Favourite brand
The ‘Cop Copine’ manifesto opens with the clause, “the freedom to make our own rules and shun conformity” which neatly encapsulates my reasoning for crowning it my favourite brand. Founded by two brothers, Alain and Leon in 1986, ‘Cop Copine’ has consistently challenged the mainstream, deliberately utilising asymmetrical hems, nonfunctional zips and pockets, and audaciously contrasting patterns and prints to force the public to confront our perception of beauty. The brothers toyed with our idea of femininity by anchoring a masculine total lack of structure in a consistently feminine silhouette, orchestrated to enhance and celebrate the feminine form. The result is a jarring juxtaposition between softness and robustness which went on to define ‘Cop Copine’ as a cultivating brand. The concept of balancing two extremes is present in all visual aspects of ‘Cop Copine’ clothing. Each design pushes one boundary whilst simultaneously demonstrating restraint in another, resulting in an item just about palatable enough for everyday wear but equally flouting. For example, an abnormal and unpleasant print would be grounded in neutral calming tones, or an abrasive texture complemented by a classically mainstream cut. The brand’s manifesto includes the phrase “never basic,” an idea that arguably has not stood the test of time. With the resurgence of 00s trends, current fashion has embraced and embodied concepts like asymmetry, contrast, distress and nonfunction. For example, Balenciaga’s most recent runway displayed many of the aspects that ‘Cop Copine’ included in their designs, but for an entirely different purpose. ‘Cop Copine’ did so to actively challenge and oppose the mainstream, whilst Balenciaga did so to appeal to current trends and increase public interest. We saw dramatic oversized pieces grounded in neutral tones and an abundance of nonfunctional zips and buttons anchored in a familiar denim fabric. However, this trend shift is not only evident in high fashion but also in high-street brands such as ‘Jaded London’ which displays an array of nonfunctional distressed fabric and audacious prints, all however sharing the common ground of a hyper-feminine silhouette. Therefore, while it could be argued that ‘Cop Copine’s’ initial aim to challenge the mainstream and exist in conflict to popular trends may not have aged well into the current fashion climate, its influence, and significance is still seen today making it a highly notable and important part of fashion history.
References:
https://www.wonderlandmagazine.com/2021/06/07/balenciaga-ss22-demna-gvasalia-clones-gucci-crocs/
https://fashionunited.uk/news/fashion/jaded-london-co-founder-chatsstreetwear-success/2019070244011
https://copcopinecanada.com/en/about/
https://en.parisinfo.com/shopping-paris/73542/Cop-Copine