Coach has debuted Stuart Vevers’ Winter 2023 collection, the next chapter of his vision of Coach’s American heritage seen through the lens of youth counterculture. The collection also debuts “The Lil Nas X Drop,” an edit featuring pieces designed by Coach, and curated by Lil Nas X, inspired by the artist and Coach ambassador’s expressive approach to style.
Building on Fall’s narrative of heritage pieces as platforms for individuality, Winter 2023 introduces a playful mashup of leatherware and references to underground parties, as well as new pieces crafted in reimagined or repurposed materials. It features American archetypes like leather biker and shearling jackets juxtaposed with tees, sweatshirts and bags brought to life with youthful acid graphics and electric colours that evoke rave culture, and an archival Bonnie Cashin leopard print recontextualized for today. The collection also features reimaginations of “little black dresses” that merge romantic and grunge sensibilities, in sheer tulle embroidered in hearts and a glitter iteration finished with sequins.
To create the feeling of the collection, Coach referenced Lil Nas X’s individual style and sense of colour as a point of inspiration. Vevers then worked with the artist to select and customise his favorite pieces, including shearling coats in pop colours, graphics inspired by concert merch, and an American varsity jacket personalised with patches.
“Our Winter collection is inspired by my belief that fashion is about exploring and celebrating all of who you are,” said Vevers. “To create the collection, we twisted the Coach archives and were also inspired by Lil Nas X’s connection to music and nightlife. We evolved heritage styles introduced on the runway last season by amplifying colour, texture and graphics to create pieces that celebrate our love for individuality and authentic self-expression that we share.”
Additionally, the house continued to explore design through the lens of sustainability, spotlighting repurposed and upcycled processes and materials including reimagined pre-consumer tees and sweatshirts, as well as a Coach (Re)Loved boot featuring a leather upper crafted with repurposed Coach bags. Leathergoods introduced archival Coach styles like the Harley and Avery shoulder bag in sequins, burnished leather and leopard print with bold pops of colour – balancing heritage touches with the attitude of Lil Nas X.
To introduce the collection, Coach created a lookbook comprised of mirror selfies taken by its Coach Family, captured at the Park Avenue Armory. Inspired by Vevers’ vision to redefine heritage as a foundation for personal expression, the imagery playfully highlights the cast’s individual takes on the collection – showing how it would be worn and enjoyed through their eyes.
