Why is no-one talking about Bonnie Cashin? 🤔

Very little is said about the designer behind some of fashion's biggest trends, so let’s put her in the spotlight.

Author

Bella Levin
October 04, 2024

Oh Bonnie, dear Bonnie. Where do we begin?

Bonnie Cashin was a visionary American fashion designer whose innovative approach revolutionized women’s sportswear. Active from the 1940s to the 1970s, she is best known for popularizing layering, creating timeless, and functional clothing that allowed women to mix and match pieces for comfort and style.

Cashin’s practical yet elegant use of natural fabrics like leather and wool redefined outerwear and everyday fashion, introducing details like large pockets and clasps for convenience.

…and did you know that…

she was the first lead designer for Coach? That’s right, she is the visionary behind Coach’s iconic handbags, including the brand’s signature turn-lock closure.

Her influence on fashion continues to resonate, celebrating the balance between utility and sophistication.

Some of the greatest autumn/winter pieces by Bonnie Cashin you can find in marketplaces today

BONNIE CASHIN COAT & SUEDE VEST, 1960s

This wool and suede set haunts me in my dreams, begging for me to purchase it. A gorgeous mustard and red plaid wool coat with mustard leather trim, oversized side pockets, and brass toggle closures.

Availble at Augusta Auction

1960s Bonnie Cashin Sills Brown Leather Jacket Coat

Dare I say Bonnie Cashin has one of the most divine selections of leather jackets and coats in all the right colors?

This one features her iconic turn-lock closure and is in excellent condition.

Available on Etsy for €274


Vintage 1970s RARE Bonnie Cashin Trench Coat

This vintage canvas toggle-lock trench coat from the 1970s is by the inimitable Bonnie Cashin for Russ Taylor Weatherwear.

Once again features iconon turn-lock closures and red linining as an accent.

Available on Etsy for €472

Bonnie Cashin Tweed Saddlebag Coat

This one made me gasp. Truly stunning piece and just in line of the modern day options available on Coach.

Available on Arcadeshops for £606

70s Brown Suede Leather Coat Wmn Small Bonnie Cashin Sills Brass Twist Lock VTG

Since demand for a good old suede coat is on the rise, someone’s got to grab this one. Though it has a small hole, I bet it can be patched up, giving the coat a little unique feature.

Available on eBay for $285

Vintage Bonnie Cashin For Sills Orange Leather Coat

This one is so incredibly beautiful. 1960’s extremely rare and collectible piece.

I’d wear it as a coat or a dress with baby blue rights and mini scarf around my neck.

Available on eBay for $800

Now a few honorable mentions of Bonnie Cashin’s iconic bags

Bonnie Cashin for Meyers Box Bag Black Leather Rare 70’s Kiss Lock Bicycle Bag

Pre-owned vintage Bonnie Cashin for Meyers 'Box Bag,' also known as the bicycle purse, likely crafted in the mid-1970s. Made from soft black pebbled leather, it secures with a large kiss lock and comes with a removable double-strand leather strap featuring brass push clasps.

Available on 1stDibs for £695

Bonnie Cashin for Coach Swinger Bag Double Frame Kiss Lock Tan Leather Bag

Vintage Bonnie Cashin for Coach Swinger bag, likely made in the early 70s. Made from patina'd tan leather, it features double frame kiss lock pockets and a skinny shoulder strap.

Available on 1stDibs for £695

Bonnie Cashin for Coach Mini 1960s Safari Tote Red Leather Turn Lock Bag

A unicorn. These bags rarely if ever come up for sale, especially in this color!

Made from red leather, this chic little bag features turn lock pockets on each exterior side and an open main compartment that's partially lined in Bonnie's signature striped lining.

Available on Etsy for €1607

Fancy more designer recs?

If you like Bonnie Cashin designs and are on the hunt for autumn/winter clothing that will last you decades, here are other designers you should check out:

Jean-Charles de Castelbajac a French-Moroccan designer known for fusing fashion with art, using bold prints and humorous motifs.

Woolrich an American brand known for its high-quality outdoor clothing and accessories, particularly woolen garments. Founded in 1830 by John Rich in Pennsylvania, Woolrich is one of the oldest continually operating outdoor brands in the United States.

Vakko is a luxury fashion brand from Turkey, founded in 1934 by Vakkas Aydın in Istanbul. The brand is known for its high-quality clothing, accessories, and textiles. You can find a few great leather and suede jackets by this brand.

Wrapping up with some goods to feed your curious mind

If Spotify keeps failing you like it is failining me with its recommendations, here are 2 awesome music disovery apps that will do the job right 😄 

The NTS Music app is a live radio and music discovery station station. Here’s what it offers:

1. Live Streaming: Tune in to live broadcasts from talented DJs covering various genres like electronic, hip-hop, and jazz.

2. On-Demand Content: Catch up on your favorite shows and mixes whenever you want.

3. Curated Playlists: Explore playlists handpicked by NTS DJs and guest selectors to discover new sounds.

4. Artist Highlights: Uncover emerging artists and underground tracks you won’t find anywhere else.

5. Community Vibe: Engage with a music-loving community that celebrates collaboration and creativity.

Mixcloud is a music and podcast streaming platform that allows users to discover, share, and listen to a vast library of audio content, primarily focused on DJ mixes, radio shows, and podcasts.

  • User-Generated Content: Mixcloud is primarily a platform for creators to upload their mixes and shows, making it a hub for DJs, producers, and podcasters.

  • Diverse Audio Library: The app offers a wide range of genres and content, from DJ sets and live mixes to podcasts and radio shows, catering to various musical tastes.

  • Offline Listening: The app allows users to download mixes and shows for offline listening, making it convenient to enjoy music and podcasts on the go.

Interesting reads:

Wishing everyone a fabulous weekend!

Hugs,

Bella

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