Coach social climbs with "Legacy"

Mutton dressed as lamb! Brook , London

Weed called by any other name...

i totally agree...i even like the styling on some of the legacy bags, but i just think you're crazy to spend $800 at COACH. and that alligator bag (they also made one in ostrich) is just ridiculous....i completely agree that if i were spending $10K on a bag, it'd be hermes all the way!

it looks so horrid! i'll never spend more than $150 on something made in CHINA!

Slightly out of left field, but don't you think the ad for createursdeluxe.com (at right) should really end in "Oh my!" instead of "no wait"?? But back to the matter at hand, I don't think we should all be so terribly hard on Coach. They should just stick to the market they have been in for years. Otherwise those $10K bags are bound for the outlets. Brook , London

If Coach wants to capture the market, they need to start off a new company without the name Coach in it. And they need to manufacture in Italy or France or the US. You can forget about the CC monogram.
They already have stiff competition from BV, Hermes, Chanel, etc and if they want to draw customers away from them, they need to know that sticking a higher price tag isn't going to work.
I can only imagine all the teenage girls spurning regular Coach and wanting Coach Legacy. Who knows what this "Legacy" actually means anyways.

ditto everything you've said. this is something that we regularly discuss in my marketing classes.

I totally agree with you Bag Snob - I want a less expensive diffusion line from Hermes or Chanel etc... not an expensive Coach bag. What's the point, why spend $10,000 on Coach when that gorgeous YSL ostrich Rive Gauche is $5000.

who cares about the price tag, really? You won't buy something just because it's not Hermes? What happened to shopping because you like it and buying what you think looks good?

I kindof like that bag, but I also tend to lean toward more funky, fun accessories. I love Coach too as a brand, but I agree that it's a little dumb for them to suddenly overprice their merchandise, especially since it really does look the same as everything else. But for me, Coach doesn't constitute "cheap." The average American is stretching their pocketbook to afford a $400 bag.

Hi girls, I love hearing everyone opinion but feel I need to make something clear.... It's not about just the name "Hermes" but the reputation and the guarantee of quality that comes with the brand. I would rather buy a bag that I know was handmade and that will last 50 years (I have many vintage Hermes bags that are still in perfect condition even though I put my bags through the ringer)

Not everyone loves Hermes, that's true. But I DO and of course I will use it as reference.

I also love Bottega bags, another brand that makes bags that don't fall apart after a year.

Keep it coming all!
xo

I personally love Coach. I think their bags are well made for everyday use. I know a few years back, Coach had a real problem with quality, but I think the brand now is reliable, fun and relaxed. This noted, I have to agree that developing more "luxurious" bags for "higher end" clientèle may be a bit counterintuitive. Possibly Coach is having an identity crisis? Poor Coachy.

Me and my best friend never show any love for Coach from the beginning anyways, my best friend's sister got a tote from Coach and it didnt even lasts 3 years.
The idea of branching out to reach the higher end market is a stupid idea and is a very poor business strategy.
And the bag? Certainly doesn't looks like it worths $10,000.

You are right on the quality aspect (that goes without saying). I am also a firm believer in quality shoes / bags. Even if you wear a plain pair of basic jeans and a basic top you look so much more pulled together with a great bag and heel (completely changes the look of the outfit).

Coach is mostly known as a stepping stone designer in many enthusiasts minds. For me, their bags should stay at the entry level pricing because it still appeals to a large market. Trying to change it all this far into the game will backfire IMO.

Crappy!

It doesn't matter if it's a Hermes or Bottega, but I think it will cause some conflict issues to market this line, since they have a reputation of affordable "luxury goods". I never liked COACH because the design are nothing special AT ALL(just my personal point of view), and the materials they use doesn't really meet their price tag either (plastic/pvc with NONE craftsmanship for $200 or more? I don't think so). They really should just stay out of the high end luxury line.

I think that Coach should just stay where they are at now. They're enjoying unbelievable success. I like some coach bags, and i like the current price point. Making $10,000 bags is too big, and sudden of a jump...at least move up gradually! Actually, i think that the more expensive line is made in Italy as I saw a picture of an ostrich wallet imprinted w/ made in Italy. I have to admit, when i found out my coach wallet was made in china...it certainly was not a good feeling...

I completely agree with every word above!! I would never spend more than 300 on a Coach, since they are made in China and not worth the amount of money. That bag does not look anything different from the $200 Coach bag I'm sorry. I think Coach bag is good for running errands and perhaps going to yoga, but if I'm to splurge on a bag, its not gonna be Coach. It would probably be more feasible if the company build a complete new brand altogether, rather than trying to capitalize on a successful brand that they have built which cannot expand into the high end market.

Speaking of more affordable handbags
look at this adorable Kenneth Cole

http://www.kennethcole.com/scripts/shop/product.asp?pid=9057&cc=&title=&pw=thumbnail&var=110708 110744&srchtype=&srcharg=&size=0

And if you click on the far right white color, you will see that it is crocodile for $850 dollars and some Kenneth Cole products are made in Italy

I was given a small canvas Coach Legacy bag ($295) as a gift last August. I initially turned my nose up because I don't like logos much, although the black canvas is more discreet, but then I realized that the bag was useful because it's very light and a practical small size for the summer. In general I don't like the dog leash look (Gucci or otherwise). I do like a couple of their white leather Legacy bags ($500) but I must admit I feel that the price is exagerated. I bought my daughter a sweet little white Coach duffle bag with a daisy charm last year and she carries it to school, throws it in her locker and it looks great still. I want to say that everything made in Italy is not always top notch. I fell in love with an Etro messenger bag from the 05-06 w/f season and the chain link broke apart every time I tried to carry it. Neimans took it back, of course. Finally, the real problem with Coach is the same as Vuitton or Burberry (except the more original designs). Why would anybody want to wear such an identifiable bag? There is no pleasure in carrying the same bag as a billion other women.

I always enjoy reading your blog and agree with things you say, but this time I have to express different opinion.

What's wrong with Made in China? There're lots of good things made in China, tea, silk, electronics, etc. It's true that Chinese don't have as much expertise in making leather bags compared to Italians or French, but comparing one's disadvantage to another's advantage is not totally fair.

With the design of that coach bag, I don't believe a craftsman from Bottega Veneta or Hermes could make it look any better. If Coach decides to go with bad design, high price and low pay for its craftsmen, then it's their own problem.

For the most part (and at a certain price point), the difference between the quality of a bag made in Italy versus one made in China is almost nil. I don't care where a bag is made as long as I'm paying a price that justifies the bag's construction and cute factor. And I agree with a previous comment - Made in Italy does *NOT* mean made well.

With that being said, Coach bags are ok. I bought a small, black leather Coach shoulder bag years ago (paid no more than a couple hundred for it). It's cute - albeit a bit bland - and just big enough to fit my long wallet, cell phone, keys and lipgloss - pefect for running short errands or grabbing a quick bite! It was made very well in China.

I'm not into the Legacy bags (especially the one above). But I have to tell ya - it's no different in terms of price and style - than a lot of the other crappy handbags out there. So who can blame Coach for trying to get in on the action? Whether they can bring it remains to be seen.

1. I wouldn't go so far to question the quality of the bags. While they may not be hand-crafted like high-end, luxurious designers as Hermes (don't get me wrong, I'm in love with Hermes bags and don't get me started on Bottega Veneta anything), I was under the impression that there is a lifetime guarantee on them. And to argue against "made in China" vs. handcrafted in Italy seems a little unfair. Neither guarantees a perfect (or imperfect) bag.

2. $500 is a lot of money!

3. Going back to the point of your post, I totally agree that Coach is making a mistake in trying to recreate itself as a luxury brand. Honestly, I feel like I've seen a bag like the one you posted at Target for $40.00. And it was actually cuter. I think whoever makes the decisions at Coach is losing sight of who the Coach customer is.

Ladies, I love your blog! I find myself referencing it more and more as I shop for accessories, just as I would a dear friend. Thank you!

First, I simply have to agree with a comment Monica made in her post. Unless it an undisputed classic (and Hermes certainly is) I derive no pleasure at all from carrying a handbag I can see on the arm of every other woman I meet in a day. Needless to say, my quest for originality makes my poor husband cringe every month when he receives the credit card bill! LOL!

Now to the topic at hand, to the best of my understanding Coach has been trying to re-image the house for a few years now. Wanting to cater to a younger clientele and that sort of thing, but this handbag is just horrid! Absolutely horrid! If you want to place a $10,000.00 price tag on a handbag, please place it on one that has the quality to match.

Hi! I *LOVE* Coach! :)

Does anyone know where you can view these new handbags? I have never seen the blue before, love it!!!

Thanks!

It's so ridiculous to buy into the idea that Made in Italy means Made by Italians. Italy brings in Chinese workers by the thousands to work for its exclusive labels. Some are even there illegally.

If you're interested read this newspaper article, "Made in Italy at Chinese Prices."

http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/0,1518,435703,00.html

As for me, I'm so over carrying a bag I'm going to see on three other women's arms every time I walk around downtown. I really believe the trend is away from that oh-so-recognizable, logo-encrusted "duty free" look.

wow.. totally agree with penny, in the last post. she is one smart woman

I went to the website and as far as I can tell the bag you have pictured might be $698, a far cry from $10,000. But I get the point that you are trying to make about them reaching to a higher priced market.

I have the Legacy Ali bag and bought it because it is really well made and I like the way it looks. Spending $500 on it was a huge stretch for me.

A few years ago my husband gave me $300 to spend on a purse and I just couldn't do it. The thought of spending that much money on one item really threw me for a loop. I'm a mom of two and once that happened I bcame rather frugal, I guess.

Then I saw the Legacy line from Coach and really liked it. Somehow I was able to get over the hurdle of spending $500 on one bag. I think it's because I love the design of it and was really tired of not being able to find my stuff in an orderly manner in my other purses. I plan on using it for many years and consider it an investment. I also have yet to see anyone else carry it. But I live in Minnesota and maybe that has something to do with it?

Shopping at a Coach store isn't particularly pleasant (my husband got the bag online) because they tend to be snobby. But one Saturday with the kids and my mom I walked in to the store and got a totally different reception than I was used to. I heard, "Hi! Love your Ali bag!" from two salespeople. It was too funny!

Hi Shannon,
The $10,000 bag we are referring to is the Legacy crocodile as stated in the article :) It would be insane if the bag featured above is $10,000, I would have to jump on a plane to Coach headquarters and start a major fuss!

And I am glad you got the attention you received at Coach! It's so silly when salespeople are snobby, do they not know you are their bread and butter?

Keep us updated on your new Legacy bag and how it wears compared to your other Coach bags!

xo
Bag Snob

I just posted about it here:
www.bloggingstocks.com/bloggers/valerie-m-russo/

Shame on COACH!

I own several Coach handbags (one made in Italy; another made in Turkey) and I have yet to have any of them fall apart on me. I personally wouldn't buy a $10,000 Coach Legacy, but then again, I am a 25-year-old grad student ;). LV isn't all that exciting to me since a) the monogrammed handbags aren't even made of leather b) too many knockoffs are available c) It seems like everyone has one. Give me a simple, chic, timeless bag any day! It's such a shame the quality of Coach declined when it changed hands.

personally, i dont find anything bottega cute. i dont -love- coach bags but their hobo bags are real cute. i like the size (i only put my cell, wallet, and little things in it) and the fact that it's slouchy. hahaha.

Just re-ignited my love affair with Coach. The Scribble/Hampton bags are fun, flirty, easy to wear and cute. A far cry from the boring leather blah bags my Grandmother coveted that were so popular in the 80's by Coach.
As far as spending 10K for a bag, I would agree that Hermes is the only way to go, but if you are looking for cute, fun bags, Coach is right on target with the rest of their line. For someone like me who changes their bag everyday depending on what I'm wearing, you can't go wrong with Coach. As far as quality is concerned, I bought 6 Fendi baguettes when they first came out only to have 3 of them fall apart with little to no wear. So much for being made in Italy. I'm just sorry I did't have the chutzpah to make Neimans take them back!
The great thing about Coach is the never-ending new bags they crank out. Always something NEW with Coach.

I love handbags and i can not jutsify the prices that i pay for chanel, fendi, gucci and lv bags, however when i am wearing a bag that clearly displays the designer people are awear of which designer bag I am wearing.
However i have found that there is more status wearimg a coach bag then to wear a gucci that no knows is gucci or a dolce bag that no ones knows.
What is the point of spending 800-2500 on a bag if no one know's that you are wearing a designer bag. I find that coach by rasing their prices and changing their designs are attracting a different market. I am not looking for the tacky logo bags. I want the leather bags with the better designs.
my friends who would not pay that for the bags places it out of their leage. Therefore it is now in my league

Ok, how about this angle. When you buy an alligator bag from Prada/LV, its going to cost $17,000-$28,000. At Coach, its going to cost $10,000, maybe less. Guess the point is that while its lux, its still Coach style/value?

Notice the labels on any of Coach's high end bags, that are fully removable. I would also note that most alligator/croc/python/ostrich bags don't have huge labels...

I have two Hermés black and burgundy, same style, from the less expensive collection called glove leather. They sold for $500 and they had one of their rare sales so I paid less

Hermes?! Please, they sell them at Costco now. Spend your money on something better girls.

It seems that Coach has every right to want to want to branch out. They are doing so well and definately gets credibility from me. I have quite a collection of Coach bags, reason being: their bags are completly diverse in style. I did purchase the Legacy bag 2 weeks ago and have had the greatest compliments from it. I love that you can mix and match their collection of bags for every occasion. Grocery store, fancy restuarant, church, business, and I even used white leather Coach wristlet on my wedding day. As for the 10,000 Coach bag. I'm sure that there is someone out there they will buy it, and that will be thier porogative.

I think Coach is now a scam, the brand developed by artisans is slapped on cute (well designed even) factory bags made by 7 year olds who should be in school. Since that's what I'm getting, I figure I might as well go to Marshalls, Target or whatever. That way I'm paying $30--not $300--for a $1 bag. Designer bags are too $$$ for me but I do know they aren't all overpriced--there are some where the price has some reasonable relationship to cost/value. It's fun to look at these bags--love the blog--and it's a drag that it's hard to find bags under $500 that are made by an actual adult/craftsperson/artist.

Coach hangbags are like starters for someone who wants to start collecting designer handbags. Although I am young, I have a coach signature demi pouch and tote bag. they have lasted me for over 7 years now and although the color of the leather changed, it still is in good condition (maybe because I don't wear it often) but I cannot bear myself to purchase anymore. why? because they all look the same, and there is no excitement in COACH.

I am not old enough to [want to]purchase a Hermes, but will invest in YSL, Chanel and maybe even Gucci (although some of their bags along with LV disgust me)

I buy Bags for there look and there quality. I have many Handbags.. Coach, LV, Gucci, and even Hermes. I started my collection of Legacy bags about 1 year ago and I receive the most compliments off of these bags. The average American doesnt even know who Hermes is lol. And I will tell you this... Go into a Coach store two weeks after one of those very expensive bags come out and you will find that they are sold out. Coach will continue making these bags because there is a person out there that will buy them. Im currently in love with the Lily Satchel from Caoch. A very Beautiful bag at a great price. TEAM COACH :)

Only 2 bags are entirely made in europe anymore and that's Hermes, Louis Vuitton. ALL other companies (Coach, Gucci, Versace, etc.) are partially or completely made in a foreign country. (If they are pieced together at a location they can still be considered "Made in ______") This is just smart business practice. They train the leather workers under their guidelines and still are european and american designed. I think everyone is missing the point.

As many of you probably already know, the only difference between a Coach and LV bag is where it's made. Coach uses the top 10% of quality leather since the company started and well into the 2000's. It still use the top quality leather, but is not a losing its standard a bit more than 10% just to satisfy the huge demand.

Now, in terms of craftmanship. Again, made in italy doesn't mean it's made well. I have used many european made products that are just as bad/good as the chinese made. Keep in mind that chinese people are very skilled at things on a smaller scale, and I believe stitching a bag together falls in that category.

I am aghasted by the nasty comments of products made in China. Chinese have been great craftsmen for a few thousand years. For you rich ladies who complain about products made in China, how many of you have actually been to China?

Back to the subject. I totally agree Coach should keep their bags in the USD200-500 range so that we can afford to buy them.

I agree with a lot of the people above. Coach bags are great well-crafted bags that should stick to the low-end market. They're still beautiful and expensive bags. People with a ton of money aren't going to spend it on coach bags. They'll get the bags that are already $2,000 - $10,000.

Agreed. I hate Coach. I bought the small hobo in white (when everybody had a Coach Hobo) and wore it one season - summer. Since then I have used it to place my makeup in it, and now I use it as a tampon holder and stick it under the bathroom sink. The sad thing about this stupid purse I bought years ago is with the few times I have actually used it, the straps are already unraveling. Talk about CHEAP! I only care for the bags that are made in the country that the deigner comes from such as Louis Vuitton, and Prada. Alexander McQueen is my most favorite designer, those bags are made in Italy when he is a British designer. Atleast, it is not made in China. The thing about Coach is it is an American idea from the 1940's and the idea was from a baseball coach who thought the leather was nice enough to turn it into a bag. Hinse the name Coach. Well, it was at one time made in America (as far as I know), and I guess they really stuck to the corporate American tradition by sending the manufacture to China so they can sell it at an overly priced rate and still get it made the cheapest way possible so that all of corporate can make a fortune and carry the more desired bags such as Hermes or Chanel, genius! However, there happens to be one bag out of the whole Coach crap I actually like. It's the Legacy that is very large and in the color camel. I like that it is completly leather, it has a more sporty, yet classy look to it, and the fact it doesn't advertise it's logo on it. I happened to find this one on Ebay and I will by it at half the price it is originally marked at. I do not care how dirty it gets. I will probably end up using it as a gym bag anyhow. I also like that the leather is not cheaply made on this paticular bag so, I do not for-see it unraveling. It's retail value is 650.00. If I want to pay 650.00 dollars on any purse it will be a Louis Vuitton and last year at this time I did just that, I bought my beloved Speedy 30. The other frustrating thing I hate most about Coach is EVERYBODY has one, and they don't just have the nicer all leather ones. They all have the ugly cheap logo bags. Especially military wives. I am a Navy wife and on base they sell Coach, Michael Kors and Dooney and Burke. The funny thing is these idiotic wives don't know anything about fashion because if they did they would take that 350.00 - 500.00 that the Coaches are sold for on base and buy a Michael Kors with it. Atleast, they would be getting an actual descent desinger bag. You ask any of those women if they know who Michael Kors is and they have no idea who you are talking about. It is insane, all the women when their husbands get payed they all browse the Coach isle for their next great cheap ugly Coach. These women tear the isle up looking for their favorite one. I actually find myself immbarrased for them. It's so funny to watch these women walk around proudly that they have a Coach on their shoulder. Get a life people! Go and buy something worth your money. I have never seen a vintage Coach handbag before. And let me clear something up with everybody who does not know this. Vintage means an era. Not used! Vintage is anything twenty years old to fifty or sixty years old. So, I have seen Louis Vuitton antiques and vintage. They were all very valuable but, I have never seen a vintage Coach (there cannot be any antiquities in Coach yet, it's not old enough). Even if there was one I would imagine the only really valuable one would be from the 1940's when they first came out. Now, they aren't even valuble anymore. God, I hate Coach!!! And I am proud to be a purse snob!!

WOW, Sarah. Take a deep breath and repeat after me- "IT'S ONLY A BAG!" I feel sorry for those military wives because YOU are clearly a stalker. I think you should first, get your blood pressure checked, and THEN, stay away from the military base, ok?

Anyway...I just got my first Coach bag as a present for Mothers Day. It's a 'Legacy Signature' bag in khaki and black, and I LOVE it!!! (No, I'm NOT a military wife, and Yes, I know who Michael Kors is...insert rolling eyes here!) Mine was $139 (on ebay) and it's the REAL deal. I live in Northern Michigan and I have NEVER seen my Coach bag, or ANY Coach bag anywhere around here, despite some people's insistence that these bags are "EVERYWHERE". I have seen a lot of signature LV and fake Chanel.

Now to my second point. $139 is a LOT of money to spend on a bag in this economy, people! Much less $10,000!!!!!!!! Not that it's any of your business, but to give you a reality check: in 2007 our income was over $100K, as it is every year...this year we made $35K!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is over 75% of our income LOST in 1 year (my husband is a Real Estate Broker), and we have 5 children to take care of, from ages 13 down to 8 months. If I saw you looking down your nose at me because I didn't buy a Berkin bag, I'd be inclined to punch you. People have a LOT of stress these days. I understand this blog is "The Bag Snob", but I'd be careful about living up to the name quite so much. It reminds me of something JFK once said..."I never even knew about the Great Depression until I read about it at Harvard." Some of you are clearly on a different planet and I feel sorry for you.

Actually, I have seen a vintage Coach, I have seen a quite impressive vintage Coach collection. It was actually quite interesting to see how they have retained a lot of the same shapes over the years.

I guess the reason that I buy Coach and like it is that like other women, I like to switch my purses out quite often and don't want to blow so much money on buying that kinda of variety from more expensive brands. Someone mentioned their purse falling apart, well, that's surprising, because I can get a little abusive with my stuff (not on purpose, of course) and they have held up - in fact, they all look brand new and I've had them for years!

As far as breaking out into more expensive lines, it'll take a lot of persistence to change their image to the point of recognition in the higher ends. If they want to try, go for it, but for now, I think they're doing quite well in the affordable category.

I think Coach will fair quite well in the higher end market. Coach makes quality and stylish handbags and have been doing so for years. Introducing a line of exotics is the natural progression and yes, people will pay $10K for something made in China,it is all about the mystique of having a Coach or Fendi or LV (actually, I will not get started on LV and their pseudo-leather bags). Do keep in mind a fair amount of the exotics for Coach are made in Italy.

I think the Coach bags are made with good quality and are very durable. They miight be expensive to college students but to the working class, paying $200-500 for a good bag that can last years is definitely worth it.

The Legacy collection is my favorite.I love the leather and the bold brass hardware. Some of the fabric additions of late are ok, but to me, a Coach Legacy bag should be heavy leather with lots of hardware!

My wife got her first Coach bag for Christmas from her Mom, which was purchased at the "Coach Outlet" in Freport Maine. It's definitely a much better product than her Gucci purse, and the design of the pockets, etc. seem to really fit her needs. It also seems pretty durable, which considering how busy she is and how much she's in and out of the car, driving from kid function to function, it gets banged around quite a bit.

Needless to say we're impressed overall with Coach so far as a manufacturer, and are hopeful it holds up as well as its reputation.