On set for the Spring 2018 campaign for Coach, with classic oldies playing in the background, Selena Gomez spoke about her relationship with Creative Director Stuart Vevers and asking for a Coach bag for Christmas.
Selena, how are you?
I’m good; I’m healthy! I’ve been in New York shooting [the new Woody Allen fi lm] and really enjoying my time in this city. You grew up in Texas, in a suburban part of Dallas. Coach has such resonance for people of your generation who went to the mall as kids… Do you remember the fi rst time you got a COACH bag? Yes! Coach was a staple, especially where I was from. My cousin and I would always go into the Coach store. I remember all we wanted were those cute little wallets that they sold, the coin purses. They said Coach in little gold letters on white leather. That’s what my cousin and I asked for Christmas, and that was a very big deal for us. It was cool that a store could make us feel that way when we walked in.
And now they’re bringing back the signature logo, which is so smart because it carries meaning for people like you who grew up with the brand?
It’s like vintage! It’s still the staple Coach bag, and it’s great when you understand what you’re getting behind when you buy something. Just watching them grow as a brand has been really cool. Creative Director Stuart Vevers added this edge, but it’s so beautiful and has a feminine spirit to it but it still has an edge.
So is that what first piqued your interest about working with Coach?
It was definitely Stuart. Even before I met him, I had read a bunch of articles he had done and understood his vision for Coach. He really wanted to make a young girl feel cool, but in her own right. I identifi ed with his passion for Coach as an American brand. Now, Coach is like family. In every kind of work project or business venture I undertake, I always want to make sure I love the people that I’m around. It changes the entire atmosphere. You know you’re in good hands and learning from the best. That’s how it is with Stuart, Steven [Meisel], Pat [McGrath], and Guido [Palau].
It’s so telling that one of the most recognized items from the Coach collections is a sweater.
There’s definitely an element of organic comfort – this type of fashion isn’t tough. And, you know, the sweater is the piece I get complimented on the most. Every time I wear one, people hug me and ask, “What is that?” It’s so cozy. I wanted to get one made for my 4 year old sister, so we could match. I guess I’m that cheesy sister.
What’s it like working with Steven Meisel?
The first time I walked on set I was a little nervous; I can get a little intimidated. But he’s genuinely the sweetest, purest person. There are never a lot of people around, and it’s very intimate. It’s beautiful.
