"Art is life and life is art." So said a visionary American who counted Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol among his contemporaries: Keith Haring.
Like many of his time, Haring was interested in bringing art to the masses. He found inspiration in graffiti, cartoons and street art, and questioned the boundaries between high and low art in both his personal and commercial work.
In April 1986, for instance, he opened the Pop Shop, a store in New York’s Soho neighbourhood selling T-shirts, toys, posters, buttons and magnets with his work on them. It was affordable art, as the world had never seen it before. Tragically, Haring died in 1990 of AIDS, but his legacy lives on through the work he created and the Keith Haring Foundation, which helps children suffering from the effects of AIDS and HIV.
Philanthropy, openness and social equality were at the heart of everything Haring did – one of his most famous pieces embodies this ethos, it says "Art is for everybody". Now, as part of the special-edition Coach x Keith Haring collection, the New York-based design house has released pieces which celebrate the renegade artist turned cultural icon. Here are our favourite bags, accessories and ready-to-wear featuring Haring's famous jagged prints and cartoonish figures mixed with Coach Signature – the brand's iconic pattern.
In case you missed it: The It bag is back. From saddle bags to pocket-sized pouches, there’s no better time to invest in something small and refined. We love how this classic camera bag has been given a modern makeover with eclectic 'found' objects and Keith Haring patches. So arty, so now.
Coach x Keith Haring Camera Bag in Signature Patchwork, £350, available at Coach
For those who carry half their worldly belongings around with them (no judgement), there’s Coach's Academy backpack amped up with Keith Haring patches. Think of it like the one you had at school – only the very cool grown-up version.
Coach x Keith Haring Academy Backpack, £650, available at Coach
We’re obsessed with belts right now. Particularly ones that have an air of the wild west about them. Wrap this around your favourite floral dress or update your jeans and T-shirt game for a very 2018 take on Annie Oakley.
Coach Sculpted Signature Reversible Belt in Signature Leather, £125, available at Coach
Any Keith Haring fan will spot his mark a mile off. When art, fashion, and a classic white T-shirt come together – well, it’s the holy trinity.
Coach x Keith Haring T-Shirt, £125, available at Coach
Haring was known for his appreciation of all things street style. From what everyday people wore to the burgeoning New York graffiti scene, it all inspired his art. This signature sweatshirt captures his style perfectly.
Coach x Keith Haring Signature Sweatshirt, £150, available at Coach
Think of yourself as more of a classic kind of gal? Enter: the Coach Camera Bag in Signature Canvas. With a divine gold chain and a smooth leather trim, we’ll be coveting this forever.
Coach Camera Bag in Signature Canvas, £250, available at Coach
One of Haring's most famous emblems is the barking dog in the bottom right-hand corner of this bag – many a tattoo artist has drawn one of these on some arty type's ankle. They should have just bought this carryall.
Coach x Keith Haring Charlie Carryall, £475, available at Coach
Not for the fainthearted. If you’re after something with some serious swagger, check out this number. Colourful, chunky and cute: to die for.
Coach Swagger Chain Crossbody, £595, available at Coach
For those who want to start adding some designer items to their repertoire but haven’t quite got the cash, there’s this pocket rocket. Your keys have never looked so fly.
Coach C Bag Charm, £60, available at Coach
We told you it was all about the small things. If you want to get your hands on some Coach x Keith Haring merch but don’t want to go the whole nine yards with a handbag, here's your entry level purchase: the Turnlock Pouch.
Coach x Keith Haring Turnlock Pouch in Signature Patchwork, £295, available at Coach
Shop the full Coach Signature collection here
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