Who’s That Designer? Reed Krakoff for Coach

Coach Creative Director Reed Krakoff | Photo Credit
It’s finally starting to feel like fall here, and before we know it, snow will be on the ground. For me, that means it’s almost time to start making holiday gift lists and using my free time to go “holiday” shopping.
When I want to get someone something extra special, I usually turn to Coach. Thanks to Creative Director Reed Krakoff, I have everything from cute wristlets to luxurious totes to pick from.
Want to learn more about Reed Krakoff and Coach? Keep reading for ten fun facts and an outfit inspired by Coach!
(Missed any other part of our “Who’s That Designer?” series? Catch up on facts about the creative minds of J.Crew, Free People, Banana Republic, J. Brand Jeans, H&M, Nike, TOMS and Madewell.)
10 Fun Facts About Coach Creative Director Reed Krakoff:

The Coach Madison Handbag | Photo Credit
- Krakoff began at Coach in 1996. After releasing his first collection, the brand was so impressed with his work that they promoted him to President and Executive Creative Director.
- His wife, Delphine Krakoff, was raised in France and is the daughter of a former secretary of defense.
- Before beginning at Coach, Reed studied at Parson’s School of Design and worked for influential companies like Anne Klein and Ralph Lauren.
- In addition to the fabulous bags he’s designed, Reed has also created two fragrances and a jewelry line for the brand, as well as commissioned Phillip Lim and other influential designers to collaborate on collections.
- This man does more than just design accessories! Krakoff has recently added Photographer to his resume, and has taken pictures for ELLE Decor, Interview, and Town & Country.
- Reed’s calls his inspiration “organic,” saying “I could literally pick up anything and start there.”
- In 2010, he debuted his own namesake collection to instant acclaim. He now sells clothes, bags, and lingerie under the Reed Krakoff label.
- On his list of ten things every women should own? A statement heel, a man’s watch, a guilty pleasure and Diptyque candles – especially in the Fig scent.
- Krakoff counts grey among his signature colors, calling it “richly textured and infinitely mutable.”
- He believes talent is about “knowing your limitations and working from that.”
Outfit Inspired by Reed Krakoff and Coach:

Outfit Information: Bracelets, Shoes, Jeans, Bag, Coat, Top
I’ll admit – Coach bags can be way out of many college student budgets. But with a little saving (and maybe a little begging for a parental loan), a Coach bag can be the perfect everyday staple that will last you for years. Pair a neutral colored carryall with some comfortable basics for a casual everyday look. Add a pair of cool boots and some chic bangles to make the outfit casual Friday-ready.
How do you feel about Reed Krakoff and Coach?
Do you love Coach’s luxe bags? Have you checked out Reed Krakoff’s own line? Tell us about it! Are there other designers you want to know about? Leave us a comment and we’ll cover them!
Posted on on October 19, 2011 / Filed Under: Fashion News / Tags: Coach, Designers, Handbags, Reed Krakoff












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Jenny in Jacquard
Reed Krakoff has an amazing eye for design and style. I love the classic look of Coach, but RK’s eponymous line is full of even more timeless shapes and colors. The Reed Krakoff line has done a good job distinguishing itself from Coach as modern and fashion forward. Now if only Reed Krakoff bags were more affordable!
Mayra
I love coach! My everyday bag is from coach.
Krissy
Oh I love that sweater!! But the link just brings me to net-a-porter.com. & searching all of net-a-porter isn’t showing it…
Could you repost the link for the sweater so I can find it?
Thanks!
Sarah
I tried to click the link for the bag and it told me i wasn’t aloud to view the item, :( sad. Love it though anyways!! :)
Laura
Although I’m not crazy about the bags covered in “C” (or any logo covered purse of any brand) one of my most prized possessions is the leather “Kristin” bag by coach that my mom got me for graduation. I love love love the bag, plus it has a lot of sentimental value because my mom doesn’t have a lot of extra cash and I know she saved up for it because she knew I would really love it. I love my mama :)
Katie - University of Illinois
Sarah and Krissy,
Sorry about the broken links!
Here’s the link for the bag :http://www.lordandtaylor.com/eng/coach-handbags-madisonhandbags-MADISON_QUILTED_CHEVRON_NYLON_LINDSEY-lordandtaylor/186582
And here’s the link for the sweater: http://www.theoutnet.com/product/219559
Happy shopping!
cate
I absolutely hate Coach, some of it seems really tacky to me.
I like his stuff much better though. Very simple.
Camila
I love coach it is a very good brand and yet it is reachable for most people, I did not say affordable because well their prices are still very high, but they are not impossible to get. I just got a very pretty party purse from coach for my birthday and I absolutely adore it, it instantly takes my outfits to the next level
Lisa
While I love classic, older Coach pieces, I don’t like Reed Krakoff’s designs. Most of his designs either look cheap or dated before the year is out.
One of Coach’s strong points was that it always made classic bags that you could carry for years. One of my favorite purses is a bag my mother bought from Coach 30 years ago. Unfortunately, I feel like most of their current designers (Krakoff included), are so focused on making of-the-moment bags that the design won’t stand the test of time.
Emily Dawn
I like vintage Coach bags, but hardly any of the newer stuff. Most of it screams tacky to me. But that’s cool, because I couldn’t afford it anyway!
Steph
I love Coach, but I like the more neutral colors, like the golds, browns, grays and blacks. None of the loud “Poppy” stuff, it seems too tacky. Thankfully I live in Central Florida and we have like 2 huge outlet malls near us and one has a Coach outlet. I got myself a $300+ bag for about $80.