The new COS Coal Drops Yard store marks an exciting milestone for the fashion brand. Having firmly established its legacy of artist collaborations which celebrate the brand’s influences from the fields of design and architecture, COS will share its inspirations and interests in one hybrid space, unveiling a reimagined store concept, and offering a wholly unique brand experience.
The store will act as a multifunctional platform which will host works from established and emerging artists, while integrating independent wellbeing, lifestyle brands and publishing houses alongside handpicked edits from the COS collection.
Situated inside the listed section of this transformed former Victorian industrial yard, the space spans across three floors and 577sqm (6210 sq ft). The interior follows the COS aesthetic, whilst respectfully acknowledging the historical details of the original building.
London-based artist Paul Cocksedge has created the first sculptural installation that will form the centerpiece of the Coal Drops Yard space. Orbits explores the tension between opposing forces, where rocks taken from the earth hang weightlessly in the air, suspended by hoops of fluorescent light. Precarious and uncertain, the work contrasts the rawness of the organic with the precision of the artificial.
To create these rings, Paul’s team first selected hunks of raw marble and sandstone, then set to work on the light hoops, which needed to be flexible enough to stretch like rubber bands under the weight of the rocks.
“Using gravity to shape the piece was a joy,” says the artist. “Instead of imposing form onto the material, you’re allowing it to show you what it would do naturally. We were exploring methods we’ve not used before: stonework, metal rolling, polishing, LED technology. And I’m not sure many people have ever used them like we have.”
“The piece tells a story with its quietness. That feeling of motion, without movement, is quite compelling. And there’s also something calming about it, which works well in a busy space like King’s Cross. The message should float to you.”
Alongside the installation by Paul Cocksedge, Coal Drops Yard will feature a platform for emerging artists. “We want to support creativity around the world, which is a source of constant inspiration,” explains the brand. “The ongoing exhibition will feature all kinds of work, from large-scale installations to sculpture, paintings, ceramics and digital art.”
