Christian Cowan used his fall 2024 collection to look inward at his label, offering a mature take on his signature design codes while also paying homage to his late father.
“I grew up in a very science household,” Cowan said during a preview of the collection. “[My father] would get me telescopes and we’d look at the star patterns and I have always seen fashion and astronomy like the same thing in a way because astronomy, you’re essentially looking at dots in the sky, but it’s your imagination and the endless possibilities. I think fashion is much the same in the sense of you can look at a dress or a suit or whatever it is and imagine these infinite possibilities for yourself and this character it gives you and this confidence, which is something I see in all of my customers.”
Cowan took the astronomy inspiration head-on by leveraging his signature star motif for large paillettes and studs seen on a large range of party styles — a micro silver skirt paired with a mohair and leather cropped jacket, a bedazzled matching suit with cutouts or a red matching set. More subdued styles utilized the motif in a pinstripe-like pattern, such as on a backless cropped jacket and low-waisted trousers. The styles stayed true to Cowan’s signature flashy flair and showed the designer’s ability to create bold, youthful silhouettes that are as fun as they are inventive each season.
While these styles showcased Cowan’s affinity for a bold look, the designer also offered pieces that were more refined, such as a sheer blouse with billowing sleeves paired with a high-waisted 1950s-style skirt or a formfitting red silk dress accented with mohair trim. Both styles, as well as his other simpler looks, showed a more mature Christian Cowan woman, yet one who still likes a good party.
“I wanted this whole collection to be very quote unquote ‘wearable,’” Cowan said. “I wanted a lot of looks that people who I know and love, whether it’s my family members or whomever, can throw it on and feel amazing. It’s all very luxury — everything is made very beautifully.”
Overall, Cowan showed his craft as a designer with the range in the collection and gave viewers an enticing look at what the future of his brand might be.
