coach vs michael kors 2017 | coach vs Michael Kors bags

The year 2017 was a pivotal one for the luxury handbag market, and the battle between Coach and Michael Kors was a constant presence on the arms of fashion enthusiasts. Both brands offered a compelling blend of accessibility, style, and aspirational luxury, but understanding their key differences was crucial for consumers looking to make the right investment. This comprehensive comparison dives deep into the nuances of Coach versus Michael Kors in 2017, covering everything from price points and quality to design aesthetics and target demographics. We'll also touch on related brands like Kate Spade and explore the rumors of Coach potentially acquiring Michael Kors. This article aims to provide you with a thorough understanding to inform your future handbag purchases, even with the benefit of hindsight.

Coach vs. Michael Kors Review: A Head-to-Head Comparison

Choosing between Coach and Michael Kors often comes down to personal preference, budget, and desired aesthetic. While both brands occupy a similar space in the contemporary luxury market, their approaches to design, materials, and overall brand identity set them apart. Let’s dissect the key differences:

1. Price Range:

This is often the first factor influencing purchasing decisions. In 2017, and continuing today, Michael Kors generally positioned itself slightly below Coach in terms of average price point.

* Michael Kors: Michael Kors offered a wider range of price points, with many bags and accessories available at lower price points than Coach. This accessibility contributed to its broader appeal. You could find many smaller items, like wallets and wristlets, on sale and heavily discounted. The entry-level price point was often significantly lower than Coach's.

* Coach: Coach, while still considered an accessible luxury brand, aimed for a slightly more premium positioning. Their bags generally started at a higher price point, reflecting their emphasis on craftsmanship and heritage. While sales were available, discounts were not always as steep or as frequent as those offered by Michael Kors.

2. Quality:

Quality is a crucial consideration when investing in a handbag. While both brands use various materials, their emphasis on quality and craftsmanship differed in 2017.

* Michael Kors: Michael Kors primarily utilized saffiano leather, a textured, coated leather known for its durability and resistance to scratches and water. While practical, some critics argued that saffiano leather lacked the luxurious feel of more premium leathers. The construction was generally solid, focusing on mass production efficiency. The use of synthetic linings and hardware was prevalent.

* Coach: Coach historically emphasized the use of high-quality leathers, including glove-tanned leather and other full-grain options. Their bags were often praised for their supple feel and rich texture. Coach also focused on craftsmanship, with a history of leatherworking and attention to detail. However, depending on the specific line and bag, Coach also used coated canvas and other materials to offer more affordable options. In 2017, Coach was making a concerted effort to elevate its quality and craftsmanship under the creative direction of Stuart Vevers.

3. Design Aesthetic:coach vs michael kors 2017

The design aesthetic is perhaps the most subjective, but equally important. Coach and Michael Kors cultivated distinct visual identities in 2017.

* Michael Kors: Michael Kors was known for its glamorous, jet-set aesthetic. Their designs often featured clean lines, bold hardware (especially the iconic "MK" logo), and a focus on practicality and functionality. The overall feel was modern, polished, and often trend-driven. The use of metallic accents, chain details, and structured silhouettes was common.

* Coach: Coach, under Stuart Vevers' creative direction, was undergoing a transformation. While maintaining its heritage, the brand was embracing a more playful, youthful, and edgy aesthetic. This included incorporating unique embellishments, bold colors, and collaborations with artists and designers. Coach was also reviving vintage styles and incorporating heritage elements into modern designs. The overall feel was more individualistic and less overtly glamorous than Michael Kors.

4. Target Demographics:

While there's overlap, Coach and Michael Kors appealed to slightly different demographics.

* Michael Kors: Michael Kors primarily targeted a younger demographic, particularly working women who desired stylish and accessible luxury. The brand's emphasis on trend-driven designs and affordable price points made it appealing to a broader audience.

* Coach: Coach appealed to a slightly older demographic, although the brand's revitalization efforts under Stuart Vevers were aimed at attracting younger consumers. Coach's emphasis on quality, craftsmanship, and heritage resonated with those who valued timeless style and investment pieces.

5. Brand Perception:

Brand perception is crucial in the luxury market. Both Coach and Michael Kors had established reputations, but their perceived values differed.

* Michael Kors: Michael Kors was perceived as a more accessible and trend-driven brand, often associated with glamour and a jet-set lifestyle. The brand's widespread availability and frequent sales contributed to its broader appeal.

* Coach: Coach was perceived as a more heritage-driven and quality-focused brand, emphasizing craftsmanship and American design. The brand's efforts to revitalize its image under Stuart Vevers were aimed at modernizing its appeal while retaining its core values.

Coach vs. Kors Reviews: What the Customers Said in 2017

Customer reviews in 2017 reflected the key differences outlined above.