4 September 2024
Five Years of COSH: A Journey of Transparency, Tenacity, and Transformation
- Press
The Dutch passion for sustainability has found an ally in COSH!, the trailblazing sustainable platform led by Niki De Schryver. As part of its expansive vision, COSH! is partnering with the Dutch Sustainable Fashion Week in Rotterdam from October 5 – 11, 2023, ensuring sustainability becomes a household concept.
In addition to its transformative work in Rotterdam, COSH! is spreading its wings to Arnhem. This dynamic city will soon be featured as the third gem on the COSH! platform, complete with a comprehensive online shopping guide. As the Netherlands continues to champion sustainable fashion, COSH! believes in drawing inspiration and setting standards for regions like Belgium.
Sustainability isn’t just a trend; it’s a necessity. COSH! drives this message home, underscoring the importance of sustainable fashion across borders.
Discover more at cosh.eco.
COSH!: The Sustainable Shopping Game-Changer
COSH! has emerged as a transformative platform that harnesses the power of data, making sustainable shopping an easy reality across diverse cities and towns worldwide. Dive deeper into COSH!‘s story to see its impact!
Through a unique and meticulous approach, COSH! ensures its effective strategies benefit all associated partners, regardless of geographical boundaries. This expansive approach amplifies visibility and strengthens the foothold of sustainability advocates.
Niki De Schryver, the visionary founder of COSH!, points out, “In today’s digital age, it’s unrealistic for every event, retailer, or brand to have its separate digital footprint. Budget constraints and diluted impact often hinder such initiatives. That’s where COSH! steps in.”
"In today's digital age, it's unrealistic for every event, retailer, or brand to have its separate digital footprint. Budget constraints and diluted impact often hinder such initiatives. That's where COSH! steps in." NIki de Schryver, Founder of COSH!
Spotlight: The Netherlands
Every country proudly showcases its unique identity, as does each city within its borders. While Belgium gradually sees an increase in multi-brand stores embracing sustainability, the Netherlands is already home to numerous independent brands championing this cause.
Niki adds, “The Netherlands is ahead in the sustainability curve. Take, for instance, the commendable initiative by New Optimist in 2021, establishing a workshop for refugees. Moreover, our platform represents eight prominent clothes-swapping services in the Netherlands, like Swapshop Rotterdam and LENA Fashion Library in Amsterdam. In contrast, Belgium has just begun with platforms like Dressr.”
Highlighting another significant difference, Niki remarks, “The Dutch sustainable landscape boasts a considerable number of entrepreneurs who operate from their dedicated studios, a trend Belgium’s city centres are yet to adopt fully.”
Dutch Sustainable Fashion Week Partners with COSH! for a Greener Tomorrow
Mark your calendars for a transformative experience! From 5th to 11th October 2023, the Dutch Sustainable Fashion Week (DSFW) will take centre stage as the premier fashion event in the Netherlands dedicated solely to spotlighting sustainable fashion practices.
The expansive event will weave its narrative across major Dutch cities, including Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Utrecht, Arnhem, and beyond. In a promising collaboration this year, the Swapshop event is set to be co-hosted by the Municipality of Rotterdam and COSH!—sealing Rotterdam’s status as a core DSFW city. This association was fostered after the impactful launch of COSH! in Rotterdam earlier in March.
Throughout DSFW 2023, COSH! will champion over 30 initiatives in Rotterdam aimed at enlightening the public on the negative impacts of overconsumption. The mission? To highlight uplifting, actionable insights and knowledge.
One of the headline events to watch out for is a guerrilla campaign on 6th October at Koopgoot (akin to Antwerp’s famed Meir). Here, a staggering 100 kg of repurposed clothes from the ReShare store will be a stark reminder of the enormous global clothing waste challenges, citing devastating examples from Chile to Kenya. Through such stirring visuals, COSH! strives to usher in a wave of conscious consumerism.
Want to attend the DSFW in e.g. Rotterdam? Click here for more info.
COSH! Expands to Arnhem Amidst DSFW Celebrations
In an exciting development for sustainable shoppers, COSH! has made its foray into Arnhem, introducing an online directory of the city’s eco-conscious outlets at cosh.eco. Strategically located just two hours from Antwerp, Arnhem now proudly stands as the third Dutch city to feature on the COSH! platform, following the footsteps of Amsterdam in 2022 and Rotterdam in 2023.
The inception in Arnhem comes with the collaborative might of Awearness Fashion. The partnership was beautifully orchestrated, aided by the influential Dutch sustainability advocate Roosmarie Ruigrok. Local sustainable fashion enthusiasts Jeannette and Wilma, who helm Awearness Fashion, have been tireless champions for ethical fashion in Arnhem for many years. Their deep-rooted connections with the city’s eco-entrepreneurs made this collaboration with COSH!‘s data-driven platform a natural fit.
Often dubbed a hidden gem in the fashion world, Arnhem, situated in Gelderland, is a burgeoning style hub. The presence of the globally acclaimed fashion institution ArtEZ has dynamically transformed the city into a magnet for fashion prodigies. This influence vividly shines through in many boutique shops dotted across the city. Whether strolling down the picturesque Rijnkade or traversing the charming cobblestoned alleys of Arnhem, you’ll be greeted by an array of distinctive shopping destinations.
The city’s Modekwartier is the dwelling of the sustainable department store and innovation hotspot, Begane Grond. Shoppers can relish in a diverse range of products crafted by local designers, participate in workshops, or seek sustainable styling advice. LIJOU VINTAGE offers an exquisite collection of untouched lingerie and corsets from past seasons for those with a penchant for vintage luxury. Beyond the Fashion Quarter, the adventure continues. Outfit Library LESS beckons visitors to borrow, swap, or buy from its avant-garde circular collection. If accessories are on your list, Fraenck will enthral you with its range made from repurposed tarpaulins and vegan leather.
Navigating Arnhem’s sustainable shopping landscape is now simplified with COSH!, ensuring your fashion pursuits align seamlessly with your ethical beliefs. Are you eager to participate in the inaugural event at Aarden on 7th October? Click here for further details.
About COSH!
COSH! operates as a digital platform guiding consumers to sustainable fashion options. Its distinct rating system and index evaluate brands and stores based on seven key sustainability standards. This approach by COSH! simplifies the process for consumers to make informed decisions, fostering a brighter, more sustainable future.
