What's Happening?
Coach, a New York-based global fashion house and part of the Tapestry portfolio, is actively seeking a Design Assistant for its Coach (Re)Loved program. This initiative focuses on circular design, aiming to keep products in use through various scalable
programs, including the Coach (Re)Loved Exchange, where customers can return items. The Design Assistant will play a crucial role in the collaborative design process, from concept development through production, for upcycled and remade products. Responsibilities include creating design concepts, CADs, design decks, and tech packs, as well as researching materials and product ideas. The role also involves maintaining design integrity, adhering to timelines, and collaborating with cross-functional teams and workshops to resolve any issues during the hand-off and production phases. Coach (Re)Loved is inspired by the motto 'Wear It, Love It, Pass It On,' offering customers more sustainable choices throughout a product's lifecycle.
Why It's Important?
This job opening for a Design Assistant within Coach's (Re)Loved program signifies a growing commitment by major U.S. fashion brands to sustainability and circular economy principles. The emphasis on upcycled and remade products reflects a broader industry shift towards reducing waste and extending product lifecycles, which is becoming increasingly important to environmentally conscious consumers. By investing in dedicated design roles for such initiatives, Coach is not only enhancing its brand image but also potentially setting new standards for sustainable practices within the luxury fashion sector. This move can influence other brands to adopt similar programs, fostering a more responsible approach to production and consumption across the industry. Furthermore, the program's focus on customer engagement through initiatives like the (Re)Loved Exchange highlights a trend towards co-creation and community involvement in sustainability efforts, strengthening brand loyalty and promoting a more circular consumption model.
What's Next?
The successful candidate for the Design Assistant position will contribute to the ongoing development and expansion of Coach's (Re)Loved program. This will involve executing monthly circular design concepts and ensuring design integrity throughout the entire development process. The program is expected to continue offering customers more sustainable choices, from initial purchase to repair and recycling options. Coach's commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity, as part of the Tapestry family, suggests that these values will also be integrated into the (Re)Loved initiative. The brand will likely continue to explore innovative ways to keep its products in play, potentially expanding the range of upcycled and remade items available to consumers. The success of this program could also lead to further investment in sustainable practices across Tapestry's other brands, reinforcing a broader corporate commitment to environmental responsibility.
Beyond the Headlines
The Coach (Re)Loved program represents a significant cultural and ethical shift within the fashion industry, moving beyond traditional linear consumption models. By embracing circularity, Coach is challenging the notion of disposability and promoting a more mindful approach to fashion. This initiative not only addresses environmental concerns but also taps into a growing consumer desire for authenticity and responsible consumption. The program's motto, 'Wear It, Love It, Pass It On,' encapsulates a philosophy that values longevity and shared experiences over fleeting trends. This could lead to a redefinition of luxury, where sustainability and ethical production become as important as craftsmanship and brand heritage. The creation of dedicated roles like the Design Assistant for (Re)Loved also indicates that sustainable design is becoming a specialized and integral part of product development, rather than a peripheral concern, signaling a long-term commitment to these values within the industry.
