COS FW24 Draws Design Inspiration From the "Elegance of Movement"

Known for its signature draping techniques, COS always wants its customers to be on the same page as the brand’s clothing: moving effortlessly together as a team, not as two separate entities. For its Fall/Winter 2024 collection, Creative Director Karin Gustafsson again looked to articulate this same sentiment in the label’s third runway showcase, finding herself particularly drawn to “ballet and the elegance of movement” when creating another striking and sleek delivery of flowing garments.

“Each season, our team spends a lot of time researching and visiting the latest exhibitions in galleries and museums to inform concepts,” Gustafsson shared with Hypebeast after the Brooklyn show. “We always focus on quality, fit, and craftsmanship to create the base of the collection – this season however, we also looked to ballet and the elegance of movement which informs the fluid silhouettes and softly sculpted, draped elements in our designs.”

Gustafsson also found herself drawing inspiration from the natural world, seen in the collection’s selected material choices as well as its earthy color palette, complete with rich textures and, what she calls “mood-boosting” green-hued detailing throughout the dynamic draped delivery.

“Throughout the design process, we consider how the wearer will feel in each garment and how it moves on the body – considering the cuts, details, and silhouettes,” Gustafsson added of the “elegant” – the one word she chose to describe it – collection.

“The draping seen in the Autumn/Winter 2024 collection offers softened shapes and is perfect for layering – it allows each piece to take on a life of its own and fall organically – draped blouses and dress shapes sit alongside soft tailoring.”

The 42-look showcase saw standout silhouettes including wool outerwear, double-breasted blazers, and lots of layer-able jacketing – but if it was up to Gustaffson, it’s the tailored barrel-leg trousers that take the quiet-luxury cake.

“They feel timeless yet modern,” she explains. “It’s all about creating elevated staples with unique silhouettes and refined design details that convey a sense of luxury and sophistication. I’m also drawn to the elegance of the sheer separates – pieces are softly structured with considered inner panels and light draping around the neckline. Each garment is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, from precision cutting and precise fit to the use of premium fabrics.

Explore the full COS Fall/Winter 2024 collection in the runway images above.