Sac fourre-tout souple Empire 48

This is my absolute new favorite bag! I've gone from three bags for work to just the one. It's beautiful, functional, and you can tell that it's going to last forever.

I haven't worn Coach since the late 80's when it was all the rage. I felt I'd outgrown the brand; couldn't deal with the barrage of symbols and colors plastered on the bags; felt their target market was no longer the conservative, professional woman. I went in the boutique hoping to score the large Kisslock, and as I hung my head low in disappointment, about to exit the store, the sales guy pulled down the Merlot Empire 48 that was perched high on the shelf. My eyes widened in AWE!! She was PERFECT! I call her the "Aunty"; stylish, relatable to the 'youngins' yet respectable enough for the more seasoned girls (or guys who love a good bag)! I held my closed my eyes and held my breath as I swiped my card, but haven't looked back with regret! 'Aunty' carries the laptop, 8 1/2' X 11' calendar (i'm not into electronic calendars just yet), small lipstick bag, files, mail, and the kitchen sink! I appreciate the attention to detail with the feet. This bag transitions well from work/business to everyday dramatic; she is a definite standout and attention grabber. Admirers are in disbelief that she is Coach; Well done! My only downfall...the after market chain assessories were not considered for this large bag. Another sales girl at a different time tried to convince me that hanging the chain from the strap hook on one end of the bag to the thin ball chain connected to the handle that holds the COACH hangtag was a good idea! Trying to make the short chain 'work', makes the bag appear inferior and afterthought. 'Aunty' deserves intentionality! COACH, please consider designing and offering a few longer chain options for her. At 'Aunty's' price point, all assessories should be intentional. Not to worry, I still love her madly and this isn't a deal breaker. Wouldn't trade her for the world...

Stuart Vevers absolutely conquered with this one. I love my 48's. Can't wait to see Mary Kate & Ashely photographed with one. Wouldn't that be ahmazing?!

My 3rd empire! The best bag. Obsessed!

I love this bag! I have all four and hoping they make it in Dark Navy. I’d have the whole collection to match my 5 Empire 40’s! Such a great combination for weekend getaway’s or short travels.

Maple is more beautiful in person than the pictures make it seem. It’s not a shiny brown. It’s a warm milk chocolate color and I find more matte. If you are on the fence, go see it in person if you can. This is a stunning bag. I think it will be on the heavier side when fully loaded and I wish it had a zippered pouch inside (it doesn’t - it has a single snap). An outside pocket would have been nice too - but I can see where the beauty of the bag shape would have been compromised. The bag is just one big open space - which I love!! If you have $895 to spare - i highly recommend this bag. Pure classic that you’ll have forever. Oh, and the smell is divine!