From neon reflections along the Huangpu River to historic facades framed by glass towers, Shanghai is a city that moves quickly, and with a hum that comes from a constant dialogue between its past and its present. Often romanticised in film, music, and fashion as a symbol of modernity, Shanghai on the ground feels more nuanced: Ceremonial yet contemporary, grounded yet forward-looking. It’s this balance that sets the tone for our time with COS, which is launching its Spring Festival collection in the city.
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Located in downtown Shanghai, Tianhou Palace offers an unexpected sense of calm when we arrive. Built in 1884 as a maritime temple dedicated to Mazu, the Goddess of Heaven, the site was once a place where merchants and sailors prayed for safe journeys; its layered courtyards and traditional architecture rich with symbolism. Against this historic backdrop, COS reimagined the ambience of a traditional Chinese teahouse through a modern lens, transforming the palace into an immersive, contemplative space.
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As night falls, the atmosphere shifts. COS opens the doors to its Spring Festival pop-up with a ceremonial moment, complete with a speech by Daniel Hermann, Global Managing Director of COS, before unfolding into an evening of performance and sound. A special set by Wang Fei Fei, formerly of K-pop group MISS A, bridges tradition with contemporary pop culture. Taking to the stage with a microphone and a single spotlight, Fei Fei performs two tracks, including her latest English release, “Runaway”. Dance performances and a DJ set follows, filling the courtyard with movement, while the historic surroundings ground the celebration in ritual and place.
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Designed as an interactive environment, the space invites visitors to engage with the season through tea workshops. There’s also an interactive wishing tree adorned with red cotton and silk leaves, where hopes for the year ahead can be hung to flutter in the breeze. There are plans for the tree to be replanted after the event.
At the heart of the pop-up is COS’ limited-edition Spring Festival capsule, created to celebrate the Year of the Horse—traditionally regarded as a symbol of movement, vitality and acceleration. Hand-drawn horse motifs animate silk scarves, knitwear and cotton accessories, while relaxed silhouettes and refined details elevate everyday dressing.
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The palette balances vibrant spring tones with grounded neutrals, reflecting the harmony found in nature. Merino wool knits appear in rich reds, fluid silhouettes and softly structured forms, while embroidered details nod to traditional Chinese ink paintings of horses in motion, reinterpreted through COS’ minimalist language. Textural contrasts play a key role, with silk scarves offering a smooth counterpoint to softly brushed wool and quilted cotton layers, all designed with tactility and longevity in mind.
Menswear follows a similar rhythm, pairing streamlined polo jumpers and double-faced knits with subtle detailing, while cotton-jacquard socks and accessories add quieter points of interest. Across both womenswear and menswear, the focus remains versatility: Pieces designed to move seamlessly between seasons and moments, grounded in craftsmanship rather than overt symbolism. Although taken in its entirety, the Spring Festival Capsule could stand as a herald for longevity—considered and adaptable, not to mention confident in its purpose.
The collection is now available online and in select COS stores.
All photos: Courtesy of COS