Christian Cowan’s journey to the top of the fashion world is anything but traditional. He opens up about applying to Central Saint Martins with a literal soup can instead of a standard portfolio and explains how a childhood obsession with insects helped him understand high fashion structures. He also shares the wild story of receiving a commission from Lady Gaga at just 18 years old while he was still a first-year student who barely knew how to ship a package.

Now making his Broadway costume design debut with The Queen of Versailles, Christian discusses the challenge of translating high glamour into durable stage wear. He reveals details about touring Jackie Siegel’s massive closet which features a stripper pole and round bed, and breaks down the technology behind the 3D printed vases on his Marie Antoinette costume. We also geek out over his love for animation, his collaboration with The Powerpuff Girls, and his desire to design for sci-fi films.

Christian Cowan is a British fashion designer known for his vibrant and sculptural aesthetic. He launched his eponymous label in 2017 and has dressed global icons including Lady Gaga, Cardi B, and Miley Cyrus. He was a finalist for the CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund and has collaborated with brands like Cartoon Network and Adobe. The Queen of Versailles marks his Broadway debut as a costume designer.

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