Coach travels uptown as classic silhouettes undergo a creative renaissance for Spring 2009. The kaleidoscopic colour palette is infused with eye-popping graphics and op art, resulting in an eclectic albeit feminine collection.

Established in 1941, Coach trotted into mainstream fashion as the purveyor of classic American style with handcrafted leather goods of superior quality and durability.

However, classic can spell passé if not reinvented in a contemporary context, which is precisely what Reed Krakoff (left), President and Executive Creative Director, aims to do with six key collections: Resort, Madison, Parker, Bonnie, Amanda, and Tattoo.

As expected, Resort showcases a pastel rainbow of structured bags that curve in all the right places. Bold hardware and twist-braided handles in lilac blush, punch, and metallic rose gold, consitute a muted collection that lacks imagination. The saving grace is the Op Art Tote, which provides a burst of inspiration and colour, effortlessly translating Resort into street chic.

Initially conceptualised as part of the Resort collection, Parker pushes the envelope in a more creative direction. The Parker Leather Shoulder Bag is available in vibrant pantone colours and will take you from day to night, ensuring that you get maximum bang for your buck. The most lust-worthy pieces are the Parker Shoulder Flap, an evening bag with delicate Karung snakeskin, gleaming silver python, and rose gold hardware, and the Metallic Convertible Hippie.

Madison captures a slice of the action with sleek silhouettes reworked in metallic leather. Practical yet trendy, the Julianne’s zip-top closure, removable shoulder strap, and top handles enhance comfort and portability. A wardrobe staple, the Julianne is available in pearlised cream with rose gold hardware and embossed python for the daredevils amongst the fashion pack. Alternatively, the Madison tote is just as roomy and geared towards sporty fashionistas.

For a more casual look, the Tattoo collection tries had to capture street chic but doesn’t quite fit the bill. Inspired by the iconic horse and carriage logo, the Tattoo XL tote is Coach’s version of a Mary Poppins bag. Unless you’re lugging around your entire wardrobe, the Tattoo Clear tote is a more edgy, stylish, and manageable option.

Getting ready for a night out on the town? The Amanda foldover satin clutch is large enough to fit the bare essentials- mobile, keys, and lip gloss- and chic enough to glam up the most sober LBD. Likewise, the Pippa Mini Shoulder Bag is both classic and contemporary in pleated satin crowned with a brass turnlock. If you’re looking to make a style statement, invest in the python Pippa, pair it with dark jeans, sky-high Op Art Stilettos, and you’re ready to rock.

Budding Serena van der Woodsens will be most taken with Bonnie, a modern collection with vintage elements. The Lady Bag comes in a multitude of colours and fabrics including straw, canvas, calf leather, and python. Add a touch of glam with the sequin Bonnie jazzed up with a gold chain handle or the whimsical Silver Kiss Lock.

Seeking the ultimate spring fling? Be prepared to fall head over heels in lust with the Metallic Chain Tote in ivory and seafoam. Practical and glam, this bag is guaranteed to lure fashionistas across seas (quite literally) as it is currently scheduled for limited release. Saving the best for last, the Chain Tote is the cream of Coach’s Spring 2009 collection.

Coach Spring 2009 reveals some welcome surprises but errs on the safe side. High quality, durability, and affordability are enhanced with more edgy creative direction. Travelling coach has never been so fashionable but in order to gain momentum, Coach needs to raise the style stakes further.

Images courtesy of Coach and Valiram Group

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