From the sidewalk, the Starrett Lehigh building on Manhattan’s west side is somewhat indistinguishable from other mid-rise towers planted throughout New York City: tall industrial windows, loading docks, impersonal lobby. But the unassuming exterior masks a bustling hub inside where local designers, editors and photographers do their creative work. On Tuesday afternoon, the fashion crowd headed to the roof of the building to SOC premier parade view now, buy now in the United States.
On a 15th-floor deck outfitted only with benches and a mirrored runway, onlookers took a selfie with sweeping views of the Empire State Building before the models paraded. Instagram’s backdrop was quickly supplemented with a fresh drop of minimalist COS essentials, including a collection of wool-blend capes, oversized double-breasted suits and long-sleeved dresses with asymmetrical ruching for the ultimate look. ‘fall. (Casting props for bundling diapers on an outdoor runway in September in late December.) Campaign star Paloma Elsesser closed the show in a black sheath dress with contrasting paneling, as guests like Emily Ratajkowski looked on. Key pieces from Elsesser’s look, and throughout the presentation, are available for sale now.
COS long-sleeved jersey dress
COS Leather Riding Boots
COS wool blend cape
COS oversized cashmere sweater
COS leather loafers
COS wool mini wrap skirt
COS oversized corduroy trench coat
COS striped turtleneck sweater
COS Wide Leg Pleated Pants
The clothing and setting had this in common: They weren’t overtly flashy or TikTok-bait, but they had a measured simplicity that could take your breath away at times. COS design director Karin Gustafsson took a different approach, calling the show a celebration of the city’s creative communities through music and art (and, presumably, fashion).
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Turns out, fashion week is in COS’s DNA. COS’s inaugural collection in 2007 was accompanied by a fashion show at the Royal Academy of Art during London Fashion Week. “It’s always amazing to see collections on the body and in motion, and the catwalks offer this possibility”, says Gustafsson BAZAAR.com.
Catwalks also offer the opportunity to enter new style territory. One of Gustafsson’s favorite looks included a short-sleeved shirt and matching skirt embellished with sequins from recycled materials, a bright take on COS’ usual neutral pieces. Models wearing everyday coats and jackets walked around with pulled-over bucket hats (a more subtle take on the incognito hat seen at Fendi on Friday). Much of the feminine looks were completed with sheer black ankle socks under a strappy stiletto sandal, the party girl’s kick for an otherwise understated costume.
Emily Ratajkowski outside the COS show.
These styling moments reflected the off-road essence of COS. “We believe that people who wear COS share a sense of style, whether through the clothes they wear or other interests such as art or interiors,” says Gustafsson. “Our timeless essentials allow our customers to create a capsule wardrobe that they know works, but are encouraged to express their individuality. It can also be bold, colorful and versatile.”
The COS fall 2022 collection is available now on cos.com.
Halie LeSavage is a New York-based writer and editor for Bazaar.com, where she covers all things e-commerce and shopping. His work has already appeared in Charm and Morning brew.
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