In this special Client Spotlight, soulpepper shares how one of our clients rose from humble beginnings to the iconic fashion brand it is today.
Cosabella is a family owned Italian lingerie company that gained initial recognition with the design of the iconic bodysuit in the mid-eighties. Fast-forward 30 years and their brand now comprises a diverse product mix of intimates, swim, shape and loungewear. Blending American innovation and Italian artisanship, Cosabella is a global company with design headquarters in Miami, production headquarters in Italy, and a cult-like following of women around the world. Whether being featured on hit TV shows and movies, elegantly gracing the red carpet, or being highlighted in top magazines, Cosabella continues to be the choice of Hollywood A-listers and entertainment’s elite.
With a history of innovative “firsts” in the industry, Cosabella has firmly entrenched themselves as a leader in women’s fashion. Here’s how they did it:
1983
The first collection consists of women’s cotton underwear received and shipped from Valeria Campello’s home garage.
1984
After a successful first year, moves into its first warehouse in Miami and expands the collection to include camisoles and bralets.
1985
The company introduces new fabrics that had never been used in lingerie before along with the birth of their proprietary signature “burn out” design called The Valeria.
1987
Ugo Campello, Valeria’s husband joins the company to lead design and production. His philosophy focuses on exclusive collections produced in Italy and designed for the American woman.
1988
For the first time in history, sheer hosiery mesh is used to design camisoles and undies.
1989
Cosabella introduces their world of colour, which results in their Soire´ signature mesh collection becoming the brands first global trendsetter.
1990
Cosabella establishes itself as a fashion leader for the design of the iconic bodysuit.
1992
Cosabella’s innovative mesh teddy designs start appearing on newsstands and in Hollywood.
1996
Cosabella introduces Bella Shapers years ahead of the shape wear craze.
1999
Introduces their patented thong die cut package design that has become one of the most duplicated products in the intimates segment.
2000
Cosabella introduces the first ever soft, wirefree bustiers to be worn as outerwear tops,
And awarded the Atlanta D.I.V.A Award for Best Lingerie Manufacturer.
2001
First flagship store opens in Miami and they appear at Paris Fashion Week for the first time.
2003
First showroom opens in the heart of the garment district along with more awards This time it’s the Dallas Fashion Award, which they win again in 2004.
2005
Cosabella Mare, their exclusive swim and beachwear collection is launched in Miami along with their limited edition luxury collection, Lusso.
2006
Having outgrown their premises, Cosabella moves to a larger showroom complete with a full Press Office.
2007
Launches their first designer collaboration with New York evening wear designer Marc Valvo.
2007
Cosabella’s luxury lingerie collection appears on the runways of New York’s Fashion Week for the first time.
2008
Partners with HBO to create a Sex and the City Collection to worldwide acclaim.
2009
Cosabella’s first junior brand Amore appears in Bloomingdales for the first time and permanently adds Designer Collaborations to their brand DNA.
2011
Opens their first Flagship Store in New York City.
2013
Designs an exclusive collection for Starz original series Magic City and is awarded Best Lingerie Company of the Year in New York.
2014
Collaborates with acclaimed fashion designer Erin Fetherston and launches CSBLA, a contemporary lifestyle brand.
2015
Launches the Cosabella Maternity, Activewear and Extended Collections and joins the Council of Fashion Designers of America.
2016
Besty Heimann, one of Hollywood’s most renowned costume designers collaborates with Cosabella to create a one of a kind bra for the red carpet.
2016
Partners with leading Paris based contemporary designer, Paul & Joe to develop a collection of lingerie, sleepwear and swimwear.
As Cosabella’s digital partner, soulpepper is honoured to play a role in their inspiring story of success, growth and achievement as they solidify their legacy of changing the world’s relationship with lingerie.
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Written by Rik Klingle-Watt
About the author
Rik Klingle-Watt is a soulpepper and writer of the award winning documentary Not Business as Usual, a film about disrupting the business quo.
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