purse will set you back just $178, and many of the flagship handbag styles cost between $250 and $300.

The Legacy collection is slated to hit Coach's American stores in August. Hopefully its boutiques in other countries won't be too far behind!

[Source: Fashionista]

Coach Handbags on eBay

AUTHENTIC COACH HANDBAG US $75.00   0 Bid Auction Ends: 1h 32m Make it yours...

NWT COACH Pink Optic Lexi Purse Handbag matching COACH Alexandra Optic Wallet US $350.00   0 Bid Auction Ends: 1h 51m Make it yours...

Michael Kors Holdings Ltd. wants to more than double its North American stores to 400 and more than quadruple its department store infiltration. We should see its products in more than 1000 high end retailers soon. Shoppers can indulge in Michael Kors goodies in popular shopping strips and malls. The label's collections will focus on accessories, and celebrate "accessible luxury." Is it starting to sound like another label we know and love? That's right; Michael Kors is taking a few tricks from Coach's playbook.

Both companies could theoretically thrive, but Steven Dennis of Sageberry Consulting says Michael Kors push could have devastating results for Coach.

"This is the first mega-brand emerging to take them more or less head on in a direct hit," he explained. "That's definitely going to impact Coach's business."

Michael Kors is certainly a brand on the up. Since it made its debut on the New York Stock Exchange three months ago its shares have more than doubled. During the same period Coach's have increased by around a third.

Coach is refusing to comment on Michael Kors assault, which is probably the wisest strategy. Do you think the American company can ward off Michael Kors attack?

[Source: Crain's New York]
[Image Source: Ed Kavishe/Wikipedia Commons]

Michael Kors Bags on eBay

Michael Kors Hamilton Trompe Loeil $68 US $38.00   10 Bids Auction Ends: 41m Make it yours...

Michael Kors Bag NWT Jet Set NS Jelly Tote Tangerine orange US $120.00   0 Bid Auction Ends: 1h 59m Make it yours...

When the retailer paid no heed to its warnings, Coach sent one of its investigators to Fort Lauderdale. He found a lucrative collection of counterfeit Coach stock at Swap Shop's market stalls.

Henn is pleading ignorance on this one, claiming its impossible for him to monitor what his thousands of vendors are moving. However that sort of excuse has never washed in a case of this nature before, so something tells me he doesn't have a leg to stand on.

Coach has aggressively targeted counterfeiters since introducing Operation Turnlock in 2009. Coach's senior president Todd Kahn says the initiative looks to "make it both more costly and increasingly difficult for vendors to purchase, sell, move, or store counterfeit products in the United States. We have a responsibility to protect the brand's core values and further enforce our commitment to this global issue, starting with our home market."

What do you think of Coach's efforts to stamp out counterfeiting?

[Source: Huffington Post]
[Image Source: Matthew Hurst/Flickr]

Coach Handbags on eBay

Coach Gold Wristlet Clutch 100 Authentic US $21.51   7 Bids Auction Ends: 35m Make it yours...

Coach Gallery Leather Pewter ToteF17721 with Checkbook Wallet46240 US $315.00   1 Bid Auction Ends: 53m Make it yours...

It seems strange that a small salong in Murfreesboro would even be on the fashion giant's radar, but apparently it sent an investigator to the premises after it was tipped off about the illegal activities. The private eye found he could buy an imitation Coach wallet for just $15, a fraction of the genuine article's recommended retail value.

The papers served to Hair in XS and Thephavong cite a range of crimes including trademark counterfeiting, trademark infringement, trademark dilution, copyright infringement, false designation of origin and false advertising, Tennessee deceptive trade practices and Tennessee common law trademark violations. If these charges are proved in a court, Thephavong will face some pretty hefty damages.

Understandably Thephavong has gone to ground and is refusing to speak to the media. Something tells me that keeping quiet might be the best move.

This case serves as a timely warning to other companies that no business is small enough to get away with copyright infringement.

[Source: DNJ]
[Image Source: Robert Linder/Stock.xchng]

Coach Handbags on eBay

Coach Gold Wristlet Clutch 100 Authentic US $21.51   7 Bids Auction Ends: 35m Make it yours...

Coach Gallery Leather Pewter ToteF17721 with Checkbook Wallet46240 US $315.00   1 Bid Auction Ends: 53m Make it yours...

The all American brand asked Sui to give its iconic Duffle Sac a makeover. With the style dating back to 1972, some reinvention is probably overdue!

Coach's creative director Reed Krakoff said he selected Sui for the project for her iconic status and affinity to Coach and its heritage.

"When I think of her and her accessories, I think of these amazing leather goods shops from the sixties and seventies with these amazing whipstitched bags and hand-burnishings, and so it was a great fit," he explained.

Anna Sui was keen to take on the challenge as she felt Coach's Duffle was such an important part of the American brand's history.

"It's truly an honor to put my own spin on this seminal design," she confirmed.

Anna Sui's take on the Duffle Sac has a relaxed, bohemian feel with Art Nouveau dragonfly accents, oversized tassels, and whipstitched accents. Two different versions will make their debut at Sui's New York Fashion Week show tomorrow, ahead of their general public release. Look for Anna Sui's new Duffle Sacs at selected Coach outlets and the label's online store this fall.

[Source: The Gloss]
[Image Source: Lindsay Stockton/Wikipedia Commons]

Coach Duffle Sacs on eBay

COACH 2002 BLACK SLIM ZIP DUFFLE SAC LEATHER SHOULDER BAG 9326 XCLNT US $99.95   Auction Ends: 27d 9h 52m Make it yours...

Coach Slim Zip Duffle Sac 9326 US $24.99   Auction Ends: 24d 12h 25m Make it yours...

The photo shoot saw the actress reunited with photographer Peter Lindbergh, who snapped her for last year's Coach autumn/winter 2011 ads. They're also set in New York City, although the metropolis has a different complexion this season. This time around the commercials feel much fresher and more fun, as if the weight of winter has left us and been replaced with all the sun of summer.

Paltrow is no doubt stretched with her acting duties, burgeoning singing career, lifestyle blogging role, and everyday responsibilities as a wife and mother of two. Yet it seems that working with Coach is an opportunity close to her heart.

"I grew up in New York City, and I've always thought of Coach as the quintessential New York brand," the Oscar winner explained.

I'm particularly fond of this advertisement which shows a fresh-faced smiling Paltrow stepping out carrying the Poppy Willis cross-body purse. The companion commercial sees the actress more relaxed as she lounges about with her red Madison Lindsey satchel.

I love the accessibility of this advertising campaign. I'd much rather see a grinning Gwyneth than another snooty, skinny supermodel, wouldn't you?

[Source: The Telegraph]

Coach Poppy Willis Purses on eBay

COACH NWT 19034 Poppy Signature New Willis Magenta Khaki Cross Body Handbag Bag US $278.00   Auction Ends: 29d 20h 31m Make it yours...

NWT COACH POPPY CITYBLOCK E W WILLIS GREY TANGELO SILVER HARDWARE 19035 US $328.00   Auction Ends: 29d 1h 41m Make it yours...

Lan's illustrations resemble the traditional ink style paintings created by Chinese masters for generations.  It's no ordinary dragon either. Lan fashioned his creature after Qinglong, a famous Chinese beast known as the Azure Dragon of the East. He's one of four symbols of the Chinese constellation, and he represents both the east and the season of spring. The Chinese people believe the dragon was reincarnated as some of their most famous generals through history and folklore.

I love the way the menacing mythical gold animal pops against Coach's classic signature print. They really elevate the fairly drab colored leather and make it something special. I really like the tote, but if you're not sure about carrying the print on such a large scale you could indulge in a wallet, passport case, or travel organizer.

No prices have been released at this point, but with Coach making an effort to keep their prices reasonable I wouldn't expect this capsule collection to be too exorbitant. Look for the Year of the Dragon accessories soon at your local Coach store.

[Source: Pursuitist]

Coach Signature Totes on eBay

NWT Coach signature print tote US $134.99   0 Bid Auction Ends: 1h 17m Make it yours...

Coach Signature Tote US $38.99   1 Bid Auction Ends: 1h 59m Make it yours...