The ‘Cosmic Cowboy’ Inspired Designs of Kate Fusilier
Cosmic Collective's bold designs drip with Y2K nostalgia and otherworldly whimsy. The brains behind the brand, Kate Fusilier dishes about her process, designing in New Orleans, and the pinch-me moments that led to New York Fashion Week. Image: Laura Flannery
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 wasnβt lying exactly. Post-pandemic, the bandana had remained Kateβs signature look, and she couldnβt stop dreaming up ways to dress them up with βfringe, sparkle, anything bold.β
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 βouter space rodeo,β 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 β 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. βI evolve constantly, and I want my collections to feel like theyβre evolving with me,β she says. βI donβt box myself into a theme or palette. When Iβm designing, I let my imagination lead and have fun with it. That freedom is what makes Cosmic Collective feel so alive.β
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. βNew Orleans is creativity embodied,β Fusilier says. βHere, itβs totally normal to have a costume closet.β
Itβs in this environment β where Mardi Gras looks are planned with couture-level precision and flair is a daily philosophy β that Kate found the confidence to go all in on her vision. βWe look at the ordinary and want to add flair to it immediately,β she says. βItβs also a city that doesnβt rush creativity. We celebrate the process, the flair, and the bold choice, and thatβs shaped everything about Cosmic Collective.β
For a reset or a creative spark, she dives into the cityβs vibrant local scene. Working street markets and visiting festivals connect her with other makers and remind her why she started. βBeing surrounded by other artists who are deeply passionate about their craft, itβs the best kind of energy,β Kate says. βAnd if youβve never experienced Mardi Gras day in the Bywater or French Quarter, itβs pure magic. Itβs basically a live mood board for me.β
From Sewing Rooms to the Vegas Sphere
Behind the glitter, thereβs a lot of grit. The Louisiana native didnβt go to design school; instead, sheβs 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 β and many people do β and thatβs just not in her wheelhouse.
That blend of big-picture thinking and hands-on detail keeps her grounded in the work. βI love dreaming up designs, planning collections, and creating the world around them,β she says. And the hustle is paying off. Kate has already experienced not one but two major βpinch meβ moments in her still-rising career. βThe first was being scouted by Project Runway,β she says. βI was like, is this real life?β
The second? Watching her designs light up a Las Vegas stage during Kenny Chesneyβs residency at The Sphere, worn by his bassist, Harmoni Kelley. βBeing in that audience and seeing my work on those massive screens under the lights? Unreal,β Kate admits. βTotal goosebumps.β Hereβs a behind-the-scenes look at that process:
Β
View this post on InstagramΒ
Leaning into the Western Moment
Western everything seems to be trending again β in our travel, homewares, closets, and vision boards β and Kateβs down with it. βCountry is cool again, and I am HERE for it,β she says. βWestern elements have always been a core part of my brand, so itβs fun to see them getting the spotlight. Fringe, boots, rhinestones β¦ yes, please,β she says.
Itβs 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.
Whatβs Next for Kate in the Cosmos
When asked to describe her brand using a cocktail, a song, and a setting, Kate doesnβt hesitate. βA Cosmopolitan, of course (but make it a mocktail), βStarshipsβ by Nicki Minaj, and JAMNOLA β colorful, loud, full of energy.β
If she werenβt designing in this lifetime? She imagines herself as βa 1940s circus performer, no question. Big hair, feathers, sequins, and full theatrical flair.β As for whatβs next: Kate is headed to New York Fashion Week this fall, where sheβll be part of Flying Soloβs Ones to Watch showcase. Right after, sheβs back on home turf for New Orleans Fashion Week, a return to where it all began.
In the meantime, you can find her signature Blingdanasβ’, couture capes, and cosmic streetwear at shopcosmiccollective.com, as well as select retailers like JAMNOLAβs gift shop and Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
βFollow us on Instagram for all the fun, sparkly behind-the-scenes action,β Kate says. Wherever the ride leads, one thingβs clear: Cosmic Collective isnβt just a brand, itβs an ever-expanding universe. And Kate Fusilier is its glittering ringleader.
**********
Give your inbox the Southern makeover it deserves.Β Subscribe to our daily emails!
Zoe Yarborough
Zoe is a StyleBlueprint staff writer, Charlotte native, Washington & Lee graduate, and Nashville transplant of eleven years. She teaches Pilates, helps manage recording artists, and likes to "research" Germantown's food scene.