Hubbry Logo
CoogiCoogiMain
Open search
Coogi
Community hub
Coogi
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Coogi
Coogi
Coogi
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

The back of a Coogi cardigan

Key Information

Coogi is an Australian fashion brand known for colorful knitwear.[1] Founded in 1969 as "Cuggi" in Toorak, Australia, the label was renamed in 1987. In addition to clothing, the company's 1992 international trademark filing registered the brand for cosmetics and toiletries, leather goods, furniture, textiles, and toys.

History

[edit]

Founded in 1969 as "Cuggi" in Toorak, Melbourne, Australia,[2] the label was renamed in 1987 to sound more like an indigenous Australian name. The label was purchased in 2002 by Coogi Partners LLC, a joint venture in New York City; the brand subsequently grew from its core sweater line to a full apparel line, featuring patterns and designs reflective of the signature sweaters. The line expanded to women and children, including T-shirts, jeans, dress shirts, dresses, sweatshirts and matching sweat pants, footwear, handbags, outerwear, bathing suits, and underwear.

Relaunch

[edit]

Coogi relaunched in 2014 with a focus on the authentic sweater for men, introducing new products and color treatments.[3] According to The New York Times, the label is experiencing a resurgence.[4] Fashion brands such as Rag & Bone, Pigalle, Burton and Supreme have been paying homage to Coogi.[5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12]

[edit]

The brand is first mentioned by The Notorious B.I.G. in the song "Big Poppa" and subsequently "One More Chance / Stay With Me (Remix)". "Heart throb never, black and ugly as ever, however, I stay Coogi down to the socks, rings and watch filled with rocks". The rapper also mentions the brand in the 1997 song "Hypnotize" in which he raps: "Every cutie with a booty bought a Coogi,” kicking off a new trend and causing clothing articles to fly off the shelves with consumers rushing to make a purchase.

The brand is then mentioned in the lyrics of the 2005 Kanye West song "Gone," in which he raps: "You sweat her and I ain't talkin 'bout a Coogi,"[13] as well as in his 2010 song "Devil in a New Dress," where Rick Ross raps: "Still a real nigga, red Coogi sweater, dice-roller."[14] Ross mentions the brand again on his "Santorini Greece" song:"Fresher than Groovey Lew at a Coogi shoot".[15]Kanye West also goes on to mention the brand in his lyrics of the 2017 song "Feel Me" with G.O.O.D Music counterpart Tyga: "Coogi, Coogi, Coogi, Coogi on, feels like I'm in the movie holmes, texted my consigliere, tell the maid leave the jacuzzi on."[16]

The brand is mentioned in the lyrics of the Hilltop Hoods song "Cosby Sweater," in which MC Suffa raps: "When I'm dressed like Theo's Dad, In a Coogi listening to Kool G Rap."[17] The song makes reference to the aforementioned Notorious B.I.G., who was famously photographed wearing a Coogi sweater. The Australian musician explained in an August 2014 interview that he owns a collection of Coogi sweaters.[18]

The brand is mentioned in the lyrics of the 2013 ASAP Ferg song "Work (Remix)" in which he raps: "Coogi down to the socks, like I'm Biggie Poppa", in reference to The Notorious B.I.G. being known for wearing Coogi.

In 2014, Christian hip-hop duo Social Club released the song "Coogi Sweater" in their album Misfits 2.

The brand is mistakenly called the "Cosby sweater" though Bill Cosby never wore Coogi sweaters. The Cosby Show costume designer, Sarah Lemire, said of Coogi: "My sweaters were busy to a certain point, but it wasn't to that extreme… I still can't stand those."[19]

The brand was mentioned in season 2, episode 3 of Australian comedy series Kath and Kim titled "The Moon", where Kath and Kel purchase matching Coogis at Tullamarine Airport after their flights are grounded while travelling for their honeymoon.

In the TV series Malcolm in the Middle episode "No Motorbike" (Season 16, Episode 6), in the beginning when Hal swore to Francis that on his 21st birthday he would take him for a ride on a motorbike, Bryan Cranston was also seen wearing a Coogi sweater.[citation needed]

The brand is mentioned in the song "Still Fly" by the group Big Tymers in which Birdman raps "Burberry's cool, Coogi sweater (Sweater) Twenty inches, pop my feather The Birdman daddy, I fly in any weather."

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Coogi

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Coogi is an Australian fashion brand specializing in colorful, textured knitwear, particularly sweaters with bold, abstract patterns inspired by the Australian and Aboriginal artwork. Founded in 1969 in Toorak, , by designer Jacky Taranto under the original name Cuggi—a reference to a fountain on the Italian island of —the company initially produced luxury items targeted at American and European tourists seeking distinctive souvenirs. The brand underwent a significant in 1987, adopting the name Coogi to evoke a more exotic, global appeal, which aligned with its evolving focus on innovative techniques and vibrant color palettes. Coogi's designs feature asymmetrical lines, varied textures, and eye-catching hues derived from mercerized , setting it apart in the luxury apparel market. Coogi achieved widespread cultural prominence in the 1990s through its embrace by hip-hop artists and celebrities, transforming the sweaters from niche tourist wear into symbols of urban style and success. Rapper The Notorious B.I.G. immortalized it in his 1994 track "Big Poppa," cementing its status as a hip-hop staple. This era marked Coogi's expansion into a broader apparel line, including polos, tees, and footwear, tailored for the urban market. Following a period of decline in the early , Coogi experienced a resurgence in the , driven by nostalgia and endorsements from contemporary artists like Drake and Riff Raff, who incorporated the brand into modern aesthetics. Today, Coogi maintains its Australian heritage while offering menswear, womenswear, and childrenswear through its official site, emphasizing authentic, refined designs that blend appeal with current trends. As of 2025, the brand continues its resurgence through collaborations such as with Supreme and the ' "Coogi" uniforms for the 2025-26 NBA season, alongside a against [Louis Vuitton](/page/Louis Vuitton) for design infringement. The brand's enduring legacy lies in its fusion of artisanal knitwear craftsmanship with pop culture influence, making it an iconic name in global fashion.

History

Founding and Early Development

Coogi was founded in 1969 by Jacky in Toorak, a suburb of , , initially operating under the name Cuggi. Taranto, who was 21 at the time, drew inspiration for the brand's name from a fountain on a small Italian island, the origin of his father's emigration to in the early 1930s. The company began as a small operation focused on producing high-quality knitwear, establishing its reputation through craftsmanship and innovative textile techniques. From its inception, Cuggi targeted American and European tourists visiting , positioning its products as premium souvenirs that captured the vibrancy of the local culture. The brand's early knitwear featured luxury materials like , emphasizing bold colors and intricate, textured patterns that evoked Australian heritage, including animated natural forms reminiscent of Aboriginal artwork. These designs were hand-knitted using custom machines to create unique, kaleidoscopic motifs, setting the foundation for the brand's signature aesthetic in sweaters and pullovers. The core sweater line quickly became the hallmark of Cuggi's early output, with an emphasis on and visual that appealed to international buyers seeking distinctive luxury items.

Name Change and International Growth

In 1987, the Australian knitwear brand, originally founded as Cuggi in 1969, underwent a significant to Coogi, a name chosen to evoke the sound of an Indigenous Australian word and thereby enhance its cultural resonance and market . This change marked a strategic pivot aimed at distinguishing the label in international markets while avoiding potential conflicts with existing U.S. apparel brands. The rebranding facilitated Coogi's transition from a niche provider of souvenirs for American and European tourists—targeting elite travelers visiting Australia—to a broader international presence during the 1990s. Exports grew substantially, with the brand establishing distribution in key markets like the United States and Europe through department stores and specialty retailers, leveraging its unique position as an exporter of high-quality Australian fashion. Building on foundational knitwear techniques developed in its early years, Coogi introduced vibrant, eye-catching designs featuring asymmetrical patterns, varied textures, and bold color palettes inspired by the Australian outback, which quickly became synonymous with the brand's identity and drove its global recognition. Despite this expansion, Coogi encountered early business challenges in , including acute financial pressures in the late when founder Jacky faced a near-liquidation deadline from bankers over a substantial .

Products and Design

Signature Knitwear and Aesthetic

Coogi's signature knitwear is characterized by the use of high-quality mercerized and wool, which impart a silky texture and facilitate vibrant processes that result in long-lasting, vivid hues. These materials, treated to enhance absorption and strength, form the foundation of the brand's luxurious feel, with early designs in the often featuring pure new for added softness and durability. The techniques, combined with the fibers' properties, allow for bold, saturated colors that resist , contributing to the garments' premium quality and visual impact. The aesthetic draws from distinctive bold color palettes inspired by Australia's diverse landscapes, including the earthy tones of the and the vivid contrasts of its natural environments, paired with intricate three-dimensional knit patterns achieved through custom jacquard and textured weaving on specialized machines. These patterns create a multidimensional, kaleidoscopic effect with asymmetrical lines and varied textures that mimic organic forms like curving dunes, emphasizing visual depth and movement in every piece. Central to Coogi's is an emphasis on luxury and wearability, with sweaters serving as the flagship item through unique piecing and techniques that integrate contrasting knit sections for both structural integrity and stylistic flair. This approach ensures the garments are not only eye-catching but also comfortable for everyday wear, balancing opulent detailing with practical fit. The brand's aesthetic evolved from its origins as tourist-oriented souvenirs—upscale mementos evoking Australian through colorful, souvenir-style knits—to a more ostentatious style in the , marked by exaggerated multicolored motifs and bolder expressions of extravagance. Over time, while preserving this knitwear core, Coogi briefly referenced expansion into non-knit items such as polos and tees to broaden accessibility.

Evolution of Product Lines

Following the acquisition by Coogi Partners in 2002, the brand diversified its offerings beyond knitwear to encompass a broader range, including T-shirts, jeans, jackets, footwear, handbags, and accessories targeted at men, women, and children. This expansion aimed to leverage the brand's signature aesthetic across new categories while maintaining its distinctive visual identity. The brand adapted its proprietary knit techniques—developed through patented knitting machines—to innovate on new items, incorporating pieced elements like sweater-knit patches on fleece hoodies and detailed compositions in shirts woven from mercerized . For instance, limited-edition fleece hoodies feature authentic knit patching combined with premium fleece for enhanced comfort and style. Similarly, polo shirts apply kaleidoscopic patterns via these machines, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary silhouettes. Entering the , Coogi shifted toward an upscale positioning by incorporating refined materials such as high-quality mercerized and premium fleece, alongside limited-edition releases that fused iconic multicolored weaves with modern influences. Collaborations with brands like and Puma further elevated the line through exclusive collections, emphasizing luxury knits and reimagined fits for a discerning . These efforts culminated in special editions, such as the "Reimagined" men's knitwear series, which updated classic textures for slimmer, 21st-century profiles.

Cultural Impact

Emergence in Hip-Hop

Coogi's integration into hip-hop culture gained significant momentum in the mid-1990s through the endorsement of Brooklyn rapper The Notorious B.I.G., whose adoption of the brand's colorful knit sweaters transformed them from a niche luxury item into a hallmark of urban style. In tracks like "One More Chance" (1994) and "Big Poppa" (also 1994), Biggie referenced the brand directly, rapping lines such as "Coogi down to the socks" to emphasize his elevated lifestyle, while in the 1997 hit "Hypnotize," he proclaimed, "Every cutie wit a booty bought a Coogi," highlighting its aspirational appeal. These lyrics, combined with Biggie's visible wearing of Coogi sweaters in music videos like "Hypnotize" and performances such as MTV Spring Break, cemented the brand's association with East Coast rap's flashy, affluent aesthetic. Following Biggie's influence, other prominent hip-hop artists in the late and further popularized Coogi, adopting it as a symbol of luxury and success within . name-dropped the brand in his 2005 track "Gone," with the line "You sweat her, and I ain't talkin' 'bout a Coogi," underscoring its status as a high-end staple. reinforced this imagery in his verse on Kanye's 2010 song "," boasting, "Still a real nigga, red Coogi sweater, dice-roller," portraying the garment as an emblem of bold, unapologetic wealth. Similarly, A$AP Ferg paid homage to Biggie's legacy in the 2013 "Work" remix, "Coogi down to the socks like I'm Biggie Poppa," which revived interest among younger rappers and linked the brand to hip-hop's intergenerational style evolution. This hip-hop embrace propelled Coogi's colorful, patterned sweaters into icons, representing flashiness and status in urban fashion circles during the genre's commercial boom. By the late , the brand's visibility in rap lyrics, videos, and wardrobes drove widespread penetration into the U.S. market, with demand surging as artists and fans emulated the opulent vibe. However, following Biggie's death in 1997, Coogi's prominence in hip-hop waned temporarily, though its foundational role in the era's trends endured as a benchmark for luxury . Coogi's distinctive colorful knitwear has extended its influence beyond hip-hop into various facets of , appearing in television, music, , and film as a symbol of bold, nostalgic fashion. In the Australian comedy series Kath and Kim, the character Kel Knight, played by Peter Rowsthorn, frequently wore Coogi sweaters, which became integral to his portrayal as a suburban with a penchant for flashy attire; Kitty Stuckey highlighted these jumpers as emblematic of Kel's style alongside Kim's manicured nails. Similarly, the vibrant patterns of Coogi sweaters aligned with the eclectic wardrobe of Hal Wilkerson in the American sitcom , where actor Bryan Cranston's character often sported multicolored knits evoking the brand's signature aesthetic during the early 2000s episodes. Beyond hip-hop, Coogi has been referenced in Australian alternative hip-hop group Hilltop Hoods' 2014 track "Cosby Sweater" from their album Walking Under Stars, which draws inspiration from the brand's iconic sweaters popularized by The Notorious B.I.G., using the garment as a metaphor for bold, unapologetic style in a broader cultural context. The song's lyrics and music video pay homage to Coogi's multicolored designs, contributing to the brand's global pop culture resonance despite the controversial title. Coogi's patterns gained prominence in sports through the ' NBA City Edition uniforms, first introduced in the 2018-19 season as a tribute to Brooklyn native , featuring Coogi-inspired striping on black jerseys first worn on November 17, 2018. A white "Bed-Stuy" variant followed in the 2019-20 season, and the uniforms were revived for the 2025-26 season, underscoring their enduring appeal and role in blending fashion with athletic heritage. As a marker of 1990s fashion nostalgia, Coogi sweaters have appeared in contemporary films and celebrity wardrobes outside rap circles, such as donning a vibrant Coogi knit in Ryan Coogler's 2025 Sinners, where it served as a standout element evoking retro swagger amid the narrative's supernatural tension. This placement highlights Coogi's symbolic value in evoking era-specific cultural vibes, with actors and influencers adopting the brand to signal playful, maximalist aesthetics in red-carpet and street-style contexts.

Business Developments

Ownership Changes and Challenges

In the early 2000s, Coogi encountered substantial financial difficulties in its native , stemming from a sharp decline in popularity after the 1990s hip-hop fashion boom, which resulted in reduced demand and uncontrolled distribution that strained operations. These challenges prompted the sale of the brand in 2002 to Coogi Partners LLC, a New York-based joint venture established by investors Norman and Bruce Weisfeld—known for their stakes in and Willie Esco—and Jimmy Khezri, owner of the Wilco Group, for $25 million; this transaction transferred control from Australian founder Jacky Taranto and relocated the company's headquarters to to better access the U.S. market. Under the new ownership, Coogi broadened its offerings beyond signature knitwear into a comprehensive , adding categories like and through extensive licensing deals aimed at capitalizing on residual recognition. However, this growth was hampered by post-1990s market saturation, as aggressive licensing to discount manufacturers produced lower-quality items that eroded the 's premium and contributed to ongoing volatility. Coogi has continued as a privately held entity under Coogi Partners LLC, relying on licensing arrangements and strategic international partnerships to navigate persistent market challenges and maintain global distribution.

Relaunch and Modern Resurgence

In , Coogi relaunched with a focus on authentic men's sweaters, introducing new colorways that evoked and appealed to contemporary audiences. This revival was highlighted in media coverage for its ties to hip-hop heritage, positioning the brand as a bridge between vintage appeal and modern menswear. Key collaborations bolstered the relaunch, including a 2014 partnership with that featured Coogi's signature knit patterns in marled sweaters, cropped silhouettes, and pencil skirts showcased during . In 2023, Coogi teamed up with Supreme for a Spring collection comprising trucker jackets, basketball jerseys, shorts, and tees that fused Coogi's textured knits with Supreme's ethos, released globally via Supreme's webstore. Additionally, a 2022 collaboration with Birds of produced a limited-edition apparel line, including polos, snapbacks, shorts, t-shirts, and towels incorporating Coogi's bold patterns for a laid-back, Australian-inspired aesthetic. Recent product releases in 2024 and 2025 have emphasized innovative fleece and knit hybrids, such as the limited-edition Pieced Fleece Hoodies in colors like , , , and , featuring premium fleece paired with classic Coogi sweater knit patching and pouch pockets. Crewnecks like the Robina Blues and models, woven from 100% mercerized with deeply textured weaves, joined the lineup alongside in Ocean Blue and Rosewater hues. Sports integrations include Coogi's with the NBA via Protege Group, yielding -themed items such as sweater knit basketball and hoodies. The Nets announced in September 2025 the return of their Coogi-inspired "Brooklyn Camo" City Edition uniforms for the 2025-26 season, featuring multicolored patterns on jerseys and to honor the brand's cultural legacy; the uniforms were officially revealed by the NBA on November 12, 2025. In May 2025, Coogi Partners LLC filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against , (as creative director), and designer , alleging that designs in 's Fall/Winter 2025 menswear collection copied Coogi's iconic knit patterns, particularly those popularized in the . The suit claims the copied elements include specific and patterns from Coogi's "" sweater. In October 2025, and Williams moved to dismiss the case, arguing that Coogi seeks to monopolize a broad aesthetic or "vibe" rather than protectable , and that the designs are not substantially similar. The litigation remains ongoing as of November 2025. As of November 2025, Coogi maintains a strong presence through coogi.com, prioritizing limited-edition drops of like the Droplet Crewneck and pieced fleece joggers to drive exclusivity. This strategy has fueled a global resurgence in and luxury markets, with coveted releases in small sizes emphasizing heritage knits refined for high-end consumers.

References

  1. https://www.cooperhewitt.org/2016/03/02/notorious-coogi/
  2. https://www.fibre2fashion.com/news/world-fashion-designers-news/coogi-knitwear-founder-passes-away-32141-newsdetails.htm
  3. https://www.collater.al/en/brief-history-of-coogi/
  4. https://www.kolormagazine.com/fashion-1/coogi-sweater
  5. https://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/06/fashion/raps-nineties-nostalgia-propels-coogi-brand-resurgence.html
  6. https://coogi.com/pages/about-us
  7. https://www.thefashionlaw.com/louis-vuitton-pharrell-say-coogi-is-trying-to-monopolize-a-vibe/
  8. https://sports.yahoo.com/article/nets-bringing-back-fan-favorite-145411356.html
  9. https://textilesclothingmuseum.wordpress.com/2017/12/20/coogi-a-pop-culture-fashion-icon/
  10. https://www.afr.com/companies/cuggi-shows-how-to-export-with-style-19900713-kan3g
  11. https://www.lenoeudpapillon.com/blogs/style/livin-better-now-coogi-sweater-now
  12. https://filthyrebena.com/blogs/news/coogi-the-coolest-knitwear-company-of-the-90s
  13. https://realtrapfits.com/coogi-sweaters-the-real-story-behind-a-streetwear-icon/
  14. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQ3L7EZqsOc
  15. https://coogi.com/products/coogi-sweater-pieced-fleece-hoody-classic-1
  16. https://coogi.com/products/new-coogi-light-weight-sweater-knit-hoody-in-natural
  17. https://coogi.com/products/new-coogi-red-alert-crewneck-special-edition-1
  18. https://lifeandtimes.com/coogis-creative-director-talks-the-brands-resurgence-and-kith-and-rag-bone-collaborations
  19. https://www.complex.com/style/a/complex/10-classic-hip-hop-style-gems-for-sale-on-ebay
  20. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/coogi-android-homme-bringing-biggie-back-7333155/
  21. https://www.xxlmag.com/change-clothes/
  22. https://www.revolt.tv/article/2023-12-13/344987/11-brands-rappers-loved-in-the-90s-and-2000s
  23. https://www.thefader.com/2019/09/11/rick-ross-on-recording-devil-in-a-new-dress-the-best-verse-of-his-career
  24. https://andscape.com/features/after-discovering-coogi-at-the-club-the-notorious-b-i-g-made-it-a-staple-in-his-repertoire/
  25. https://www.complex.com/style/a/james-harris/the-best-brands-of-the-90s
  26. http://www.australiantelevision.net/kk/articles/stylesecrets.html
  27. https://musicfeeds.com.au/news/hilltop-hoods-we-regret-name-checking-bill-cosby/
  28. https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/hilltop-hoods-regret-namechecking-bill-cosby-in-their-song-cosby-sweater/news-story/e44d91564e93bce733d1d772c1fd3a6b
  29. https://www.netsdaily.com/2018/11/1/18053466/nets-introduce-coogi-style-city-edition-jerseys-and-an-airbus-320
  30. https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-news/99122/coogi-return-beloved-brooklyn-nets-uniforms-back-in-2025-26
  31. https://www.gq.com/story/brooklyn-nets-bring-notorious-big-city-edition-jerseys-back
  32. https://www.theroot.com/why-michael-b-jordans-coogi-sweater-was-a-scene-steale-1851777918
  33. https://snobette.com/2016/10/coogi-knit-dress-fall-2017/
  34. https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-features/feature/new-owners-take-coogi-upscale-741623-1895259/
  35. https://www.1stdibs.com/answers/who-is-the-owner-of-coogi/
  36. https://trademarks.justia.com/owners/coogi-partners-llc-2463900/
  37. https://coogi.com/blogs/news/116703811-coogi-creative-director-willie-esco-talks-the-brand-s-resurgence
  38. https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/fall-2014-ready-to-wear/rag-bone
  39. https://hypebeast.com/2023/5/supreme-coogi-spring-2023-collaboration-release-info
  40. https://hypebeast.com/2022/7/birds-of-condor-and-coogi-golf-apparel-for-hip-hop-fans
  41. https://coogi.com/products/new-coogi-sweater-pieced-fleece-hoody-in-brown
  42. https://coogi.com/collections/crewneck
  43. https://coogi.com/collections/brooklyn-nets-group
  44. https://www.thefashionlaw.com/coogi-claims-pharrell-louis-vuitton-stole-its-knitwear-designs/
  45. https://coogi.com/collections/all-new-arrivals
  46. https://www.facebook.com/COOGIbrand/videos/legacy-never-fades/2676410862702832/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.