COS

The headquarter of the label is located in London. From there, brand manager Marie Honda, creative directors Karin Gustafsson and Martin Andersson and their team successfully steer the COS operations. Born in Stockholm, Marie Honda has been interested in illustration, graphics and fashion design from an early age. After completing various training courses in these fields, including the London College of Fashion and the London College of Printing, she began working as a purchaser at H & M in Stockholm. A few years later, Honda moves back to London, where she initially works as a menswear shopper and, from 2009, also for kidswear at COS, before becoming the Brand Director of COS in 2011. The COS design team consists of the Swedes Karin Gustafsson and Martin Andersson, who already had their own labels before joining COS. Karin Gustafsson studied fashion design at the Royal College of Art in London and was recruited directly after her final presentation by COS. Andersson also studied fashion design and has worked for various menswear labels, including Hackett London, before becoming Creative Director for Menswear at COS in 2008. Although Andersson is responsible for the menswear and Gustafsson for the womenswear, the designers always work closely together for the collections, so that there is a clear line and a coherent collection can be developed. The design duo finds inspiration mainly in art and architecture as well as traveling.

COS fashion lies between Couture and High Street, successfully filling a niche in the fashion world dominated by fast fashion chains and major designers. COS’s goal is to create fashion that is affordable but does not sacrifice high quality and high design art. The clothing of the label pursues a simple design aesthetic, which is often referred to as minimal chic or scandi chic. COS ‘timeless yet contemporary designs do not follow fast-paced trends and can be effortlessly integrated into any wardrobe. With its four divisions Sports / Homewear, Leisure, Business and Party COS covers different topics. The design team of Karin Gustafsson and Martin Andersson prefers to use high-quality materials such as cotton, cashmere and silk. The success of COS lies in the unique design handwriting, complemented by selected materials and clean cuts. The classic yet contemporary look with a touch of minimalist scandi chic meets the zeitgeist and meets the need for high quality, affordable fashion.