Kosa (arts)

Kosa Brand is a sustainable and minimal aesthetic clothing line made in small batches in Oakland, CA. Following an education in fine arts at CCA(C), with an emphasis in Textiles, Elaine followed a passion for art-to-wear, costuming for local dance companies, working as a design assistant for multiple bay area designers and developing a line of hand-painted fabric and apparel. This lead to an extensive career in the apparel industry-leading technical design teams in SF and NY including the Sustainability & Innovation team at Levis. Longing to get back to hands-on and creative pursuits, Elaine opened Kosa Arts in Oakland, showcasing Kosa brand apparel along with artisan works in apparel, ceramics, jewelry, and home goods, with the intent of supporting & inspiring high-level craftsmanship, the creative process, sustainable materials, and meaningful livelihoods.

We embrace many levels of sustainability, including using deadstock fabrics, and more intentful natural fiber selections. A few years ago, however, when we had the opportunity to work with Sally Fox’s woven fabrics, inspiring the search for more intentful fiber producers. Currently, Kosa apparel includes a collection made from Vreseis cotton grown and knit in the US in line with our Minimal + Exaggerated styling. We believe that it is possible for each step along the process to be done with integrity in spirit and care for the planet and community.