A kid's signature mini Zip Pack is crafted from Coach signature jacquard fabric with suede and leather trim, $98.
Not just your mother’s
Coach anymore
Fashion's biggest sleeping beauty tales are of the handful of designers who have turned dowager European fashion houses into international purveyors of 21st century bling, from John Galliano's rousing of Dior to Tom Ford's makeover of Gucci.
America has a sleeping beauty tale of its own, and that's been made obvious with the opening of the newest Coach store at 2110 Kalakaua Ave. in Waikiki, which is fitting in nicely with its posh sisters.
Coach has taken a colorful path to its latest incarnation. Less than five years ago, a woman who wanted a safe, utilitarian and classic handbag turned to Coach, where about the only colors she would find were tan, suede and cocoa.
You get the idea. Coach purses were dependable but somewhat dowdy. They were handbags for conservative office matrons; hardly an image any cool young thang would want to project.
Then an amazing thing happened. At Ala Moana Center, a new Coach boutique popped up, broadcasting color through its windows. Neutral leather gave way to Easter egg pastel patent-leather purses and logo fabrics. And the designs keep coming.
Key fobs in calfskin and shearling, or enamel, range from $34 to $44.
Reed Krakoff, president and executive creative director of Coach since 1999, is the man largely responsible for the company's creative renaissance. Two years ago, he was recognized by the Council of Fashion Designers of America, winning an American Fashion Award as Accessories Designer of the Year. Prior to joining the company, Krakoff was at Tommy Hilfiger USA, and before that, Polo/Ralph Lauren.
Of course the question for the rapidly growing company is this: Can old and new Coach customers peacefully co-exist?
According to Michael Tucci, president of Coach's Retail Division, North America, the company is perfectly comfortable taking the broad approach.
"There's always a balance between magic and logic," he said. "We want our past to be reflected in functional, durable leather goods that match the sophistication of luxury brands, while at the same time we want to bring something unexpected into the store."
Among the latest "unexpected" offerings are a limited-edition, Modern American Art Soho Collection comprising three styles, each reflecting the rich colors of fall, from saffron to moss and bordeaux. Soho Hobos retail locally for $864 each.
DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Mike Tucci, president of Coach's North American Retail Division, was here to celebrate the grand opening of Coach's new Waikiki location. The shop opened Nov. 14 as a flagship on par with stores in New York and Japan, featuring nearly the entire product line -- and some items exclusive to Hawaii.
More playful spirits may enjoy the Sherpa-inspired Soho Parka Small Hobo, available in black or white and trimmed in rabbit fur, for $284. To match, there are fur-lined Lurex slippers at $70 for kids and $80 for moms.
For Christmas gift-giving, there are whimsical key fobs ranging from leather penguins and pears to enamel stars and snowflakes, ranging from $34 to $44.
For the younger set, there are leather MP3 player cases, from about $70. And 10 percent of sales of kids crusher hats (from $170) will benefit Girls Inc., a national nonprofit organization that provides educational programs for American girls at risk.
The larger Waikiki space also allows Coach to display its full product line on par with flagship stores in New York and Tokyo. That means we can also catch a glimpse of Coach's future as the company introduces a small sampling of leather apparel, including gold halter tops and fitted suede dresses.
"It's very select. We're just dabbling," Tucci said.
That's probably what they were saying about their color play three years ago.
Click for online
calendars and events.
