Coach FW26 Embraced What It Means To Be Young Today
Worn-in, frayed and scuffed, the brand traded clean lines for a countercultural vision.
Coach took us on a journey through New York and beyond in its Fall/Winter 2026 runway show. Staged at The Cunard Building in downtown NYC, the classic style of the brand’s hometown was instantly felt, but this time with an edgier and more future-facing feel. New York’s current favorite It-girl, Odessa A’Zion, was sat front row alongside Quen Blackwell, Storm Reid and Elle Fanning, a taste of the modern Coach muse.
Creative director Stuart Vevers showcased a vision of today’s youth culture that exists beyond the boundaries of geography. Tailored sportswear, evening gowns and worn-down jerseys all hinted at a classic American history, but were joined together in a contemporary mosaic that goes far beyond. Pieces were worn-in, frayed and scuffed, embracing what it means to be young, resourceful and creative. Elsewhere, repurposed leather baseball gloves were paired with tailored jackets turned inside out to reveal printed linings and high-waisted checked skirts. Vevers’ fascination with vintage can be seen throughout, appreciating every mark or tear as a love note from a previous owner.
Coach also returned to the joy of dressing up with a selection of evening gowns, inspired by Hollywood styles of the ’30s and ’40s, featuring fitted waists, padded shoulders and embellished cut-outs. For accessories, the narrowly proportioned Kisslock Frame bag was sized to fit under the shoulder and featured in heritage tones of almond, maple and plaid wool versions. Inspired by an archival style, the Turnlock Haversack appeared in a deeper silhouette with turnlock pockets and kisslock pouches.
“Using crafts with a sense of history, we continue a conversation that connects youth countercultures across decades and geographies. We embrace the continuous reinvention of what it means to be young and forward-looking,” Vevers shared in the show notes. Coach traded polish for punk in this amalgamation of grunge, streetwear and tailoring in a new countercultural vision.
Check out some of the looks above.
In other news, Maison Margiela just dropped the link for its digital archives for free.
