Coach Partners With Kirsten Dunst for Observed By Us Collection
The collaborative Coach collection is like shopping straight from Kirsten Dunst's closet.
Playfulness in fashion has no limits, and Coach's latest collection proves that.
The American brand partnered with actor Kirsten Dunst and designer and illustrator Jessica Herschko for its collaborative Coach x Observed By Us collection. The duo channels the joy of imagination and creativity through whimsical artwork that embellishes each item in the collection. Unknown to many, Observed By Us was a side project founded by Dunst and Herschko that consisted of one-of-a-kind customizable clothes and footwear with hand-drawn illustrations on them. Now in a partnership with Coach, this under-the-radar label is given its proper spotlight.
"We started Observed By Us to create clothing and other items with images that evoke a special, happy feeling and a sense of appreciation for both the natural and the man-made,” said Herschko in a statement. “It was very fun to collaborate with Coach because, much like us, they see a world of possibility in the small details and have the ability to execute that perfectly."
Coach's appreciation for classic American archetypes is still captured, though reimagined through handmade touches. Finding inspiration from pieces in Dunst's wardrobe, the Coach x Observed By Us collection is a balanced merge of the House's love for refined craftsmanship and Observed By Us' playful spirit. It's a holistic line, featuring ready-to-wear garments, footwear, and of course, Coach's signature bags.
"The collection was inspired by a spirit of joy and playfulness that can be found in celebrating the simpler things in life," Coach's Creative Director Stuart Vevers told L'OFFICIEL over email. "Through imaginative illustrations, upbeat color, and hand-crafted details, each piece tells a story and captures a personal, homespun feeling. There’s also a focus on authentic archetypal pieces that bring a sense of ease and cool."
Standout pieces — which all feature hand-drawn illustrations by Herschko — include a wool pointelle crop top, '90s-fit denim jeans, and an embroidered straw hat. As for the artwork, behind every illustration is a unique greater meaning. For example, the crossbody embellished with motifs of dinosaurs and a sailboat tells the imaginative story of a girl who picked up a guy in a sailboat after telling her he didn't believe she saw a real dinosaur. The dinosaur motif also gives a subtle ode to Rexy, Coach's house mascot.
Coach x Observed By Us is a clever interpretation of the rather youthful and crafty aesthetic Vevers has ushered in for the brand, all whilst remaining chic and fashion-forward.
"Creating this collection with Kirsten and Jessica was delightful. We got to celebrate our shared love of imagination and playfulness. Kirsten, and her style, has often been an inspiration for me," Vevers said in a statement. "So, to design alongside her and Jessica, and to blend their vivid storytelling and color with our own American heritage design language and craftsmanship was really inspiring."
