London-based fashion label COS launches its first Canberra store this week, but it's not just the chance to share its minimalist style with fashion lovers that has the store excited. The brand has been known to collaborate with artists, designers and architects across the world, and COS creative director Karin Gustafsson didn't rule out a collaboration happening here in the capital, saying they were excited by Canberra's emerging art scene. "Our interest in art and design is reflected in the design and construction of our garments; in turn, we are thrilled that people from the art and design world engage with, wear, and appreciate our designs," she said. "COS draws a lot of its inspiration from the worlds of art and design and honours this by supporting and collaborating with individual exhibitions, organisations, artists and creatives from across the globe. "While there are no immediate plans for an activation in Canberra, we often look to local artists for inspiration across all regions, developing a shared language, drawing on the culture and aesthetics of the regions in which they practice." Keen Canberrans will be the first to see the label's new Canberra Centre store on Thursday evening at a sold-out VIP cocktail event. For everyone else, COS will open its doors at 10am on Friday, offering free coffee until 2pm for those who come along to the grand opening, and free tote bags to those who spend more than $300. It will be the eighth Australian store for the brand - which is part of the Swedish H&M group - following openings in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane. The new 397-square-metre site has also set out to feature Australian materials in its design. "We always try to incorporate local materials where possible, and a beautiful locally quarried pink sandstone, inspired by native Australian flora has been used to create a striking facade, as well as a specially crafted display area within the store," Ms Gustafsson said.