Coach Introduces Coach x Michael B. Jordan

NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 2019 /PRNewswire/

Coach announces Coach x Michael B. Jordan, the first-of-its-kind creative collaboration with actor, producer and first global ambassador for Coach menswear, Michael B. Jordan. Inspired by his cultural influences and community, his love for Naruto and his passion for bringing a unique voice to the fore, this unisex line of ready-to-wear, footwear and bags is the result of Jordan’s creative expertise at Coach First foray into fashion design under the direction of director Stuart Weavers.

Created in partnership with VIZ Media, the collection combines Coach’s craftsmanship with Jordan’s penchant for functional fashion and graphic codes from the world of popular Japanese anime and manga Naruto. Products range from parkas, denim jackets and sweaters to backpacks, utility bags and mixed sneaker boots. Featuring technical details like detachable sleeves, tactical shoulder straps and an elasticated closure, it also features an image of the Naruto character and the collection’s signature “eye” graphic, reimagined with Coach’s retro C-shaped graphic. These references relate to the story of Naruto Uzumaki himself, a young ninja who begins his journey as an outsider, earning the respect of the community while working with friends to protect them. Naruto’s backstory fits well with Jordan’s own narrative, serving as a runaway bridge in and out of the Hollywood establishment, and reflecting the coach’s commitment to community and grit.

To launch the series, Coach is releasing a campaign that combines his values and craftsmanship with Jordan’s cinematic skills and Naruto’s enigmatic likeness. Conceived by Jordan and directed by Jordan’s former director of photography, Rachel Morrison, the heroic film oscillates on a neon street in Tokyo, oscillating between modern brutality and magical realism. Emphasize the power of connection.

“Working with Mike is always a great experience,” said Vevers. “He’s a great collaborator because he always puts his heart and soul into everything he does, and because he brought something authentic and personal to the collection.”

“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 will also launch global pop-up stores in Japan, Malaysia and the U.S., offering a special Coach experience at the VIZ Media booth at New York Comic Con from October 3-6, as well as a collection of celebratory limited-edition T-shirts to complement the collection. series.

The Coach x Michael B. Jordan Collection is now available online at Coach.com and in stores.

ABOUT COACH

Coach is a global design house of modern luxury leather goods, apparel, footwear, fragrance, eyewear and a full range of lifestyle accessories. Founded in 1941, Coach has a longstanding reputation built on quality craftsmanship and is defined by its confident New York style. The brand approaches design with a modern vision, reimagining luxury for today with an authenticity and innovation that is uniquely Coach. Coach products are available in approximately 55 countries through its network of directly operated stores, travel retail shops and sales to wholesale customers and independent third-party distributors, as well as through coach.com.

Coach is a Tapestry, Inc. brand. Tapestry is publicly listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker TPR.

ABOUT NARUTO

The beloved ninja action franchise made its debut in 1999 in a manga created by Masashi Kishimoto, revolutionized manga and anime, and continues to captivate millions of fans internationally. The Coach x Michael B. Jordan collection is an integral part of the year-long NARUTO 20th Anniversary celebration. The NARUTO brand family includes the original manga series (published by VIZ Media in English), together with the NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN anime series and feature films, as well as the latest manga & anime sequel, BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS. In the NARUTO manga and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN animated series, Naruto Uzumaki wants to be the best ninja in the land. He’s done well so far, but Naruto knows he must train harder than ever and leaves his village for intense exercises that will push him to his limits.

Additional information on NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN in North America is available at viz.com/naruto.

ABOUT VIZ MEDIA, LLC

Established in 1986, VIZ Media is the premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing. Along with its popular SHONEN JUMP brand and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, DRAGON BALL, SAILOR MOON, and POKÉMON, VIZ Media offers an extensive library of titles and original content in a wide variety of book and video formats, as well as through official licensed merchandise. Owned by three of Japan’s largest publishing and entertainment companies, Shogakukan Inc., Shueisha Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is dedicated to bringing the best titles for English-speaking audiences worldwide.