Coach

Coach, the accessories titan that started in a Manhattan loft in 1941 thanks to the entrepreneurial spirit of Miles and Lillian Cahn, has gone from humble leather goods maker to global luxury brand. Known for its leather craftsmanship and those ubiquitous "C" logo bags, Coach captured the hearts of handbag aficionados everywhere. The brand hit a defining moment in the 1990s when designer Bonnie Cashin infused it with a dose of chic, transforming Coach into a must-have name in the world of fashion. Today, Coach boasts a market valuation hovering around $10 billion, a testament to its enduring appeal. Awards like the CFDA Accessories Designer of the Year have graced its mantle, though not without a few bumps along the way. The company has faced its fair share of controversies, including accusations of cultural appropriation and labor disputes. Key figures like CEO Joshua Schulman have steered the ship through both stormy seas and calm waters. Coach remains a quintessential name in American fashion, proving that even after eight decades, it can still teach the young bucks a thing or two about staying relevant in a cutthroat industry.