By Stephanie Musso

They’re everywhere now. No one can walk around town without seeing someone carrying one. A Coach bag.

Coach isn’t just being worn by mom anymore. With new sleek lines and chic looks, Coach is becoming a very popular trend among young women.

Coach’s progressing collections have been showcasing more chic and stylish looking bags. Now more and more young women are carrying these bags.

“The new line is [directed] toward teens,” said Kate Metcalf, a 19-year-old Coach customer. “My mom used to buy Coach bags, but now I do. I like to stay toward the neutral colors though, the new colors are too flashy.”

Coach recently released their “bright bags and new shapes for Spring 2004” line. The new line is filled with “rainbow inspired colors, ladylike silhouettes and fabrics that encourage long strolls, jaunts in frilly dresses and outdoor dining. The colors range from sherbet suedes to punchy patents,” according to a recent Coach press release.

“The energy of spring inspires me to design collections filled with color and spirit,” said Reed Krakoff, president and executive creative director of Coach. “The playful, fun and unexpected details are the foundation of what makes this collection both organic and stylish.”

What kind of statement are girls trying to make with Coach bags?

“The new bags are really popular,” said Metcalf. “I think [Coach is] trying to be like Kate Spade.”

However, everyone who carries a Coach bag feels they need to make a statement.

“My favorite bag doesn’t have the Coach print on it, it’s just real unique looking and it goes with a lot,” said Brenna McCarthy, a sophomore communications major. “I think it’s a very well made and stylish line.”

Stylish they may be, but cheap they are not. Bags range anywhere from $160 to $500. These prices may be moderate compared to other designer handbags. Top designers like Gucci and Dolce ‘ Gabbana price their bags at $800 on average.

Coach also launched a limited edition collection this season called “Poppy for Peace.” It’s an extra line consisting of three styles of suede bags. Each bag has leather and suede appliqus of pink poppies.

The purchase of one of these bags not only shows a sense of style, but also gives to a good cause. Ten percent of proceeds from this special collection will benefit Peace Games, a nonprofit organization that aims to build the capacity of young people to be peacemakers through skill building and problem solving games, according to the Coach press release.

Regardless of price, Coach bags have proven to be popular among college age girls.

“I think [ultimately] Coach bags aren’t used as a statement, but rather as an appreciation of good style,” McCarthy said.