COS has unveiled a limited-edition capsule collection inspired by the work of Californian photographer Chris Perani. Based in San Rafael, California, Perani grew up surrounded by dense forests and marshlands, captivated by the often unseen beauty he encountered. With a passion for photography, he sought to recreate those visual experiences through macro photography techniques.
The 24-piece collection draws inspiration from nature, particularly Perani’s photographs that capture the unseen complexity of organic structures, such as the texture of minerals and the iridescent, multicolored scales of butterfly wings. To achieve this level of precision, Perani focuses on specific areas using a microscope lens to create an extremely shallow depth of field. This unique process involves 350 exposures, each capturing a small part in focus. These are then meticulously layered to create a single image, resulting in a total of 2,100 exposures per photograph.
Perani’s intricate imagery comes to life through a series of prints and tactile materials, including a classic white shirt adorned with beadwork resembling a butterfly wing. A long-sleeved dress, crafted from double-faced wool knit, has been reimagined as a statement piece. The deep, rich colors reminiscent of Perani’s work are digitally printed on both sides of the fabric, creating fluid pieces that mimic the movements of nature. Denim pieces are paired to form surprising coordinated sets, elevated by a subtle jacquard pattern that evokes the delicate beauty of a butterfly.
The capsule, which includes pieces for women, men, and accessories, will be available online and in select COS stores worldwide throughout December 2024.
About Chris Perani
Driven by a desire to capture the fleeting phenomena of nature, Chris Perani entered the world of photography with a focus on the dynamic movements of water, from the collision of droplets to the manipulation of ink, transforming these events into art using innovative technology and science.
Chris’s photographic journey spans meticulous studio experiments to immersive hikes in nature, as he strives to document the untouched beauty of the environment. Fascinated by macro photography, he became enthralled by the overlooked details of everyday scenes. Exploring the microscopic landscapes around him, he discovered intricate details that seemed unattainable with traditional equipment.
This realization propelled him to delve deeper, driven by a passion to uncover more hidden wonders and share them with the world. When conventional photography tools failed to capture the complexity he sought, Chris returned to his roots in technology and science. Using a rail system and microscope lenses, he pioneered his path into the little-documented world of extreme macro photography.
Visit: chrisperani.com
Follow: @christopherperani
