Fashion Forward: Cosby Sweaters

BY ALIYAH CUNNINGHAM

We made fun of them in the 90’s and like most trends, they are back in style with a vengeance. Among Bill Cosby’s many achievements, one cannot ignore his single contribution to fashion: the Cosby sweater.

Photo Credit: ALIYAH CUNNINGHAM

Made famous on The Cosby Show in the 1980’s this unique garment has inspired multiple blogs, events, etc. due to their loud zany patters and designs. The man behind the sweaters is Dutch fashion designer Koos van den Akker. He was trained in Paris at Christian Dior and was later approached by a friend to design a sweater as a gift for Cosby. As soon as he wore it on set everyone was so intrigued and captivated that Cosby asked him to design some more. The rest was history.

The designs on these sweaters vary, making each one unique in its own way. Recently, we’ve been seeing everyone from Kanye West to Drake wearing these knits with vibrant colors and quirky designs.

Cosby sweaters are one of a kind, so it’s no wonder everyone is salivating over them. Made of jersey material, the sweaters have an elastic stretch combined with woolens to form those intricate patterns we all love. It gives off that vintage vibe that will automatically make you think…Cosby.