For Resort 2026—known lovingly as “Winter” in Coach’s world—Stuart Vevers delivers a collection brimming with nostalgia, charm, and a rare, joyful sincerity. It is a tender, playful exploration of dressing up that taps into the designer’s own formative memories, weaving the warmth of family history into the brand’s signature Americana cool.

This season draws deeply from Vevers’s childhood in Carlisle, U.K., where theater was not just entertainment but a family affair. His grandparents performed in local shows, hand-making their own costumes, igniting in young Stuart an early fascination with the transformative magic of clothing. Whether donning sailor suits for a “South Pacific” performance or sewing bold PVC trousers under his grandmother’s guidance, Vevers grew up steeped in the joy of self-expression through dress—a spirit lovingly recaptured here.

Resort 2026 reflects this world of wonder and freedom. Traditional fashion codes are cheerfully tossed aside, replaced by a disarming mix of sparkling tulle tutus, Disney’s Pluto-emblazoned sweatshirts, and gently worn Peter Pan-collared knits that feel like heirlooms passed down with care. Weathered biker and aviator leathers add toughness, while tiger-striped faux fur capes and bejeweled chiffon bring theatrical flair. Coach’s celebrated upcycled patchwork jeans return, now rendered in soft, washed black denim for a touch of lived-in charm.

“It’s a celebration of the joy of dressing up,” Vevers shares—a joy that feels even brighter when inspired by his own children’s playful fantasies. This sense of innocent fun is grounded by the brand’s rugged Americana roots, creating a collection that feels both nostalgic and new.

Accessories deepen the story with delightful whimsy: leather bunny ears, miniature crowns, toy swords—items that feel plucked from a child’s imagination box—perfectly paired with archival Bonnie Cashin bags. These petite, almost doll-like handbags, unseen since the 1960s, are reimagined with Coach’s modern "geegaws": holiday baubles and fuzzy Rudolph charms, replacing taxi cabs and Statue of Liberty motifs from seasons past.

Footwear balances this playful spirit with glamour and comfort—sparkling "Wizard of Oz" red pumps, Warhol-silver party shoes, and soft, hand-beaded moccasins that seem made for both magic and mischief. A hint of Andy Warhol’s Factory aesthetic seeps into the clashing checks, blazers, and ties—awkward but utterly charming in their intentional discord.

This collection feels like a love letter—not only to Vevers’s creative journey but to family itself. As he prepares to receive his O.B.E. at Buckingham Palace, flanked by his husband and twins, one can imagine his grandparents looking on with pride, recognizing the same joy of dressing up they once inspired.

In a fashion world often shadowed by irony and detachment, Coach Resort 2026 offers something rare and precious: a sincere, wholehearted embrace of play, nostalgia, and unfiltered delight.