COS returned to this September’s New York Fashion Week to present its Autumn Winter 2023 collection: an exploration of contrasts, where tradition meets innovation in an evolution of the COS archetypes.
The runway came to life within the Manhattan Classic Car Club against the backdrop of the Hudson River at sunset. The rich, deep brown catwalk surface contrasted with the iridescent shine of metallic sculptural forms that framed the space and captured the evening light.
Galvanized steel curves raised to reveal a soft, illuminating glow as the models walked the space, radiating confidence and ease in the elegant yet powerful collection – the 43 looks encapsulating the core principles of timelessness, uncompromising quality, and day-to-evening dressing.
Exploring functional yet innovative tailoring through methods of deconstruction, classic cuts are reinvented from the inside out.
Trouser suits are refined, and waistcoats reimagined, while confidently structured shoulders contrast fluid silk maxi-lengths, creating a bold visual statement and elongated silhouette.
Standout head-to-toe knitwear looks in pared-back styles are finished with hoods, oversized fringed scarves, and hybrids that combine the utilitarian and the beautiful. Fringing on capes and dresses, and neck scarf detailing on shirts effortlessly elevate pieces from day to evening.
The show also debuted the Autumn Winter 2023 COS Atelier collection, marking the third capsule of its kind. Rooted in craftsmanship and innovation; an intricate hand-knitted crochet look features Responsible Mohair Standard mohair, while fine details include the delicate leather tassels that adorn wool outerwear, made from off-cut materials.
Nature continues to inspire this season’s colour palette – soothing neutral tones complement rich earthy browns, alongside bespoke prints while matte textures meet metallics and shine.
Quality and longevity remain at the collection’s core; adjustable elements ensure the perfect fit of a classic well-tailored suit, while reversible pieces deliver versatility ensuring each item serves a purpose.
Everyday pieces are enhanced through exploratory textures – soft leather, herringbone, and chunky knits. Material consideration continues throughout, with over 92% of the collection made from more sustainably sourced materials, including high-quality knits crafted from recycled and GCS cashmere.
A selection of items from the show collection are available immediately at COS stores and cos.com and limited numbers will continue to drop throughout the season. COS Atelier will be available from October.
A note on the Sustainability
COS partnered with Bureau Betak on the show production, the first significant agency worldwide specialising in the fashion luxury sector to receive ISO 20121 certification for sustainable event management, to produce an event that puts sustainability at the forefront of its concept.
Materials utilised in the set of the Autumn Winter 2023 show are either rented or components are installed and dismantled in such a way to maintain their quality and will be donated, to find a new life.
This year, COS is partnering with Materials for the Arts, a program of the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs and the City’s premier creative reuse centre which provides non-profits, public schools, and City agencies with access to free materials – this includes the carpet and corrugated aluminium structures which will be donated for roofing post-show.
On average MFTA collects over 1.5 million pounds of supplies each year which it provides, free of charge, to its member organizations.
In addition to providing materials, MFTA offers a series of programs supported by its non-profit partner Friends of Materials for the Arts, including the MFTA Gallery, Third Thursday public programming, and the MFTA Education Center. Learn more here.
COS is also working in partnership with sustainability consulting firm Honeycomb Strategies (certified B corporation and certified WBENC), to seek ways to reduce the environmental impact of all the surrounding elements of the AW23 New York Fashion Week show and put in place solutions to offset any emissions we create.
This year we are making donations based on our carbon emissions per tonne, to support Reforestation in Cambodia, Boreholes in Eritrea, and Wind Energy in India.
