Christian Cowan and Lil Nas X's Unisex Collection Will Give Back to Atlanta's Black Queer Youth

Published on Sep 17, 2020 at 1:00 PM

Christian Cowan | Vijat Mohindra

Surprise! Christian Cowan is teaming up with Lil Nas X for a unisex ready-to-wear collection. Another amazing thing? The collection will benefit Atlanta's Black queer youth community through the creation of a fund at the Loveland Foundation. We spoke to the designer about the new collection and if teaming up with a charity was something both he and Lil Nas X were set on doing for the collection. "We were both really keen on this from the beginning. It's a pleasure to be able to use our platforms to help a cause that is so close to both of our hearts as queer men," Christian told us.

Christian first shot to fame after creating a pink glitter suit for Lady Gaga in 2014. Since then, his glamorous creations have been seen on Cardi B, Beyoncé, Miley Cyrus, and, of course, Lil Nas X. It makes sense that this duo got together for a collaboration after a friendship sparked while creating Nas's viral sequined moment at the 2019 MTV VMA Awards. "LNX and I had worked together with his amazing stylist Hodo Musa for the VMAs. I knew I wanted to do a collaboration for charity, so when it came to deciding who to ask, I had one name on my mind: Lil Nas X. I think culturally he is so important; he's breaking boundaries within music between genres. He's a true trailblazer. He was so involved in every step of the process and has such a flair for design," Christian revealed.

Keep reading to see the gorgeous imagery from the campaign and read more from our interview.

Christian on the Future of Fashion

"I think this break in the usual cycle of releasing content is pushing creatives to work in new ways; I've loved the challenge! It's made us create the most innovative collection and release we've done to date!"

Lil Nas X, Jari Jones, and Sean Bankhead

Christian on Pushing Innovation

"We've pulled together a high-fashion collection campaign while I've been in London, my brand is in NYC, and Lil Nas X is in LA. Tech has been at the heart of making this happen. We didn't just hold a casting and get models; we got artists, activists, singers, models, writers, club kids, mothers, and so much more. This is a collection celebrating acceptance and giving 100 percent of its profits to a cause that we care about."

Lil Nas X and Amanda Lepore

Christian on the Vision Behind the Collection

"We wanted to reflect society now whilst still bringing escapism to fashion. We looked for a point in time like ours, when youth were fed up with how the country was working and demanded change. The punk movement in the 1970s was just that, with such an identifiable style. Furthermore, mainstream venues wouldn't allow punk or queer events, so they were often made to share club nights in underground venues. It's this fusion of worlds which inspired the collection. And then we chose an amazing cast together who we felt represented that cause and the times."

Lil Nas X and Christian Cowan

Christian Cowan | Vijat Mohindra

Christian on What Message He Wants the Brand to Send

"The message is to celebrate life, lift others up as you do so, and let's keep fashion as more than just clothes; it's art."

Helena Christensen

Christian on His Customers

"I want customers to use fashion as therapy for the stress of this world they're in. I want them to make a statement every time they walk out their door. To tell the world that we care deeply about the trans members of our community and they must be heard."

Marc Jacobs

Christian on the Upcoming Election

"Hugely, we have to speak up for what we believe in. If we want this world to be better, we have to make it better. To be passive right now is to allow injustice to happen in front of you."

Ava Max and Gus Kenworthy