Lillian Cahn facts for kids

Lillian Cahn was a smart businessperson who helped start the famous company Coach New York. She was born in Hungary in 1923 and later moved to the United States. Lillian is best known for designing Coach's very first line of handbags. These handbags are still a key part of the brand today. After selling Coach in 1985, Lillian and her husband, Miles Cahn, started a goat farm and made cheese.

About Lillian Cahn

Her Early Life

Lillian Cahn was born Lillian Lenovitz on December 11, 1923. Her birthplace was Sátoraljaújhely, a town in Hungary. When she was young, her family moved to the United States. This happened during a tough time called the Great Depression.

Starting Coach Handbags

The company Coach began in 1941. At first, they mostly made men's wallets and billfolds. But Lillian Cahn had a great idea. She suggested that Coach should start making women's handbags.

Her husband, Miles Cahn, wasn't sure at first. He thought there were already many handbag companies. But Lillian was very determined. She convinced him that it was a good idea.

Lillian also designed the first Coach handbags herself. She got her inspiration from simple paper shopping bags she used as a child. Her ideas helped turn Coach into a well-known brand. Many people say she was the main force behind Coach's popular leather handbags.

Life After Coach

Lillian and Miles Cahn sold Coach in 1985. After that, they moved to Pine Plains, New York. There, they started a new business. They ran a goat farm and made their own cheese.

Lillian Cahn passed away on March 4, 2013. She was 89 years old. She died in Manhattan, New York City, and was buried in Pine Plains. Her husband, Miles Cahn, lived until 2017. They were married for 66 years.