Earth Month may have just come to an end, but at Coachtopia, loving the planet is a year-round affair. The sub-brand fights waste by transforming it into trendy new designs inspired by the Coach archives and Coachtopia‘s community of rising creatives—all with the goal of creating a circular fashion economy where everything can be recycled, renewed, and recirculated. After all, good taste should never go to waste.
With its latest lineup, the innovative label is making a case for sustainable staples—enter the Ergo bag and OOTD-worthy graphic tees. Crafted by four Coachtopia community members, the collective of creatives delivers a fresh take on some of the lab’s most-loved styles that merge ‘90s flair with modern-day detailing, from punk-approved grommets to lacy coquette-core bows. If you haven’t already, take this as a sign to start your spring cleaning. You’ll want to make room in your wardrobe for these coveted offerings.
Harnessing a touch of edgy opulence, UK-based upcycling icon Tade Kayode-Newman turns the shoulder bag into a statement piece, adding stunning spike embellishments made from 100% recycled PET plastic. The designer’s twist on the Crinkle Patent Coachtopia Leather Ergo is tactile and versatile: in the black colorway, it takes on a goth-grunge vibe, while olive green and lilac berry palettes soften the sharp edges, proving waste can be whimsical.
A continued exploration of the collection's holy grail; Crinkle Patent Leather—a textile made up of at least 50% recycled leather scraps—NYC-based fashion blogger Zizi Zeng breathed a feminine flair into the collection. Leaning into the coquette of it all, Zeng’s flirtation with the viral trend spawned a creation boasting two dainty white bows hewn from repurposed lace—each adorning the sides of the bag’s handle. The juxtaposition of the delicate fabric detail with the bag’s durable leather shell gives the design a desirable dramatic tension.
Rounding out the eclectic new line of bags: the grommet-embellished Ergo from NYC-based designer and upcycler Anna Molinari. Available in the endlessly adaptable neutral colorways of black and cloud white, the pebbled-leather accessory has all the makings of an instant classic. Its eye-catching utilitarian look compliments the bag’s clean, simple silhouette pulled from the fashion house’s ‘90s archives.
Of course, no collection would be complete without a flirty statement tee. Thanks to graphic designer Sabrina Lau’s new art, you can boldly proclaim your love for fashion industry waste in Coachtopia’s recycled cotton tees. The standout cropped tee features a cherry-bow graphic that reads “i heart trash”—because when it looks this good, who can resist? You know how the old adage goes, “One style savant’s trash, is another’s treasure.”
These four conscious tastemakers set a high bar for circular fashion. Revealing the possibilities hidden in the forgotten scraps and leftover pieces, the designers give us a glimpse into the utopia that is Coachtopia: a sustainable-fashion paradise where waste has a place—and that place is center-stage.
Shop Coachtopia's latest treasures here.
