Discovering a new fair and sustainable fashion collection is always exciting and the young label COSSAC is no exception! The founder of COSSAC, Agata Kozak, gives an insight into her newly launched AW18/19 collection 'Comfort Creatures', and talks about Japanese inspirations, luxurious and 100% sustainable materials, and the future of fashion.
Words: Livia van Heerde
COSSAC AW18/19 'Comfort Creatures'
COSSAC is a young fair fashion brand founded in 2014. What was the motivation behind the foundation?
I always wanted to have my own brand, but I knew I had a get as much various experience before as possible. I have been working in both high end and high street fashion in both UK and Spain before I decided to venture on my own. It was actually moving to London and getting interested in the slow living movement that made me want start a label that was sustainably inclined. I knew that developing passion for fashion, and doing something good at the same time would be very fulfilling.
What makes your brand sustainable?
Everything! For me sustainability is a standard. Timeless and versatile designs, sustainable fabrics (now 100% of them!), certified and ethical factories, recycled marketing materials and even our packaging. I am truly committed to the whole concept of sustainability; that even resonates in my everyday life.
"I know that all women want to feel beautiful, and that is why all COSSAC designs have this sassy and feminine edge to them."
COSSAC AW18/19 'Comfort Creatures'
What is the inspiration behind the designs of COSSAC?
Mostly my travels, as I am constantly on the go. As Diana Veerland once famously said: ‘Eye has to travel’. I take a lot of inspiration from Japan (my personal happy place), like, for example, the concept on ‘One size fits all’, and try to adapt it to European market whenever possible.
Apart from this, I always think about the woman I design for. I know that all women want to feel beautiful, and that is why all COSSAC designs have this sassy and feminine edge to them. I think this is also what makes COSSAC stand out from other eco fashion labels; it’s very design led.
The fair and slow fashion community often gets labelled as unfashionable. Does COSSAC ignore latest fashion trends, or gets inspired by them?
COSSAC designs are transpersonal, but I think an element of trend is always needed to stay relevant, and to be able to compete with mainstream fashion. But you have to be smart about how to do it. Each season, I have black and cream and other core colours in place, but always try to introduce some other palette: always quite neutral though, to ensure my client can get many wears of out each garments. Designs are quite sexy, but they are very versatile. Depending how you style them, you can wear them to work, desk to dinner, on a night out and during casual weekend getaway.
"It’s all about luxurious sustainable materials with an amazing comfortable feel. I want it to feel like second skin."
COSSAC AW18/19 'Comfort Creatures'
Your new AW18/19 collection is called 'Comfort Creatures'. What is so special about the new collection?
As the name indicates, AW18 is very fabric inclined. It’s all about luxurious sustainable materials with an amazing comfortable feel. I want it to feel like second skin. All shapes are easy and universal. Later on in the season, we will also introduce our first ever knitwear piece, so stay tuned.
"I am truly committed to the whole concept of sustainability; that even resonates in my everyday life."
COSSAC AW18/19 'Comfort Creatures'
You used lots of neutral colours in the AW18/19 collection. Do you think timeless and minimal capsule wardrobe pieces are the future of fashion?
COSSAC AW18/19 'Comfort Creatures'
I think it’s all about finding the right balance. Future of fashion has to be more sustainable. But we also have to remember that it is fashion after all, so everything should be product orientated. Timeless design with a touch of trend; we need to make sure eco fashion is current and relevant.
What is the future of COSSAC? Is there a focus or direction COSSAC will head to?
Future of COSSAC is #ECOHOT. We have many exciting things planned. We are evolving into lifestyle with a range of organic perfume and candles for AW18. Each season, we try to introduce some newness and include collaboration. For AW18, we worked with an amazing jewellery designer Naida C Castel, and our collab will be revealed in September. We are expanding into new market with our amazing agents and exciting trade mission. We might also be changing headquarters soon, but you will have to stay tuned to find out more.
Enter the Savant x COSSAC giveaway and win a voucher that can be redeemed for a COSSAC AW18/19 'Comfort Creatures' piece on their web store. The lucky winner will be announced on August 27.