NYFW AW23: Coach throws an intimate house party in the heart of NYC
Fashion

NYFW AW23: Coach throws an intimate house party in the heart of NYC

Come as you are

15.02.2023

By Sarah Hani Jamil

The Coach seasonal runway shows are undoubtedly one of the highlights of New York Fashion Week, given its origins in the big city. However, instead of the usual large-scale shebang, the runway was set up a little differently this season; more focused and intimate, centring around safe spaces, refinement, and the freedom to express who you are. “The collection presents an authentic interpretation of the heritage and house codes that define Coach, redefined through the next generation’s concept of individuality and expression. There’s a straightforwardness that reflects where we’re headed in the future. To bring this to life on the runway, I envisioned an intimate gathering at the Armory that would not only celebrate freedom of self-expression, but the spirit of getting together and having fun that, to me, is the heart of fashion and New York City,” says Creative Director Stuart Vevers.

 

 

THE ARRIVALS

It isn’t a Coach show without A-list guests, and as I waited at the entrance of the show space, I spied on many stars and influencers pulling up to the location. This included the likes of American-Korean singer-songwriter Eric Nam, dressed in an oversized black leather jacket; actress Zoey Deutch in a figure-hugging beige leather dress; along with actress Lola Tung, wearing a cheerleader-inspired outfit emblazoned with the letter ‘C’ in classic college lettering. Inside, more big names appeared in their fabulous glory, such as Lil Nas X, Camilla Mendes and Ice Spice.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by BURO Malaysia (@buromalaysia)

 

 

THE COLLECTION

Held once again at the Park Avenue Armory, guests were seated down a long dim walkway, which instantly lit up as the first look—a striped black and burgundy knit turtleneck dress with the letters NY on its chest—walked down the runway. What came next were several leather ensembles—the first, a buttery, ankle-grazing coat. Then, a sleek black two-piece cropped jacket and skirt set, followed by a similar look in brown.

As the show continued, a slew of distressed denim and shearling combos in youthful proportions took the spotlight. Various sheer chiffon dresses in an autumn colour palette—moss green, mustard yellow and lavender—also appeared with a refreshing ‘green’ energy for the season. Fun fact: the fabrics are naturally dyed with botanicals like logwood, safflower and marigold, and designed with minimal waste practices—using fabric scraps from pattern-cutting as embellishments. In celebration of heritage and the codes that define Coach’s American fashion language, the House really focused on bringing a modern attitude to the brand’s classic staples.

Over in the accessories and small leather goods department, bags ran from modest, elongated shoulder bags to extra large leather totes crafted in vegetable-tanned leather, which you could definitely use for weekend travelling and beyond. What’s also new this season are novelty bags called the Coach Shapes—featuring playful designs such as clovers, hearts, lips and stars—for a touch of whimsy to the collection. The House also expanded its sustainable Coach (Re)Loved program—which works on giving bags a second life—to footwear. The line introduced leather sneakers with the upper crafted from repurposed, pre-loved bags. How smart is that?

 

EDITOR’S NOTES

While the Autumn collection might not exactly be right for our climate in KL, there are a few key pieces I have my eye on, such as the sheer dresses (which will definitely work for our hot, humid weather) and the ultra-cute novelty bags. Scroll through for my favourite, wearable looks.

 

Read more fashion news here.

SHARE THE STORY
Explore More