The name Bonnie Cashin may not be as recognizable as those of other fashion greats, like Tom Ford, Donna Karan or Bill Blass, but few designers have made as profound an impact on American sportswear.
Born in 1907, Cashin began her career as a costume designer in the late 1920s, founding her own line, Bonnie Cashin Designs, in 1952. She created uniforms for American Airlines flight attendants and American servicewomen during World War II and collaborated with more than 35 brands, including Ballantyne and Hermès.
Perhaps best known for her work as lead designer at Coach from 1961 to 1974, Cashin also had a fruitful collaboration, from 1951 to 1977, with the leather manufacturer Sills. For Sills, she playfully mixed and matched materials in her work, and her exceptional coats and other outerwear dazzled with bold patterns an exaggerated sleeves.
Cashin created convertible garments using ingenious engineering and is even credited with the modern concept of layering, which won her a Neiman Marcus award in 1950. So, although her work might be a bit under the radar, those in the know covet Cashin treasures — collectors have evidently snapped up examples of a statement coat she designed for Sills during the late 1960s. The piece, which is made of a chunky mohair yarn woven in a vibrant lime-green-and-black oversize houndstooth pattern, is documented in Stephanie Lake’s 2016 monograph, Bonnie Cashin: Chic Is Where You Find It (Rizzoli).
Vintage Cashin pieces, which were informed by the designer’s global travels, have sparked fervent online discussions, with a growing community of enthusiasts sharing tips on sourcing and thoughtful restoration of her timeless works, particularly her Coach bags.
Indeed, fifty years after her departure, her contributions to Coach’s identity remain commercially successful and beloved by collectors. The brass turnlock, introduced by Cashin in 1961, is now a hallmark of the brand. And her clever antique-style metal kiss-lock clasps and inset coin-purse pockets were prominently featured in Coach’s New York Fashion Week presentation in 2024.
Nearly a quarter century after her death, in 2000, Cashin’s designs remain strikingly original. Ironically, a designer frequently overlooked in discussions of mid-century fashion is the visionary talent behind pieces that, once seen, are completely unforgettable.
Find vintage Bonnie Cashin bags and clothing for sale on 1stDibs.
Vintage Bonnie Cashin 1970s Oatmeal Cashmere Funnel Neck Sweater S
By Bonnie Cashin
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
A rare and iconic piece from the mother of modern American sportswear, this vintage Bonnie Cashin funnel neck sweater was originally retailed at ...
Bonnie Cashin for Sills 1960s Bouclé Knit Coat Oversized Trailing Sleeves Rare
By Bonnie Cashin for Sills, Bonnie Cashin
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Exceptionally rare and visually striking late 1960s Bonnie Cashin for Sills coat, featuring Cashin’s dramatic exaggerated trailing sleeves and signature architectural silhouette. Cra...
Bonnie Cashin for Sills Blue and Pink Striped Coat & Dress Ensemble, 1960s
By Bonnie Cashin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1960s iconic American sportswear ensemble from Bonnie Cashin. Navy blue coat with bubblegum pink striped lining along with simple sheath style dress. All trimmed in designers signat...
Bonnie Cashin for Sills 60s Bouclé Wool Jacket & Skirt Set with Red Leather Trim
By Bonnie Cashin for Sills, Bonnie Cashin
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Crafted from an absolutely stunning cherry-red, pink, and orange bouclé wool knit, this rare two-piece suit features Cashin’s signature leather detailing—the jacket is beautifully tr...
Bonnie Cashin for Sills Vintage Hooded Cape Charcoal Wool Red Trim
By Bonnie Cashin, Bonnie Cashin for Sills
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic vintage Bonnie Cashin for Sills hooded cape, created by the pioneering designer widely regarded as the mother of American sportswear. Crafted in substantial charcoal gray...
Bonnie Cashin for Sills Vintage Herringbone Coat
By Bonnie Cashin for Sills, Bonnie Cashin
Located in Oakland, CA
This coat has the "A Bonnie Cashin Design for Sills and Co" label which I believe dates to the 1960s. Giant herringbone pattern in what I believe is wool or a wool blend with black l...
Bonnie Cashin Sills Vintage Suede Dress Coat
By Bonnie Cashin for Sills, Bonnie Cashin
Located in Oakland, CA
Bonnie Cashin for Sills mustard colored suede dress/coat. I believe this piece dates to the 1960s or 1970s. Leather trim with rear goldtone button closure. There are seven total but...
1960s Bonnie Cashin Lilac Suede Tunic Dress with Buckle Details
By Bonnie Cashin for Sills, Bonnie Cashin
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic, preowned, vintage Bonnie Cashin for Sills suede tunic dress or tabard, likely made in the 1960s. Originally retailed at Saks Fifth Avenue for $100—equivalent to approximat...
Bonnie Cashin 1970s Vintage Red Cashmere Cowl Neck Sweater Pullover
By Bonnie Cashin
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
A striking and collectible piece from the legendary designer Bonnie Cashin, this vintage 1970s sweater embodies her modernist approach to American sportswear. Crafted in a bold, fier...
Bonnie Cashin The Knittery 1970s Mohair Ombre Cardigan Hand Knit Kimono Sleeve
By Bonnie Cashin
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Preowned and fabulously rare Bonnie Cashin mohair knit cardigan, created in the late 1970s for her coveted The Knittery collection. Crafted in a soft, supple mohair with a striking o...
Vintage Bonnie Cashin for Sills 1960s Cocoa Jersey Knit Mini Dress
By Bonnie Cashin, Bonnie Cashin for Sills
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic vintage 1960s Bonnie Cashin for Sills hooded mini dress, an exceptionally rare collector example crafted in soft cocoa brown jersey knit. This sought-after design features ...
1970s Bonnie Cashin for Sills Oatmeal Mohair Knit Cape with Leather Trim
By Bonnie Cashin for Sills, Bonnie Cashin
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic, preowned vintage cape by legendary American designer Bonnie Cashin for Sills, most likely made in the 1970s. Crafted from a soft, oatmeal-hued mohair knit, this beautiful ...
1960s Bonnie Cashin for Sills Red Leather Jacket Dolman Sleeves Shawl Collar HTF
By Bonnie Cashin for Sills, Bonnie Cashin
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic vintage Bonnie Cashin for Sills red leather jacket, dating to the early 1960s. An incredibly rare and collectible example from the mother of modern American sportswear, thi...
Bonnie Cashin Cape
By Bonnie Cashin
Located in Alford, MA
Bonnie Cashin weatherware cape in tan poplin, c.1960s-'70s. The knee-length cape incorporates two of the designer's trademarks - the large patch pockets and the snap closures. These ...
BONNIE CASHIN c.1960’s SILLS & Co. Olive Green Raccoon Fur Leather Mod Overcoat
By Bonnie Cashin
Located in Thiensville, WI
BONNIE CASHIN c.1960’s SILLS & Co. Olive Green Raccoon Fur Leather Mod Overcoat Circa: 1960’s Designer: Bonnie Cashin Label(s): Bonnie Cashin Design / Sills and Co. Style: Coat ...
Vintage 1960s Bonnie Cashin Pink Knit 2pc Suit with Raglan Top
By Bonnie Cashin for Sills, Bonnie Cashin
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic, preowned vintage Bonnie Cashin for Sills pink jersey knit skirt suit, circa early 1960s. A striking and rare two-piece ensemble from the pioneering American designer Bonn...
Bonnie Cashin for Sills 3-Piece Suede Skirt Set with Obi Belt Rare Vintage 70s
By Bonnie Cashin, Bonnie Cashin for Sills
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
A truly exceptional and highly collectible Bonnie Cashin for Sills three-piece ensemble, dating to the early 1970s and embodying Cashin’s groundbreaking American sportswear aesthetic...
1960s Sills By Bonnie Cashin Mod Gray Wool Skirt Suit W/ Brown Leather Trim
By Bonnie Cashin for Sills, Bonnie Cashin
Located in Gresham, OR
A beautiful, simply styled, 1960s Mod, Sills by Bonnie Cashin, gray wool skirt suit with Cashin's signature leather trim in tobacco brown. Skirt is cut...
Bonnie Cashin Red Coat with Scarf
By Bonnie Cashin
Located in Alford, MA
An original c.1970s Bonnie Cashin all-weather coat in red poplin, lined in charcoal wool, and with attached charcoal wool scarf. The coat features Cashin's signature toggle closures ...
Bonnie Cashin Vintage 1970s Chamois Leather Fringe Tunic Dress Rare
By Bonnie Cashin for Sills, Bonnie Cashin
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Exceptional and exceedingly rare Bonnie Cashin for Sills chamois leather fringe tunic dress, likely dating to the early 1970s. A true collector’s piece, this dramatic design captures...
Bonnie Cashin for Sills 1960s Vintage Black Knit V-Neck Dress & Belt
By Bonnie Cashin for Sills, Bonnie Cashin
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic, preowned, vintage Bonnie Cashin for Sills black knit V-neck dress with matching leather string belt, circa the 1960s. Ultra-mod and effortlessly chic. Crafted from black ...
1960s Vintage Bonnie Cashin Golden Suede Dress with Kimono Sleeves
By Bonnie Cashin for Sills, Bonnie Cashin
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
This iconic suede dress was designed by Bonnie Cashin for Sills in the mid-1960s, showcasing the innovative, modernist style that defines Cashin’s most collectible work. Crafted from...
1960s Bonnie Cashin Vintage Mustard Cashmere Sweater Skirt Set
By Bonnie Cashin
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Bonnie Cashin, widely regarded as one of the most significant innovators in 20th-century American fashion. Dating to the 1960s and produced in Scotland for Saks Fifth Avenue under th...
Bonnie Cashin Vintage Wool Knit Dress with Dog Leash Clasp, Size 12
By Bonnie Cashin, Bonnie Cashin for Sills
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic, preowned, vintage Bonnie Cashin for Sills wool knit dress, likely dating to the 1960s. Rendered in a rich Loden green hue, this iconic design exemplifies Cashin’s innovati...
Bonnie Cashin for Sills Coat Large Pocket Pink Check Wool Lime Leather Trim 60s
By Bonnie Cashin for Sills, Bonnie Cashin
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
A striking example of Bonnie Cashin’s innovative design for Sills, this 1960s swing-style coat combines bold color with Cashin’s signature practicality. Crafted from a vibrant pink-a...
Bonnie Cashin Heathered Cream Wool Jersey Gown With Leather Trim, 1970s
By Bonnie Cashin
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Bonnie Cashin leather trimmed heathered wool jersey gown in cream trimmed in tone on tone leather. The peasant style empire waist gown falls eleg...
1970s Bonnie Cashin Cream and Green Houndstooth Coat and Skirt Ensemble
By Bonnie Cashin
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Darling Bonnie Cashin coat and skirt wool ensemble from the 1970s featuring an oversized cream and sage green allover houndstooth pattern. Cream leather collars, cuffs, belt and trim...
Bonnie Cashin for Sills Burgundy Leather Coat Cranberry Knit Lining 70s Rare USA
By Bonnie Cashin for Sills, Bonnie Cashin
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic, preowned, vintage and exceptionally rare Bonnie Cashin for Sills leather coat, dating to the 1970s and originally retailed by Lord & Taylor’s coveted Country Clothes S...
Vintage Bonnie Cashin Coral Mohair Wool Hooded Coat with Leather Trim
By Bonnie Cashin
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Preowned, vintage Bonnie Cashin for Sills mohair wool coat, likely made in the 1960s. Crafted in a brilliant coral mohair wool, this iconic Cashi...
Bonnie Cashin for Sills Coat NOH Mohair Knit Leather Trim Museum Piece Rare OS
By Bonnie Cashin for Sills, Bonnie Cashin
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Preowned and exceptionally rare 1950s Bonnie Cashin for Sills “NOH” mohair coat, designed circa 1957. This important Cashin piece is the same style NOH coat held in the FIDM Museum c...
Vintage Bonnie Cashin Houndstooth Bouclé Wool Jacket & Skirt Set
By Bonnie Cashin
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Exceptional vintage Bonnie Cashin for Sills two-piece ensemble, created during the designer’s celebrated era redefining American sportswear. This...
Bonnie Cashin for Sills 1960s Yellow Leather Coat Mod Vintage Long Jacket Rare
By Bonnie Cashin for Sills, Bonnie Cashin
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
A striking and collectible 1960s Bonnie Cashin for Sills leather coat, crafted from Cashin’s signature brilliantly hued yellow leather. This authentic vintage Cashin design showcases...
Vintage Bonnie Cashin for Sills Orange Leather Jacket Kimono Sleeves
By Bonnie Cashin, Bonnie Cashin for Sills
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic, preowned, vintage Bonnie Cashin for Sills orange leather kimono sleeve jacket, circa 1960s, originally retailed by Saks Fifth Avenue. ...
Bonnie Cashin for Sills Coat 1960s Tweed Knit Suede Trim Wrap Tie Waist Vintage
By Bonnie Cashin, Bonnie Cashin for Sills
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Preowned and exceptionally rare Bonnie Cashin for Sills coat, likely made in the late 1960s. Crafted from a structured geometric wool tweed in rust, charcoal, cream, and tan, this be...
Bonnie Cashin for Sills Coat Black Leather Reversible Raccoon Fur Vintage 1960s
By Bonnie Cashin for Sills, Bonnie Cashin
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Preowned, vintage, and authentic Bonnie Cashin for Sills reversible coat, a highly sought-after example of Cashin’s innovative American design. Crafted with smooth black leather on o...
Bonnie Cashin Red and Tan Raincoat w/ Gold Closures Vintage 16
By Bonnie Cashin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a stylish raincoat from Bonnie Cashin. It is made of a red cotton canvas with a tan canvas lining. The sleeves can be worn cuffed or down for a different look. The closures a...