Photo courtesy of Coach. Camila Mendes in the “In My Tabby” campaign
A series of playful vignettes featuring Lil Nas X and Camila Mendes reimagines what they carry in their Tabby bags
Lil Nas X believes that his next big chapter is coming, and the way to get there is to remain his brave self. “So much is still unexplored,” the 23-year-old musical artist says. “I carry the courage to keep reinventing [and] to keep moving forward no matter what happens. I carry the courage to face myself every day.”
The man behind “Old Town Road” revealed personal stories of courage and self-expression in What We Carry Makes Us Stronger, a series of short films that is part of a new campaign by New York fashion house Coach. Called “In My Tabby,” the campaign also features Brazilian-American actress Camila Mendes, Japanese model-songwriter Kōki, and Chinese actress Wu Ji Yan alongside Lil Nas X.
For the “Industry Baby” rapper, entering a new era is imminent but an exciting chapter of his career. “I’m in this next phase of figuring out who this next person is for me. I’m not going out in the same clothes as my last era, or the one before that. I’m figuring that out, and learning to trust my own instincts,” he says in an interview with Vogue at the fall 2023 Coach show.
The newest campaign by Coach features one of its popular silhouettes, the Tabby, with a reimagination of the archival bag from the 70s. The redux of the bag shows a range of Tabby styles from the Pillow, the chain clutch, shoulder bag, box bag, and wristlets in different leather finishes and colors. According to Coach, the present-day iterations of the bag are an ode to individuals who want to express themselves through style and showcase their individuality.
In her video, Mendes admits that it was her past experiences, flaws, and conscious effort to challenge herself that keeps her going through life. “Sometimes, I feel at odds with my many selves but I’m ready to embrace that. I carry the courage to be myself unapologetically,” says the 28-year-old star of Riverdale.
At the same fashion show with Lil Nas X, Mendes was spotted front row wearing a daring ensemble of an oversized leather jacket, a high-waisted lingerie set, and Coach accessories. “Really into invisible pants this season,” says the Do Revenge actress on Instagram.
“In My Tabby” is a continuation of the brand’s “Courage to Be Real” campaign that celebrates self-expression and community. The series also includes a metaverse experience created for Decentraland’s Metaverse Fashion Week where customers can discover more about the Tabby, interact with digital artists, and collect Tabby wearables.
“I’ve always believed that fashion should be about more than only style, it should be about community, and creating safe spaces where people feel free to express themselves,” says Coach creative director Stuart Vevers. “The In My Tabby brings together our Coach family and collaborators to celebrate stories of creativity and courage that embody our vision for Coach to inspire people to fully express all of who they are.”
In the Philippines, Coach is located at Rustan’s Shangri-La, Rustan’s Makati, Power Plant Mall, Greenbelt 5, and City of Dreams and online at Trunc.ph, and Rustans.
