I remember when Monki, H&M’s cool street-style sister opened, part of me was excited at getting to check out a new store… and the other part was totally disappointed that it wasn’t COS opening instead.
COS is another sister to H&M, but rather than the quirky little street-smart sister that is Monki, it’s the grown-up minimalist older sister who’s been paying a LOT of attention to Chloe catwalks! For these very reasons, COS has recently become all the rage with fashionistas around the world – so it’s only right that Hong Kong gets in on the action too! The new store will be opening on 74 Queen’s Road Central near H&M and Frites (where a Watson’s used to be); the hoardings say Summer 2012 (although we’ve heard it might a smidge earlier than that!) and it looks like it might be two floors.
For those that aren’t familiar with COS (it stands for collection of style), it’s sleek and understated with a touch of the avant-garde and that signature dose of Scandinavian cool. Don’t go expecting rails of rainbow colours or slavish catwalk copies; instead, it’s all clean lines, blocks of colour, clever cuts and quality fabrics.
As a result, it’s a definite cut above H&M – and with prices to match. Unlike bargain bonanzas H&M, Forever 21 and Cotton On, it’s more towards the mid to high end side of the high street; I’m expecting it to be priced similarly to French Connection or even Club Monaco here. On the plus side, that also means COS outfits will last far more washes than that shrinking fading H&M tee!
What I do remember COS being brilliant at is cool and chic office-wear, fantastic classic but modern wardrobe staples and the odd stand-out statement item too. I still have an insanely flattering grey and blue colour-block dress I bought back in London, which I regularly pull on when I can’t think what to wear! They also do underwear, outerwear, jewellery, shoes, accessories and menswear, so it should prove a great addition to Hong Kong’s shopping scene. We can’t wait!
COS, Queen’s Place, 74 Queen’s Road, Central, Hong Kong
I know! I was so excited when I saw the sign that they’re opening soon!
This is one of the shops I wanted to have in Hong Kong…Great.