It’s no secret that the offer of the high street has improved significantly in recent years, thanks in part to brands that have upped their fashion game to meet the needs of today’s discerning consumers.
The best high street brands
Take Marks & Spencerwhich has made an impressive comeback in the field of ready to wear since 2022, when Maddy Evans (who played a key role within Topshop’s design team in its heyday) was promoted to director of womenswear.
Just last year, a pair of suede loafers from M&S became a real hit on the ELLE editorial staff, while one of their dresses made a surprise appearance at Fashion Week – even worn by people who you thought would never stray from luxury brands.
There are also interesting developments elsewhere. London designer Aaron Esh, who launched his eponymous label in 2022, was appointed creative director of AllSaints. Since then, the brand has been bringing stronger designs, including a particularly covetable deconstructed denim skirt and a black military jacket – pieces that are also high on ELLE’s radar.
The chic tote from COS that all fashion editors want
What COS concerns: the brand has benefited for years from the consistent creative leadership of Karin Gustafsson, who has played a decisive role since its founding in 2007. Rather than following fleeting trends, COS focuses on essential pieces and timeless designs that form the basis of a modern capsule wardrobe.
By sticking to a clean, minimalist aesthetic, it has built a large and loyal audience and consistently ranks among luxury brands – in third place, behind Saint Laurent and Miu Miu. Lysts quarterly overview of top performing labels. According to the platform, the high-street favorite even recorded a growth of 60 percent compared to the previous quarter.
Over the years, COS has produced several real it-items – think a chunky cashmere sweater, a pair of sleek sneakerinas and an oversized quilted bag. This year surpasses their latest it piece all of them though.
The Monument tote bag from COS is available in two rich color variants – a deep gloss mahogany and a dark brown crocodileembossed finish – and looks and feels distinctly luxurious, thanks to the high-quality Italian leather from which it is made.
With its architectural East-West silhouette and a handle that is subtly incorporated into the bag, you would almost think that the price tag consists of a few extra zeros. Besides, he has it perfect size for work (or leisure)because you can effortlessly take a laptop and all your daily necessities essentials in along. Carrying multiple bags is a thing of the past.
Why the COS bag is a good investment
With a price tag of 249 euros, the Monument bag perhaps as an investment, but thanks to the high-quality finish, it is definitely one worth having. Unlike some other high-street brands, COS makes pieces that will last and only get better with time – making the cost-per-wear more than justifies the expense.
Consider this the high-street buy of the season. Tempted to try one for yourself? Shop the other color of the style below.
COS Monument tote with croc effect
