Spinning off in Coach

Everyone knows you can't be a real luxury company until you have a stand alone diffusion line. Marc Jacobs has Marc by MJ, Chloe has See, Donna Karan her DKNY...the list goes on. Perhaps in a new effort to reclaim the tenuous foothold as a luxury brand, Reed Krakoff has spun off Coach's Legacy collection, even giving it it's own flagship boutique in the trendy West Village. The store is definitely designed to give it more of an "in the know" boutique feel than the typical Coach emporium. Able to hold about 27 customers at a time, it is what is currently referred to as "intimate", but knowing the area, and the numbers of tours aimed at shopping, I think it will feel as intimate as a subway car during rush hour.



The real news however, is that there will be bags available that fit with what the name Legacy implies. Not featuring just the over sized, hardware laden, and over branded looks they've become known for, there will be bags that evoke the real Coach legacy, from when they were more of an American classic, than a global brand.

The fringed Piper, selling for $358, is the sort of bag that used to make me enjoy looking at Coach's offerings. It's a rare example where more is more. while the bag would have been adorable with just the double flaps, the fringe takes it up a notch, and makes it less old fashioned feeling. The pairing with a fine gold chain is also a bit of a surprise, but in this proportion, it works. I do wish the chain was longer, because this would be terrific worn cross body.


The limited edition Emma, retailing for $298 is a great example of a classic style, so perfect, it needs no updating. A north-south purse on a gold chain, featuring a kiss lock closure, and an outer coin purse with it's own clasp. This looks like the bags designed by Bonnie Cashin that put Coach on the map. The pink is both bold and flirty, and the vibe is groovy.


The Anna clutch also carries the classic Kiss lock clasp, but here in a foldover clutch. The sort of bag everyone is making these days, it's just so simple. A great size, perfect for going out after work, as it easily slips into a larger tote where it can double as a makeup case if you choose. It is $168.

The less good news, some of these styles are, for now, only available from the Legacy store, and in quantities unheard of for such reasonably priced bags. With only 16 Emma purses available, it would have been easier to get your hands on a Louis Vuitton Tribute...there were 24 of those. But, before you start to get that "nobodyelsewillhaveit" itch, once gone, the limited quantity styles will be replaced by new limited editions...almost like a mass production take on the idea of limited editions. According to the New York Post, the store is also to serve as something of a style lab as well, so designs produced in small quantities that have good feedback could eventually find their way into the line.
The New York Legacy store is located at 372-374 Bleeker St (near Perry) in New York. The number is (212)-206-8343.

Plans for a second Legacy in L.A. scheduled for Robertson Blvd have been scrapped according to California Apparel News.