Designer Spotlight : Koos Van Den Akker

born March 16, 1939 is a Dutch-born fashion designer based in New York City. He is famed for his unique collaged 'Koos' designed clothing and notably the creator of the 'Bill Cosby' Sweaters." His first dress was made for his sister from a bed sheet, which he embroidered with fake pearls unstrung from his mother's necklace.

Koos Coat and dress for sale at ARCHIVE

In 1961 he enrolled in L'Ecole Guerre Lavigne which was located in the same building as the Christian Dior workrooms. Every year Christian Dior picked the most gifted students for an apprenticeship and in 1963 Koos was selected. After Three years at Dior and learning every detail about crafting beautiful clothes he moved back to Holland and started his own business opened up his first store in The Hague where he slept in a small room in the back.

Koo's mother (right), was an inspiration for his designs.

[photo from "Koos:Couture Collage" by Linda Chang Teufel]

[photo of Koos by chris shonting from Vice Mag article]

CHECK OUT the KOOS website for much more !