Yesterday Coach announced the launch of their Coach x Michael B. Jordan collection, a first-of-its-kind creative collaboration with the actor, producer and first global face of Coach menswear.
Inspired by Jordan’s cultural influences and community, and his love of Japanese anime and manga brand Naruto, the unisex ready-to-wear, footwear and bag collection is his first foray into fashion design, guided by the expertise of Coach Creative Director Stuart Vevers.
Created in partnership with VIZ Media, the collection combines Coach craftsmanship with Jordan’s affinity for functional fashion and graphic codes from the world of Naruto. Product ranges from parkas, jean jackets and pullovers to backpacks, utility packs and hybrid sneaker boots with infused technical details like removable sleeves, tactical straps and elastic closures. It also features imagery of characters from Naruto, as well as the series’ trademark “eye” motifs reimagined with Coach’s Retro C graphic.
These references tie back to the story of Naruto Uzumaki himself, a young ninja who begins his journey as an outsider and earns the respect of his community as he works with his friends to protect it. The Naruto backstory speaks closely to Jordan’s own narrative as an outlier building bridges inside and outside of the Hollywood establishment and echoes Coach’s commitment to community and courage.
“With my name on this collection, it was important to design pieces that represent my cultural influences and my community; pieces that I could see my friends, family and fans wearing with pride,” said Jordan. “As with all aspects of my work, this collection is about bringing fresh perspectives and unique voices to the forefront. Expanding into the fashion design space was rewarding beyond my expectations. I’m grateful to Stuart and Coach for providing me with the opportunity and expertise to execute a collection I’m extremely proud of.”
Coach are celebrating the collection with global pop-ups in Japan, Malaysia and the United States, as well as a dedicated Coach experience in the VIZ Media booth at New York Comic Con from October 3-6, alongside a range of limited-edition T-shirts.
Check out a few of our favourite pieces below:
Shop the Coach x Michael B. Jordan collection and Coach’s 50% off sale at coachaustralia.com and in stores.
Last month Coach celebrated their 10th Aussie anniversary with a QVB store block party.
