COLLECTIONS | Coach – Spring/Summer 2016

The Coach man is back! Under the direction of creative director Stuart Vevers, the brand’s first full scale show during the London Collections was a surprising assortment of vibrant colors, prints and a myriad of bold motifs. From tiger stripes and psychedelic and electric patterns it’s highly noticeable that the brand is moving in a younger, more autonomous direction.

Also: COLLECTIONS | Hardy Amies – Spring/Summer 2016

The beautiful vaulted ceilings of Lindley Hall literally set the stage for the American heritage brand while magazine editors, trend setters and social media’s elite took a seat lining the skate ramps as retro music blared from the overhead speakers. There was no denying, change for the brand is here. You only needed to see the bright purple, mohair sweater come down the runway for confirmation.

Fans of Coach leather jackets have even more to be excited about. Various panels of patchwork leather and suede in different colors were infused for a sense of Sixties surf culture mixed with classic American style. This retro inspiration continued through chic navy trench coats and yacht club blazers perfect for Cape Cod. Although more racier pieces were presented throughout the show, the collection was very nineties, Bestie Boys hip-hop fresh and Beach Boys, California surfer boy cool all at the same time.

Accessories like the patchwork messenger bags, shades with colored lenses and shearling shower sandals paired back to each look definitely took it up a notch. None of the usual uniform, big city dressing was presented this season and it really was a breath of fresh air to see something meant to change the way the audience currently sees Coach. It was the perfect way to bring the skate park to the catwalk.

Header image: Getty Images. Slideshow images: Fashion GPS.