Reese Cooper, the young designer who burst onto the fashion scene with his namesake label, is taking a new direction with the launch of Reese Cooper Outdoor Supply (RCOS). The line, a culmination of three years of development, marks a departure from his high-end, runway-focused brand, offering a more accessible and functional approach to his signature design aesthetic.
Cooper’s journey to RCOS was driven by a desire to create clothing that was both stylish and attainable. He realized that many of his peers, including himself, couldn’t afford the price point of his mainline collections. The high costs of producing and showcasing his work in Paris, coupled with the desire to reach a wider audience, led him to explore a more accessible avenue.
Enter Pacsun, the mall-friendly retailer known for its surf and sport-leaning apparel. Cooper partnered with Pacsun to manufacture and distribute RCOS, allowing him to reach a broader customer base. The collaboration was a learning curve for both parties, with Cooper pushing the boundaries of functionality in the line.
RCOS offers a range of youthful and utilitarian pieces, including technical jackets, fleece, oversized cargos, and technical parkas. Cooper’s signature design details, like 3D-zipper pulls, tone-on-tone hooks, and custom eyelets, are present throughout the collection. The line is priced affordably, with items ranging up to $400.
The branding, conceived by Playlab, is instantly recognizable with its cube-shaped logo and landscape-inspired woven labels. Cooper emphasized the importance of quality and detail, ensuring that the line was a true reflection of his design philosophy.
While RCOS marks a new chapter for Cooper, it remains deeply connected to his core values and design aesthetic. The line embodies a relaxed and adventurous spirit, as reflected in the campaign imagery, which was shot on a road trip along the Oregon coast.
The launch of RCOS is a testament to Cooper’s evolution as a designer and his commitment to creating accessible and impactful fashion. With a focus on functionality, affordability, and a youthful, outdoor-inspired aesthetic, RCOS has the potential to reach a new generation of consumers and solidify Cooper’s position as a leading force in contemporary fashion.
