Walk into any high-end vintage shop and you’ll see the same thing. Rows of Coach bags from the 1970s, their thick leather and brass turnlocks screaming "classic Americana." But look closer. If you’re lucky, you might find a bag that looks exactly like a Coach, but the stamp inside says something different.
Bonnie Cashin for Meyers.
Most people haven’t heard of this specific collaboration. Honestly, for a long time, these bags were the "bargain bin" version of the designer’s work. You could snag them for $30 at a thrift store because nobody knew what they were. That’s changing. Fast. As vintage Coach prices skyrocket into the hundreds (and sometimes thousands), collectors are waking up to the fact that the Bonnie Cashin for Meyers line is basically the same DNA, just with a different label.
What Actually Happened Between 1975 and 1979?
To understand the Meyers era, you have to understand why Bonnie left Coach in the first place. She’d been their lead designer since 1961, essentially inventing the brand’s entire visual language. We’re talking about the brass turnlock—the one she copied from the toggle on her convertible’s top—and those famous "Cashin Carry" tote bags.
By 1974, she was done.
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She didn't believe in licensing her name to just anyone. She wanted control. So, from 1975 to 1979, she partnered with Meyers Manufacturing, a firm based on Fifth Avenue in NYC. This wasn’t a "budget" line. It was Bonnie being Bonnie, just with a new manufacturer.
The bags from this era are fascinating because they feel like a bridge. You’ve got the heavy, buttery leather you expect from her Coach days, but the designs get a bit weirder. More experimental. She wasn't just doing "handbags"; she was doing sculptural carryalls.
Spotting the Real Deal: It’s All in the Details
If you find a bag that looks like a "watermelon" tote or a sling bag with a big brass ring, check the interior flap. Instead of the Coach creed, you’ll see a blind-stamped logo: Bonnie Cashin for Meyers.
Here is what makes these bags special:
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- The Hardware: She kept using the brass turnlocks and those chunky "kiss-lock" frames.
- The Mesh: One of the coolest Meyers designs is a leather tote with a massive leather "net" or mesh pocket on the back. It’s perfect for a phone today, though she probably intended it for a newspaper.
- Supple Leather: The leather used by Meyers was often thinner and more "drapey" than the stiff glovetanned leather Coach used. It feels more like a garment and less like a saddle.
I’ve seen a few "Loop Bags" from this era that are just stunning. They have a single wide strap that loops through the body. Simple. Brilliant. No unnecessary fluff.
Why collectors are freaking out now
Basically, Bonnie Cashin was the "Mother of American Sportswear." She hated the word "fashion" because it implied something that would go out of style. She wanted to build things that lasted.
Because the Meyers contract only lasted about four years, there just isn’t as much of it out there. It’s rarer than the mass-produced Coach bags of the same decade. For a serious collector, finding a Meyers bag in good condition is like finding a B-side track from a legendary band. It’s the same talent, just a different vibe.
Is the Quality Actually the Same?
This is where people get into heated debates on Reddit and vintage forums. Some say the Coach bags are sturdier because they were built like tanks. Others argue the Meyers bags are more "fashion-forward" (even though Bonnie would hate that word).
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The truth? The construction is top-tier. These were made in the USA during an era when "Made in NYC" meant something. You’ll see the same heavy topstitching and unlined interiors. If you find one with a "Bonnie Cashin Designs" stamp and a kiss-lock compartment inside, you've found a winner.
How to Clean and Restore Your Find
If you find a Bonnie Cashin for Meyers bag at an estate sale, it’s probably going to be a bit dry. These bags are 50 years old. Don’t panic.
- Conditioning is key. Use a high-quality leather balm (like Bick 4 or Cadillac). This leather is thirsty.
- Polish the brass. The hardware on these is real brass. A little Brasso or even a jewelry cloth will bring back that 1970s glow.
- Check the stamp. Be careful not to scrub too hard over the "Bonnie Cashin for Meyers" stamp. Sometimes they were "blind-stamped" without ink, and they can wear down.
The Actionable Bottom Line
If you’re looking to start a vintage collection without spending $500 on a Coach "City Bag," look for Meyers.
Start by searching specifically for "Bonnie Cashin Meyers" on eBay or Poshmark. Most casual sellers just list them as "vintage leather bag," so look for those signature brass toggles and the kiss-lock frames on the outside of the bag.
Check for any "rotting" in the stitching—if the thread is original cotton, it might be brittle. But usually, these things are indestructible. You aren't just buying a purse; you’re buying a piece of design history from the woman who literally taught America how to dress for a modern, busy life.
Get one while they're still under the radar. Once the secret is out, those $50 thrift finds are going to be a thing of the past.