---

CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM Natalie Lau, wears Coach's white Tie Dye vest ($498), and carries the Vintage Tie Dye Shoulder Tote ($468), with other Tie Dye styles in the background.

---

Cool Coach

New colors and textures
drive the fashion company’s
rapid expansion

In the early 1900s, Henry Ford promised drivers they could choose Model T in any color, "so long as it was black." In the late 1900s, Coach seemed to be going the same route, giving consumers a choice of any handbag, so long as it was brown leather -- classic but not particularly bankable in a marketplace fixated on cool.

CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM Natalie Lau shows Coach's new Python Boxy Tote ($978) in lavender, worn with Kaylee python sandals ($300), also in lavender. The Ala Moana boutique unveils its larger floor plan tomorrow. At left is the Ladybug Boxy Tote ($428).

Enter Reed Krakoff, who, as president and executive creative designer for Coach in 1999 began infusing the company's new designs with a merry-go-round of color, artistry and new materials. Since then, there's been no looking back for this company. It's already outgrown its 3,500 square foot Ala Moana space and tomorrow will unveil its new 4,500 square foot interior, the better to accommodate its newest summer lines, with five key looks, including one that might have been inspired by lauhala weavers. And, there's nary a trace of brown leather.

Here's a look at what's new at Coach:

» Boxy totes: Straw woven handbags with metallic pink, blue, green or gold leather trim, plus one embellished with a tropical ladybug leather motiff. The Ladybug Boxy Tote is $428. A matching wallet is $298. A straw and suede trim tote is $298.

If you can't afford another handbag, a ladybug key ring ($58) or scarf ($78) will update the purse you have. And for those who don't mind being matchy matchy, there are ladybug shoes as well, with mules running $180, wedges at $200 and slippers, $119.

» Hamptons Scribble: These purses are for those unafraid of bold primary and fruity colors. They feature Coach's signature "C" in multiple hues on a field of white. Look for it in leather-trimmed clear PVC, or in embroidered stitching on canvas. A Scribble PVC Boxy Tote is $558. The Scribble Stitch Pocket Canvas Satchel is $648.

---

CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM Natalie Lau shows Coach's Scribble PVC Boxy Tote ($558) with a Hamptons Weekend Scribble Coin Purse ($88) attached. She's also wearing a Scribble ponytail scarf ($48) and Studio Scribble Watch ($198) in pink. Below is a Straw Large Boxy Tote ($298).

---

» Patchwork: It's Boho all the way with purses and hats combining swatches of Coach's new Signature Tie Dye designs, and suede, metallic, patent and riveted leathers in multiple colors. These are available in styles ranging from a casual $188 Swing Pack to a work-ready $488 shoulder tote.

» Python: Snakeskin handles and trim embellish offer a good reason to shed your snake phobia. Large carry-all canvas totes run $978.

» Tie Dye: No trippy hippie Grateful Dead rainbow hues here. The fabric is denim with an acid-wash emulating, silver metallic finish that gives purses and vests the distressed look prized by young Bohemians. Color options are pink, blue and white, and styles range from a $228 demi purse to a $648 duffle for island hopping in style.

For more information, call 947-4550.

---

COURTESY COACH

---

COURTESY COACH