When designer Kate Fusilier walked into a rhinestone-bedecked boutique in 2022, she declared to the owner, on a whim, that she was already making fringe-covered bandanas. She wasn’t lying exactly. Post-pandemic, the bandana had remained Kate’s signature look, and she couldn’t stop dreaming up ways to dress them up with “fringe, sparkle, anything bold.”
That off-the-cuff moment (or manifestation?) sparked a creative wildfire that would lead to her first runway show at New Orleans Fashion Week, a rebrand, and an invitation to Project Runway. Today, Kate is the visionary behind Cosmic Collective, a fashion label that fuses outer space, the Wild West, and Y2K nostalgia into one bold, glitter-fueled aesthetic.
Somewhere Between Planets and Prairies
Kate describes her creative style as “outer space rodeo,” a phrase that immediately conjures up images of metallic cowgirl boots, wild prints, and unapologetically playful color palettes. Her collections are a swirl of bold pattern mixing, rhinestones, and movement — pieces made for people who want to have fun when they get dressed to go anywhere.
And while many designers stick closely to seasonal themes or mood boards, Fusilier thrives in fluidity. “I evolve constantly, and I want my collections to feel like they’re evolving with me,” she says. “I don’t box myself into a theme or palette. When I’m designing, I let my imagination lead and have fun with it. That freedom is what makes Cosmic Collective feel so alive.”
New Orleans: Both Muse and Stage
While her brand might feel otherworldly, its roots are firmly planted in New Orleans, a city that not only celebrates creativity but practically demands it. “New Orleans is creativity embodied,” Fusilier says. “Here, it’s totally normal to have a costume closet.”
It’s in this environment — where Mardi Gras looks are planned with couture-level precision and flair is a daily philosophy — that Kate found the confidence to go all in on her vision. “We look at the ordinary and want to add flair to it immediately,” she says. “It’s also a city that doesn’t rush creativity. We celebrate the process, the flair, and the bold choice, and that’s shaped everything about Cosmic Collective.”
For a reset or a creative spark, she dives into the city’s vibrant local scene. Working street markets and visiting festivals connect her with other makers and remind her why she started. “Being surrounded by other artists who are deeply passionate about their craft, it’s the best kind of energy,” Kate says. “And if you’ve never experienced Mardi Gras day in the Bywater or French Quarter, it’s pure magic. It’s basically a live mood board for me.”
From Sewing Rooms to the Vegas Sphere
Behind the glitter, there’s a lot of grit. The Louisiana native didn’t go to design school; instead, she’s taught herself the trade over the last few years. Though she describes herself as more of a visionary than a seamstress, Kate still hand-sews every piece in her collections. But ask her to hem your pants — and many people do — and that’s just not in her wheelhouse.
That blend of big-picture thinking and hands-on detail keeps her grounded in the work. “I love dreaming up designs, planning collections, and creating the world around them,” she says. And the hustle is paying off. Kate has already experienced not one but two major “pinch me” moments in her still-rising career. “The first was being scouted by Project Runway,” she says. “I was like, is this real life?”
The second? Watching her designs light up a Las Vegas stage during Kenny Chesney’s residency at The Sphere, worn by his bassist, Harmoni Kelley. “Being in that audience and seeing my work on those massive screens under the lights? Unreal,” Kate admits. “Total goosebumps.” Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at that process:
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Leaning into the Western Moment
Western everything seems to be trending again — in our travel, homewares, closets, and vision boards — and Kate’s down with it. “Country is cool again, and I am HERE for it,” she says. “Western elements have always been a core part of my brand, so it’s fun to see them getting the spotlight. Fringe, boots, rhinestones … yes, please,” she says.
It’s clear the Cosmic Collective has landed at just the right moment. Kate leans into nostalgia while mixing media and pushing the limits of wearable art.
What’s Next for Kate in the Cosmos
When asked to describe her brand using a cocktail, a song, and a setting, Kate doesn’t hesitate. “A Cosmopolitan, of course (but make it a mocktail), ‘Starships’ by Nicki Minaj, and JAMNOLA — colorful, loud, full of energy.”
If she weren’t designing in this lifetime? She imagines herself as “a 1940s circus performer, no question. Big hair, feathers, sequins, and full theatrical flair.” As for what’s next: Kate is headed to New York Fashion Week this fall, where she’ll be part of Flying Solo’s Ones to Watch showcase. Right after, she’s back on home turf for New Orleans Fashion Week, a return to where it all began.
In the meantime, you can find her signature Blingdanas™, couture capes, and cosmic streetwear at shopcosmiccollective.com, as well as select retailers like JAMNOLA’s gift shop and Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
“Follow us on Instagram for all the fun, sparkly behind-the-scenes action,” Kate says. Wherever the ride leads, one thing’s clear: Cosmic Collective isn’t just a brand, it’s an ever-expanding universe. And Kate Fusilier is its glittering ringleader.
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