As Co’s designs have become more pared back, sculptural, and monastic, its business model too has shifted to focus on core items and customers. Earlier this year, Stephanie Danan and Justin Kern announced that the big seasons—spring/summer and fall/winter—would be for more fashion forward ready-to-wear, while pre-seasons would show off new additions to their essentials collection, the bread and butter of the brand.
The clean lines of their Richard Neutra–designed showroom seeped into the pre-fall collection, which was defined by one word: ease. “How can you make something look extremely designed and chic without having to think about it too much?” Danan asked. “When we give in to simplicity, it almost feels peaceful.” Certainly. Oversized shirting in lightweight cotton poplin, voluminous dresses in neutral colors, and roomy knits make up the core of the collection. The cocoon-like shapes offer chic swaddling, as do the elastic waistbands on the trousers. Undoubtedly, this is a collection born in the chaos of 2020, made for those who find solace in dressing well.
The Co essentials strive for longevity. And when thinking about staying power in terms of fashion, the mind wanders to sustainability. Danan and Kern are launching an eco-friendly capsule collection for fall 2021, called Natural World. Each piece is made from GOTS-certified organic cotton, GOTS-certified organic linen, recycled cashmere, or wool grown in California in partnership with ranchers. It is an addition to the brand, but is meant to serve as a vehicle in which Kern and Danan can experiment with and refine their approach to sustainability and supply chains. As we turn the corner on a new year, those topics are only going to become more essential.
