When a minimalist model launches in most metropolis, you count on the distinction to jar.
In any case, there’s nothing minimalist about India. Luxurious right here sometimes envelopes you in sparkle, opulence, and chaotic color. But, COS, identified for its unapologetically sensible aesthetic, manages to suit proper in with its soon-to-be-launched Autumn/Winter assortment, which is flamboyant with texture and indulgent with element.
Karin Gustafsson
| Picture Credit score:
Particular Association
We’re in Mumbai for COS’ India launch, and the town is framed by brooding skies and lashing rain. An apt setting for the garments, with their inky colors and liquid drapes. In October, the model, which is an acronym for Assortment Of Model, will open its first retailer in India, at Delhi’s Saket Metropolis Stroll and this can be a sneak peek on the assortment.
Though it’s owned by the Swedish multinational, H&M Group, greatest identified for quick style, COS is is packaged as reasonably priced luxurious, providing elevated fundamentals to construct your wardrobe round. With a give attention to timeless design and high quality, modern material, these are garments that are supposed to final. So the model does simply two collections a yr, punctuated with drops and collaborations to maintain loyalists’ wardrobes up to date. Within the spirit of quiet luxurious, minus the obnoxious worth tags, these are garments for individuals who have the boldness to step away from the incessant storm of micro-trends.
An outfit from the Spring-Summer season assortment
| Picture Credit score:
Isidore Montag / Gorunway.com
We’re on the plush 4 Seasons Lodge ballroom with influential design director, Karin Gustafsson, who has been with the model because it started in London in 2007. The Spring-Summer season assortment, at present obtainable at Cos’ 238 shops in 48 international locations is on show: neat rows of sculptured attire, shirts and pants, set beside pointed suede mules, jelly ballet flats, and edgy translucent sock boots.
Whereas Karin states that Delhi’s Cos is not going to be launching any India-specific items, she does admit to being impressed by a day within the raging Mumbai monsoon. “There have been pastel coated rain capes in all places,” she exclaims in delight. “Peach, blue, yellow, pink… It could have been good for us to have a trendy raincoat.”
An outfit from the Spring-Summer season assortment
| Picture Credit score:
Particular Association
The Autumn-Winter assortment, which will probably be formally unveiled at New York Trend Week subsequent month, is below embargo for now. However Karin walks us by means of the highlights, and though the colors are restrained, the garments and equipment are a joyous celebration of texture, which can enchantment to Indian prospects, notably these of you who lean in the direction of classics. (Karin additionally guarantees “pops of color” with every assortment.)
Stating that India has “been on the playing cards for fairly a while,” Karin says they lastly selected Delhi as a result of they discovered what felt like the suitable location. Whereas she does say that they plan to open extra shops within the nation, Karin provides, “We’ve nothing official now. We’re clearly all the time searching for potential areas.” COS is not going to be obtainable on-line for Indian prospects after they launch, so Delhi locals get first dibs. She provides that costs will probably be on par with these in London.
An outfit from the Spring-Summer season assortment
| Picture Credit score:
Isidore Montag / Gorunway.com
Describing her personal aesthetic as “Most likely fairly timeless in a manner,” Karin says, “I like to decorate in a manner that makes me really feel comfortable.” This influences to COS’ aesthetic, which she calls “Refined, easy, timeless… But in addition fashionable.” She provides, “We do our personal analysis. We like to remain related.”
Whereas there are strains for women and men, the fashion is pretty androgenous, preferrred for at this time’s gender fluidity: Karin says males put on the ladies’s garments, and vice versa. “The garments are a clean canvas on your character,” she states. I’ve my eye on a few the modern males’s jackets, certainly one of which has what Karin calls “pony impact fur,” including rapidly with amusing, “No horses have been harmed.” A pretend fur, this has a textured, short-pile classic appear and feel.
Discussing the inspiration, she says “We seemed into mid-century Elizabethan style for the lads’s line. We additionally checked out previous uniforms. The texture is utilitarian, with numerous heritage textures and numerous craft components, like herringbone and leather-based suede. There’s a rounder really feel as nicely.”
A bag from the Spring-Summer season assortment
| Picture Credit score:
Armando Grillo / Gorunway.com
For ladies, there’s retro glamour from the fifties. “It’s an fascinating silhouette,” says Karin, holding up a costume and explaining how it may be draped in a number of methods. She additionally picks out her favourites: a modern funding coat with a glimmering costume beneath. COS sometimes doesn’t do shine, so the Marilyn Monroe glamour of the brand new assortment is a departure, and one which India is prone to admire. Consistent with custom, the materials are luxurious: rippling cashmere, flowing silks and chenille with its refined velvety sheen.
As for these of us hoping for an India-collab: by no means say by no means. “We haven’t bought something deliberate. After we do it, will probably be when one thing resonates,” she says, including severely, “I received’t say no. We’d by no means say no.”
Printed – August 20, 2025 07:06 pm IST
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