Handbags 2.0
If you ever doubted the power of the indie fashion blogger, consider this major collaboration. Coach has tapped four of its favorite bloggers — all of the "model-their-own-clothes" variety — to custom-design their own handbags for the iconic label.
The limited-edition satchels, cooked up by three SoCal-based bloggers — Krystal Simpson of What is Reality Anyway?, Karla Deras of Karla’s Closet and Emily Schuman of Cupcakes and Cashmere — and New Yorker Kelly Framel of The Glamourai, will be sold on Coach.com exclusively, and can be pre-ordered starting today. (And starting in June, Simpson's bag will be stocked at Hillary Rush here in L.A.)
"We see this project as a great opportunity to tap into the unique style of these extremely talented bloggers," David Duplantis, senior vice president of global web and digital media for Coach. It’s also, undoubtedly, a chance for Coach to tap into a younger market — something every venerable brand strives to do.
We caught up with the fab four to unearth their inspirations for the carry-alls — and find out what they think of their final product.
Krystal Simpson, What is Reality Anyway?
The satchel: A black, heavily fringed rock-inspired shoulder bag featuring a few removable key-chains hanging from the strap — a studded heart, two feathers, and Simpson’s name tag. $498.
Why it’s her dream bag: “It goes with everything, and it's a lot of fun to wear,” said Simpson. “It's great because it can hold everything. I am really inspired by ‘60s and ‘70s rock ‘n roll, motorcycles and [music] festivals. I can see how all of those things I love so much went into the bag's design.”
Who it’s for: “It's for the unfussy girls who like to have fun, and who want something that you can treat a little rough and not worry about it getting dirty or ruined. I think my bag will look even better in a few years.”
WITCHY WOMAN: Blogger Krystal Simpson. Courtesy of Krystal Simpson.
Karla Deras, Karla’s Closet
The satchel: A classic Coach-feeling convertible clutch and cross-body bag made from black pebbled leather, featuring brass buckles, keepers and clasps. $398.
Why it’s her dream bag: “I've always been quite careless with my handbags and I love that the leather of my self-designed bag is such excellent quality,” said Deras. “This is one of those handbags that is going to look even better the more beat-up it gets! I also love how it fits all of my junk and works in two ways. I prefer to use it as a clutch, though.”
Who it’s for: “I definitely had two people in mind when I designed my Coach handbag — my best friend and my mom. My best friend uses nothing but clutches, while my mom is obsessed with cross-body handbags. I had the City Girl in mind when I designed it.”
NEW CLASSIC: Blogger Karla Deras with her Coach bag. Courtesy of Karla Deras.
Emily Schuman, Cupcakes and Cashmere
The satchel: A Chanel-esque leather purse in light cotton-candy pink featuring rolled leather handles and a longer chain-and-leather strap. $498.
Why it’s her dream bag: “It feels feminine and sweet, but not in an overly girly way,” said Schuman. “I kept all of the details really minimal since I gravitate towards simple pieces. Most of the bags I own have a black interior, which makes it really hard anytime you're looking to grab your lip gloss or your keys, so I picked a gray silk for the inside that feels luxurious, but also makes it easy to find things quickly.”