Store Guide: COS brings understated Scandinavian style to Yorkville

Swedish institution COS (Collection of Style) opened a three-floor flagship last week in the Bloor Street plot that used to house Tiffany’s. The airy space pays tribute to the brand’s minimalist aesthetic with sparse decor, linear racks and sitting nooks straight from a Danish design book. Though owned by H&M, COS eschews season-to-season trends in favour of enduring styles and artistic influences. (Winter pieces were inspired by rugged expeditions and photographer Olaf Otto Becker’s striking shots of Greenland’s glaciers.) It’s this dedication to design and simplicity that’s built the label a loyal following of fashion plates keen on versatility: almost everything can be worn to the office, but dramatic silhouettes and thoughtful detailing elevate basics for fancier events (crisp white shirts with shoulder cut-outs, for instance). Surprisingly, shoppers will find that pricing is more in line with J.Crew than Chanel.

The rose-hued stone façade was replaced with stained wooden panels for a more zen vibe.

The brand’s  puffy jacket looks and feels like a sleeping bag. According to head designer Karin Gustafsson, the design team researched hiking and skiing gear for the collection. $450

Shoppers will also find a small collection of delicate intimates, including this lace bra. $49

As it’s one of the brand’s larger outlets, the Yorkville store also carries its extremely cute kids’ line. This is one of the girls’ coats, and there’s a matching one for mom. $125

There are two spacious floors of womenswear. This draped grey skirt is an example of the season’s asymmetrical detailing. $135

This mustard-hued kimono is one of the current collection’s many tributes to Japanese culture. $175

The store also has a stylish-yet-practical line of footwear. We love these minimalist leather sneakers for women. $175

Menswear is on the third floor. The shades of green and yellow in the crewneck sweater are meant to mimic the colours and reflections found in Becker’s photographs of fjords. $150

Like all its stores, most of the space was designed to feel like a wardrobe, rather than a shop.

Stark white leather sneakers go with every piece of menswear in the store (although they may not remain this white). $150

Another example of versatility: this plaid shirtdress can be worn on its own or with leggings. $135

The store stocks many variations of the classic white shirt. The one on the mannequin is cropped in the front, with a longer back panel. $115

This pastel pink scarf is made from fine, ultra-lightweight wool, with frayed edges adding a bit of texture. $89

The deep blues and forest greens on this brushed wool cardigan are another example of nature’s influence (apparently it resembles the colours seen when an iceberg splits apart). $275

Instead of a scarf, this cashmere turtleneck collar can be thrown on over any outfit to add an extra bit of warmth to a V-neck coat. $115

A thick elastic band adds an understated edge to leather booties. $249

Monday–Wednesday, Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday–Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 85 Bloor St. W., 416-925-7033, cosstores.com.