I’m not that huge a fan of Coach but I do like some of their older leather collections. They were more affordable and the leather was super soft and supple and the designs were useable. I bought mine off ebay (don’t try it unless you are 100% confident of the seller) way before Coach came into Malaysia.
However, I’ve realised that the recent Coach collections have stopped grabbing my interest and the newest Coach Op Art collection is grabbing my attention but in a whole different way.
In the new Coach Op Art collection, the iconic Coach C logo has lost its serifs and now look like broken circles all over the bag. Personally I’ve never been one for the Coach logo bags, but this looks odd for some reason. It looks like something went wrong.
And when I saw other related items in the Graphic Op Art design, I was even more amazed that they even thought to put it on anything other than a bag!
I’m afraid the new Op Art design and colours do nothing for me. It somehow reminds me of a sombre LeSportsac collection which is not what I associate with Coach at all.
However, I do rather like the shape of the new Coach Julianne bag (US$428). The shape looks roomy and practical although I’m not sure how practical the sateen body is. Still, the bag itself its a nice shape – pity about the print!
The Op Art Collection is already available at the Coach stores here in Malaysia. I stopped by to take a look at the Julianne and was happy to see that it came in a very practical all black sateen style (RM2025). The logo is less obvious and actually adds some character to the bag. The body of the bag is not structured but holds its shape well, and the fabric does feel and look nice. It is shiny but not over the top. I liked the fact the inside of the bag was a lovely lilac purple shade and it was not heavy. The handles and leather trim are shiny but understated patent leather. There is also an all leather version retailing at RM2,100. I really liked the Julianne in person, but for 2 things:-
- The bag is large. On my 5′3″ frame, held by the short handles, it comes down to my calves. The handles are short so it is either a hand held bag or carried on the arm only. It can’t go over the shoulder which is a pity.
- Worn with the long strap, the bag looked cheapened and reminded me of a laptop bag or briefcase. Not elegant at all!
The third thing that held me back of course is the price. 
To be fair, the Op Art Graphic line (the colourful one) does not look as bad in person as it does in the pictures. Here are some pictures I got from the store.
There is another leather version of the Julianne that is retailing for US$1,200. For a Coach bag? I’m sorry, I’ll have to pass.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Dear Lord! USD1200 for a Coach? Might as well spend that on a LV!
Coach is going down the drain ever since they released the BIG COACH LABEL! I just can’t buy anything coatch since then. Now these? look like something from stalls in night markets…
Hmmm the opart design looks way too generic and young.
Pity cos the bag design is nice. Aiya, too expensive for me anyway
Eeeps. I love Coach, but I do agree with Jojoba, ever since the Big Cs came out, it’s all been downhill since then. That was why I preferred to shop the factory outlets for the good ol’ leather designs then the current ones on retail. Those look so much better.
And big eeps to the fisherman boots!
always love coach bags but it is getting too expensive. used to get coach from US which is so cheap. now i rather get a nine west bags.
i always like coach bags. but not this range. thanks for updating us the price! it is getting too expensive
I used to like Coach until it seemed like everyone was carrying it, no thanks to all the imitation goods flooding the market. The new designs make it even easier for me to NOT want a Coach bag anymore. *sigh*
@geekchic : Yep! That’s my thought exactly.
@jojoba: The plain versions are best but they are way too expensive here.
@Monstro: The odd thing is that the young ones can’t afford this! Shape is nice isn’t it?
@Tine : I’d hit the factory outlets too if we had them here! I wonder who’d wear the boots?
@Chris: I think Nine West are pretty overpriced too. But thats me
Agree with you that Coach is so overpriced here.
@rinnah: Yep, too many imitations and too many people carrying. Still, their leather ones are pretty nice and less in your face.