Madison Sophia Design Query

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Bisoux78

Bisoux78

O.G.
Jul 26, 2012
1,837
2,921
#1
The Madison Gathered Leather Sophia in black with brass hardware has always been my favorite Coach bag. When I spotted a brand new one today at a designer discount store for $280, I didn't hesitate to buy a second one. My original one was purchased 2 years ago at full price from the Coach boutique in Soho.

When I got home and put the two bags side to side, I was surprised to see that the leather straps on the sides of the bag were different. My original one has the straps horizontally at the top of the bag while the new one from today has the straps going sideways on each side of the bag.

My question is: If this is normal for Coach to alter a bags design? I don't doubt the authenticity of the bags since one is from an actual Coach store and the other is from a very reputable store in Manhattan. But, I could be wrong? Any input would be great.

The newer Sophia is on the left and my older one is on the right:

f049b803-1096-4e9a-be2a-3b7d6e9a0a9c_zps4adf7986.jpg
 
#2
The diagonal straps were the original design and came in both large (15947) and small (15942) sizes. The horizontal straps were the "gen 2" design and came only in the smaller size (18620) as far as I know.

Interestingly, your "new" one is the older design, and your older one is the newer design. Where'd you find the new (old) one?? Thought those were long gone.
 
#3
I remember when the "first gen" Sophias came out, there were issues with the corners drooping and creasing. The horizontal straps were a design change to help alleviate the stress at the edges.
 
#4
Canderson22 said:
The diagonal straps were the original design and came in both large (15947) and small (15942) sizes. The horizontal straps were the "gen 2" design and came only in the smaller size (18620) as far as I know.

Interestingly, your "new" one is the older design, and your older one is the newer design. Where'd you find the new (old) one?? Thought those were long gone.
Click to expand...

Century21 in downtown Manhattan. They had a whole rack of Deletes and I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw a Sophia! Most of the bags were from last year. Thanks for the info btw! Much appreciated.
 
#5
mandabear said:
I remember when the "first gen" Sophias came out, there were issues with the corners drooping and creasing. The horizontal straps were a design change to help alleviate the stress at the edges.
Click to expand...

Mine still drooped although I did abuse the heck out of that bag when I used it in Europe...It went through daily poundings of rain in London and humid Paris 2 summers ago. I conditioned it 2x after the trip but the creases never fully recovered. The leather is still shiny though :smile1:
 
#6
Bisoux78 said:
Century21 in downtown Manhattan. They had a whole rack of Deletes and I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw a Sophia! Most of the bags were from last year. Thanks for the info btw! Much appreciated.
Click to expand...
Oooo I should go check this out tomorrow on my day off. Thanks for the info!!
 
#8
mandabear said:
I remember when the "first gen" Sophias came out, there were issues with the corners drooping and creasing. The horizontal straps were a design change to help alleviate the stress at the edges.
Click to expand...

It's so funny, though...you can never please everyone. Many like the old version better because you could train the "ears" to droop and a lot of people preferred that shape with the softer corners. I guess there's plenty of both out there now so people can choose what they like best!
 
#9
Canderson22 said:
The diagonal straps were the original design and came in both large (15947) and small (15942) sizes. The horizontal straps were the "gen 2" design and came only in the smaller size (18620) as far as I know.

Interestingly, your "new" one is the older design, and your older one is the newer design. Where'd you find the new (old) one?? Thought those were long gone.
Click to expand...
This thread is actually really helpful for me because I don't know what is the difference between all these different sophias I see on ebay. All I know is I want at least one. Not being able to try it on for ebay purchases, I am afraid of not getting exactly what I want. :)
 
#10
Canderson22 said:
The diagonal straps were the original design and came in both large (15947) and small (15942) sizes. The horizontal straps were the "gen 2" design and came only in the smaller size (18620) as far as I know.

Interestingly, your "new" one is the older design, and your older one is the newer design. Where'd you find the new (old) one?? Thought those were long gone.
Click to expand...



I was going over the same thing with my SA yesterday while I considered the Large Pearl Grey that was on FOS. Thanks for providing the style numbers, really needed those.


Love the older version - such a beautiful design even if it stretches.
 
#11
pbnjam said:
This thread is actually really helpful for me because I don't know what is the difference between all these different sophias I see on ebay. All I know is I want at least one. Not being able to try it on for ebay purchases, I am afraid of not getting exactly what I want. :)
Click to expand...

Definitely go for a leather Sophia. Its classic and will last you longer if you take care of the leather.
 
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