In the July 13th online Wall Street Journal edition I glanced at all the political, business, tech and newest heath issues. But what caught my eye - the fashion section that featured an article on Coach (the famous handbag maker). This article basically said that this "iconic" brand is bringing back the old classics. Yes, they're updating and modernizing this bag in the "brand's iconic shapes and saddlery detailing" with a new way of making the leather soft and durable. And I was thrilled to see this classic brand revert to what made them famous in the first place. The prices are comparable or somewhat to the JCrew priceline.
I remember when I was young and working at Hecht's and I just loved to look at this beautiful line of handbags in locked glass cases. The classic browns, blacks and maybe a red or beige thrown in for a winter or summer look with wallets and key chains on display. These adaptations of a roomy bag or a smaller bag with a handle in shapes that were so ladylike and proper were the ideal model for any well-groomed up and coming woman. I've heard of it as a "coming of age" accessory. Need I say more? Yes, I worked and worked to save for this gorgeous handbag and all that it inspired. I did love it. Often, it was featuered on tv shows including Murder She Wrote.
The beauty of this brand was that anyone could own one whether for a business and professional look, casual use or a week-end bag. The duffel or the briefcase with adjustable shoulder straps or handles made the Coach brand special and unique. The colors were unmistakable, the classic and simple lines, so smart and chic. Nevermind instantly recognized. It lasted forever and the leather became better as it aged. This was the brand and it worked brilliantly. Then it changed to become more hip and gaudy or something like that - the materials weren't the same nor were the shapes. And they lost me - too young and cheap looking.
But now I'm so glad to see that the executives at Coach are bringing back a new version of these handbags called the "Legacy Collection". In retrospect I'm so sorry that I trashed my old and well-worn brown Coach bag since I see that the're all on e-bay!
Good wishes to this new version of classic styles, to a brand that decided to go back to their roots and focus on a very special collection that really never went out of fashion.
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