Coach

Coach, Inc. is a notable American luxury fashion house recognized for its leather goods, including handbags, luggage, accessories, and ready-to-wear items. Founded in 1941 as a family-run workshop in a Manhattan loft, Coach was initially a small business specializing in crafting leather wallets and billfolds. The brand's early foray into leather goods was overseen by Miles and Lillian Cahn, who were pivotal in shaping its future direction.

In the 1950s, Miles Cahn was inspired by the design of a baseball glove and introduced a unique leather treatment that made Coach products more durable and supple. This innovative approach marked the beginning of what would become Coach's signature style—premium, high-quality leather items with an emphasis on functionality and craftsmanship.

By the 1960s, the Wisner family had become the primary owners, and under the direction of Lew Frankfort, Coach began to emphasize retail expansion. Bonnie Cashin, hired as the brand's first lead designer in 1961, introduced vibrant colors, new materials, and practical features like side pockets that propelled Coach into the realm of modern fashion. Her impact on the brand cannot be overstated; Cashin's vision brought a fresh and contemporary aesthetic.

The 1980s presented considerable growth for Coach with the opening of new boutiques across the United States and a significant increase in product lines. By 1986, Coach had established its flagship store on Madison Avenue in New York City, solidifying its presence in the luxury retail landscape.

In the 1990s, under the creative leadership of Reed Krakoff, Coach underwent another transformation. Krakoff introduced new products that fused modern fashion sensibilities with the traditional Coach leatherwork heritage, expanding the brand's appeal to a younger audience.