STUART VEVERS The creative director of Coach on sub-cultures and Gary Baseman.
Your starting points for Spring/ Summer ’15? I like the idea of making the everyday inspiring. So many of the things I’m referencing are exotic to me as I didn’t grow up in the US. I think that is why I am intrigued by everyday American references. I like taking references that have a symbolism or context immediately. Something you know or that gives you a nostalgic feeling but put together in a way that’s new. You mentioned the sub-cultures of music, skate, and surf. What in particular were you inspired by? We researched the culture of girl gangs and what their members wore – what were the defining pieces that gave a sense of uniform. And the collaboration with Gary Baseman? We had some of Gary’s work on our very first research board for Spring. Gary needed to understand who our Coach girl was before he could even think about creating the artwork and bringing the creatures into the Coach world. I think this gave the project depth and I can’t imagine the Spring collection without Gary’s work now. Were the shaggy shearling coats inspired by those creatures? We translated that feeling of fluff from the oversized shearling coat in Autumn, for Spring. It was my favourite piece from Autumn and I wanted to create a playful Spring expression. The creatures were each developed with a story of the Coach girl in mind. Who is the Coach girl of today? My take on the Coach girl is a sense of endless possibilities, optimism, and a lightness of spirit. A sense of ease and effortlessness. Key items every girl should have? The fluff and rivet denim pieces. Your favourite bag this season? The Coach Swagger bag. I like that it can be interpreted in so many ways. It feels very different depending on the size, material or colour. I also love the name! Why did you send the models out in clogs and pool slides? I really like the rivet clogs because they have the attitude of a sneaker. Right now I like the slouch and ease of a lower shoe. It feels right. Music you downloaded recently? Clean Bandit’s “Real Love”. Books on your bedside table? The Spell by Alan Hollinghurst. Passions outside of fashion? Travel. Stu s
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