Salone Internazionale del Mobile—Milan Design Week—is currently underway, with over 1,000 exhibitors showcasing their innovative products for more than 300,000 visitors.
COS (Collection of Style) is the clean-cut fashion brand that hails from Sweden, putting forth modern, timeless designs since 2007. In celebration of their fourth showing at Salone, COS revealed an effervescent, calming collaboration with Brooklyn-based architecture firm, Snarkitecture, that reflects their appreciation for clean lines, and the timeless transformation of everyday aspects into something extraordinary.
Daniel Arsham and Alex Mustonen of Snarkitecture have transformed Spazio Erbe in Brera for COS into an immersive environment—a cavern filled with hanging individual strips of white fabric—for reflection, interaction, and exploration. Upon immersing oneself in the installation, the viewer is led along the ribbon-drapped room to recharge, relax, and at the very end, while facing a mirrored wall, reflect.
“We’re very excited for people to experience the installation we’ve created with COS for Salone del Mobile. The final space has a sense of calmness and wonder that we hope visitors will explore and return to. The undulating spaces and the shifting quality of light seem to create a different experience with each visit,” said Arsham and Mustonen.
Karin Gustafsson and Martin Andersson, COS’ head of design pair, were first drawn to Snarkitecture’s work during a search for inspiration for their spring/summer 2015 collection. Similarities between the two companies, such as the concept of reduction and simplicity, propelled COS to reach out.
“As a brand which takes inspiration from the entire design world, to work with designers that combine art and architecture in their approach has been both exciting and refreshing,” said Andersson. “Without the use of our garments, Snarkitecture has perfectly encapsulated the COS aesthetic, creating an installation that is unique in its simplicity and unexpected in its approach,” continued Karin Gustafsson.
