Fall 1981– category –

The Coach factory in downtown New York City
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.

The Coach factory in downtown New York City

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.

1035	“The Factory”		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.	$2
9235	Crescent	Black, Mocha, Tabac, British Tan, Saddle, Burgundy, Navy, Red, Sage, Putty	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.	$162
9455	Basic Bag	Black, Mocha, Tabac, British Tan, Saddle, Burgundy, Navy, Red, Sage, Putty	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.	$66
9170	Classic Shoulder Bag	Black, Mocha, Tabac, British Tan, Saddle, Burgundy, Navy, Red, Sage, Putty	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.	$82
9530	Small Shoulder Bag	Black, Mocha, Tabac, British Tan, Saddle, Burgundy, Navy, Red, Sage, Putty	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.	$66
9635	Convertible Clutch	Black, Mocha, Tabac, British Tan, Saddle, Burgundy, Navy, Red, Sage, Putty	Roomy pouch converts to clutch when handle is detached. Solid brass nautical hardware. Inside zipper and another compartment under flap.	$46
No 9375	Dinky Bag	Black, Mocha, Tabac, British Tan, Saddle, Burgundy, Navy, Red, Sage, Putty	Complete with inside zipper compartment. Doubles nicely as evening bag. One-piece sewn on tubular handle. Solid brass turnlock.	$46
No 9170	Classic Shoulder Bag	Black, Mocha, Tabac, British Tan, Saddle, Burgundy, Navy, Red, Sage, Putty	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.	$82

No 9170

Classic Shoulder Bag ………. $82

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.