Sponsored by Coach
If there’s one thing that can be said about creative director Stuart Vevers’s inaugural Pre-Spring collection for Coach – now on sale at Coach's brand new Regent Street store – it would be this: not for the feint-hearted. Biker chick in feel, it draws inspiration from an abundance of epochs – the Victorians, the 50s, the 60s, the 70s – and boasts the car motif as a recurring theme.
Adorning tees, jumpers, jackets and bags, it’s this inclusion of the automobile which positions this collection – for the most part – in the bygone era of 1950s America; the time of James Dean and Marlon Brando, where rebels drove fast, slick wheels.
Leather features heavily in sumptuous abundance too (naturally) though namely through the eye-catching outerwear. There’s the Fringed Moto Jacket (above) – 60s-inspired, complete with back facing car patch and decorative studs – made from soft lamb leather, and the Four Pocket Coat in Espresso, with oversized pockets and dog-lead detail (for that extra bit of sass). The black leather Icon Moto Jacket is, as it says, iconic – with a classic cut, angled zip pockets and popper buttons – whilst the high-waisted leather skirts include shape-enhancing front zips (in the rouge) and detachable ‘rebel’ bead chains (in black).
If you think that’s all that’s feisty about this collection, think again. Leopard print – that powerful cat – is a standout motif as well. The Printed Pipe Blouse comes in a lipstick red and black leopard pattern – aka the ‘Wild Beast Love Print’ (its spots depict hearts) – describing itself as a ‘little bit country, a little bit rock ‘n’ roll’… but really, it’s just a lotta love for leopard. We see this print run through to the Piped Shirt Dress, the Circular Patchwork Dress and more… And not only that, leopard print adorns other items too, like the Wild Beast Instarisa V-Neck Sweater – a (very) long-sleeved jumper in dramatic blood red and sky blue mohair.
Think we’re done with the edginess? Nope! A distinct Western theme flows elegantly through the collection, enhanced by fun pops of creativity. Take the Western Shirt with Embellishment; with its embroidered beaded bib it's Western alright, but what's on that bib? A colourful cosmos of planets and stars. Similarly, the Western Long Dress has bold sandy piping, outlining the shape of a Western bib, but what's on the intricate print beneath? A fine flock of meadowlarks. It takes the well-trodden path of the Western theme and pushes up into higher realms.
With the Colorblock Suede Jacket and its 70s tanned collar, and the Embellished Long Sleeve Crewneck Sweater (with neon rocket swooshing up to the stars) to conclude this collection crosses eras and ethers is an understatement to say the least…
There is something for every strong and spirited lady here. So get into the spirit, and into your car, and drive on over to buy it – all of it. (Alternatively, shop it ALL here)
COACH, 206 Regent Street, London W1B 2HS; coach.com