IF YOU WANDER through Oxford street in Paddington sometime in the next two weeks, you might notice a new shopfront, adding fresh personality to the neighbourhood’s already vibrant streets. Sitting pretty among the boutiques and cafés is Coach’s Tabby Shop, a playful pop-up that’s all about celebrating one of the brand’s most iconic expressions.

This isn’t your average pop-up. The Coach Tabby Shop is an immersive exploration of a cult-classic bag that nods to an archival ‘70s design while still looking right at home in modern fashion.

The Tabby Shop is decked out in a way that mirrors the bag it celebrates. It’s bold, timeless, and has an emphasis on detail. Visitors can explore a curated selection from Coach’s Spring 2025 collection, with Tabby styles front and centre. There’s something for everyone, too, whether you lean towards the sleek elegance of the Chain Tabby, the playful curves of the Twisted Tabby, or favourites like the quilted and classic versions. Colours range from neutral black and chalk to splashy seasonal hues like bluebell, fuchsia, and moonlight.

And while yes, the bags may be the main event, they’re far from the whole experience. At the Tabby Shop, visitors to customise their own Tabbys at the Coach Create customisation station. Whether you purchase a bag on-site or already have your own, skilled craftspeople are on hand to personalise them with monograms, charms and bespoke embellishments.

What really sets the experience apart, though, is the presence of emerging local artists at the customisation station. On select days, artists will be hand-painting designs on leather bags – complimentary with any leather purchase. It’s not every day that your handbag can become a one-of-a-kind wearable work of art.

The offerings don’t end there. The Coach Coffee Shop is another temporary treat, where cult bakery Tokyo Lamington has whipped up a mouth-watering menu. From New York Cheesecake Lamingtons to Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies, it’s a sweet homage to the Coach’s roots in the Big Apple. Don’t forget the coffee, too.

And yes, there’s also a photo booth. Because if you didn’t snap a selfie with your new bag, did you even get one?

What’s truly refreshing about the Coach Tabby Shop is how much it doesn’t feel like shopping. It’s more like a playground, where you can personalise your kit, pick up a sweet treat and simply enjoy the moment. And, with local DJs spinning tracks live throughout the pop-up’s run, the space will always feel alive with energy.

It’s also part of something bigger. Under the vision of Creative Director Stuart Vevers, Coach has launched a global series of activations designed to bring people together through fashion, music and meaningful moments, with an emphasis on “expressive luxury”. All in all, it’s a refreshingly playful entry into a fashion world that often takes itself a little too seriously.

The Tabby Shop at 410 Oxford street, Paddington, is open daily from 11am to 6pm and runs from May 23–June 1. Tickets are free, but bookings are recommended. Book online here.

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