Coogi

Coogi Clothing Streetwear Brand History and shopping. Get the latest Coogi here.

Notorious B.I.G helped make COOGI famous

Personality is often best manifested through vibrant colors and prints and significantly, the Coogi clothing line does just that. It is popularly known worldwide because designs are uniquely based on four fundamental factors: bright colors, intricate wovens, movement and signature patterns.

Founded in 1969 by Jacky Taranto of Melbourne, Australia, Coogi was first introduced to the forefront of the urban fashion industry in the 1990s by New York rapper Christopher “Notorious BIG” Wallace in his platinum single One More Chance. With his famous rap line “I stay Coogi down to the socks”, Urban America was sent into a Coogi-buying frenzy.

Back in its early stages in the fashion industry, international celebrities like John Denver and Muhammad Ali sported the label. Nowadays, the unique and extravagant patterns and designs of Coogi are no stranger to today’s celebrities like Russell Simmons, LL Cool J, Megan Good, Ice T, Vivica Fox, Stacey Dash, Jay Z, Damon Dash and many more.

In 2001, major financial problems forced Jacky Taranto to sell Coogi ownership rights to US investors for around $25 million. Although Coogi was generating over $45 million worth of annual sales at that time, Taranto claimed that he was in debt and had to sell his rights for the cash.

In coming years, Coogi garments expects to build an even stronger luxury retail presence. According to credible
sources, the Australia luxury brand will be opening flagship stores internationally for clients to shop direct.

Even the Smithsonian Institute recognizes Coogi’s excellence in fabric design and manufacture. The prestigious Cooper Hewitt Textile Museum, part of the Smithsonian Institute, has inducted Coogi Australia into its permanent collection. The museum’s curator of Textiles, Mr Milton Seonday said, “Coogi represents to me and the Cooper Hewitt one of the highest levels of technique and design.”