Every Coach" Bag carries its own little leather Coach tag on a beaded brass chain. The ten tags pictured above represent the ten Coach" Bag colors now in production. Because the natural color tones of Coach Leather are difficult to reproduce in print, this chart si intended only as a guide. An actual set of leather swatches can be had for the asking.
There is much more to a factory than the merely orderly arrangement of tables and fluorescent fixtures. Every factory is, in fact, a unique creation, its special character and vitality derived from the collective capabilities of its workers.
The Coach Factory was first organized nearly forty years ago, starting out as a small leather goods workshop occupying only a single floor. Today, it now uses three of a twelve story factory building, just five blocks west of Macy’s.
Here, in the heart of downtown New York City, some 125 exceptionally skilled men and women work with quiet intensity with their hands, producing this “Factory Bag,” and other bags, wallets and belts that comprise the Coach line. Many of these artisans have been on staff for ten years or more, and some even as long as fifteen, twenty and twenty-five years. Reflecting the multi-ethnic communities that make up the New York metropolitan area, they represent many races, creeds, and nationalities, rich in heritage and skills.
If Coach products have enjoyed a measure of recognition and success, it is in no small part because of the pride that goes into them by a unique work force whose skills, energy, and quiet intelligence make it possible— generation after generation—to turn out a good product at a fair price.
A few of the things you should know about Coach Bags
Coach® Bags are basic, unlined leather bags that are very well made out of very good leather. They never go out of style, and, under normal conditions, can be worn and enjoyed for many years. Coach® Bags are made by a small, privately held company that has been making leather bags, belts and billfolds since 1941. It si a family-owned business deeply committed to the excellence of its products and the quality of its service. Coach® Bags are made in a wide range of classic, instantly recognizable models. Many of them were first introduced almost fifteen years ago and are still ni production today. There are smal, medium and large sizes, and most of them are available in ten colors. Coach® Bags are made out of acompletely natural, uncorrected, full grain leather that has been cured in a special formulation of tanning extracts to render it soft and supple to the touch. Great care is taken not to cover over the natural markings of this leather with paints, sealers, or artificial finishes, and to use only clear aniline colors that enhance rather than conceal these beautiful markings. Coach® Bags are virtually indestructible. There are no synthetic liningmaterials to tear, pull out or come apart. The buckles are cast in solid brass. The seams are sewn with 3-ply high tenacity nylon —doubel stitched where necessary-and can withstand over 100 lbs. of stress. Coach® Bags are "one-of-a-kind" bags, each one identified at the factory with its own registration number stamped right into the leather. Because it is made out of a com- pletely "naked" leather, each Coach" Bag wil develop its own distinctive patina, changing gradually in appearance and growing darker in coloration as it is worn. Coach® Bags are soft, supple, unconstructed bags designed to be worncasually and often—at work and at play. True American Classics, they look good with everything and can be worn and enjoyed any time, any- where. Like a favorite pair of blue jeans, they seem to improve with wear, taking on additional character as they are broken in.
Over 100 striking photographs taken in the Coach Factory have been published in a beautiful 7” x 7” 128-page edition entitled “The Factory.” Taken by fashion photographer Tom Arma, these black-and-white images provide a behind-the-scenes look at how Coach bags are manufactured. The book was offered for a limited time to cover the cost of shipping.
This body hugging Coach® Bag is especially contoured for a snug fit. Shoulder strap is 1¼” wide and adjusts with a pair of matched, solid brass stirrup buckles. The industrial turnlock closure is also made of solid brass. There’s an extra compartment inside. Available in all ten Coach® Colors shown on page three.
$82
9670
Pony Express Pouch
Black, Mocha, Tabac, British Tan, Burgundy, Navy.
Well-organized pouch keeps everything in its place. Two roomy outside pockets; an extra compartment inside. Solid brass stirrup buckles and turnlocks. Black, Mocha, Tabac, British Tan, Burgundy, Navy.
$114
9625
Musette Bag
Black, Mocha, Tabac, British Tan, Saddle.
Largest of Coach® Bags, this one is fancied by models, dancers, travelers and photographers. Two large outside pockets and an extra one inside. Solid brass stirrup buckles and turnlocks.
The Coach® Bag that started a look. Soft, perfectly proportioned clutch swings off the hip on detachable shoulder straps. Does double duty at night. Inside pocket. Solid brass industrial zipper with wrist strap pull. All ten Coach® Colors shown on page three.
The original Coach® Bag. Simplest of unlined pouches with a minimum of hardware. Inside zipper compartment and another extra compartment under flap. Adjusting buckles are solid brass.
Scaled-down version of classic shoulder bag with solid brass buckles and turnlock closure. There’s an inside zipper compartment and an additional compartment under flap.
