Bank & Vogue, the parent company of vintage clothing retailer Beyond Retro, has joined forces with American luxury fashion house Coach to launch a limited-edition collection of upcycled bags crafted from repurposed textiles. The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to sustainability and circular fashion, blending Coach’s craftsmanship with Bank & Vogue’s expertise in sourcing and reusing post-consumer materials.
Steven Bethell, Co-Founder of Beyond Retro and Bank & Vogue, described the partnership as a natural evolution of both brands’ dedication to sustainability. “The partnership developed out of a mutual commitment to sustainability and circular fashion,” he explained. “Bank & Vogue is experienced in sourcing and repurposing post-consumer textiles. Coach sought to leverage this expertise to integrate sustainable practices into its luxury offerings, leading to this collaboration.”
The collection features high-end handbags made from post-consumer denim sourced by Bank & Vogue. These textiles, primarily consisting of discarded jeans that are unsuitable for resale, undergo a meticulous transformation process. The denim is carefully sorted, cut into pattern pieces, and seamlessly incorporated into Coach’s manufacturing process, ensuring a refined final product that aligns with the brand’s luxury aesthetic.
“These bags are for everyone who wants a beautiful-looking bag with the added bonus of it being circular and kinder to the planet,” Bethell added.
The sustainability-driven collection aims to set a new standard for upcycling in the luxury sector. With retail prices ranging from £395 to £730, the collection will be available on the Coach website and in select stores worldwide.
Among the standout pieces is the patchwork ‘Cargo Tote Bag,’ a spacious and lightweight carry-all made from pre-loved denim garments. The bag is adorned with Coach’s signature glove-tanned leather, cursive script embroidery, and the brand’s iconic turn-lock closure. Designed with practicality in mind, it features an open interior that accommodates a 13-inch laptop, two external pockets, and a removable webbing strap.
The collaboration signals a shift in the luxury market, highlighting the growing consumer demand for sustainable fashion without compromising on style or quality. By repurposing pre-loved textiles into premium products, Bank & Vogue and Coach are demonstrating the potential for circular fashion to thrive in the high-end sector.
As the fashion industry grapples with the environmental impact of textile waste, initiatives like this one set a precedent for the integration of sustainable practices into luxury goods. With its unique blend of heritage craftsmanship and circular innovation, the Bank & Vogue x Coach collection offers a glimpse into the future of eco-conscious fashion.
