Maker’s Story
Elaine Briggs, Founder of Cosi Textiles. Former Fashion Director and Creative Director, has worked for international publications: Italian Vogue Sposa, Italian Vogue Bambini, British Vogue Brides, The Observer and The Sunday Times.Â
In 2009, seeking a way of combining her skills and ethical values in a meaningful business, Elaine developed Cosi. Strong family ties to the Himalayas; her Grandfather and her Tibetan daughter led her to research the art of hand weaving. Combining impeccable credentials and unbelievable quality. Cosi was the first luxury but ethical accessory brand to launch in Paris in 2009.
Cosi is based on the solid values of natural materials and ancient craftsmanship. A lineage of artisan hand weavers, a tradition handed down over generations creates something of great value. By designing a collection of luxury, handcrafted pieces Cosi aims to support the cultural heritage and skills of the high Himalayas. Cosi’s blankets and throws are handwoven and mostly hanspun from the finest Mongolian cashmere and yak wool.Â
Craftsmanship by nature is slow. Cosi weaves four pieces per weaver, per day. More time means more sustainability. Combining top-quality yarns, design and workmanship with social and environmental responsibility.Â
Committed to fair trade, sustainability of land and ecology and of the small family businesses that are under threat. Cosi’s aim is to tread slowly in rhythm with age old customs from beginning to end. Using eco-friendly dyes, washing with natural soaps and recycling the water used in this process.Â
“To value simplicity, requires less complication and more creativity, less attention to appearance and more attention to essence.”
When you understand the work that goes into every step of the process, you appreciate the provenance of a hand-crafted piece created to last.
Using traditional pedal looms, the spinning of each piece is reflective of the handmade nature. Craftsmanship and quality is what makes each piece luxuriously unique.
It takes two days to set up a pedal handloom and then Cosi weaves on average 3-5 pieces a day. Having only 4 weavers in the small family-run atelier in the Himalayas. So every piece is treated individually.
Cosi is truly following the slow paradigm with purity, quality and integrity.
Images courtesy of Cosi Textiles.
