Photo by Presley Ann/WME IMG/Getty Images for Christian Cowan and Cartoon Network
Christian Cowan has made all of our sparkly, sequin-embellished dreams come true.
The 23-year-old fashion designer (can you believe he’s only 23?!), who has designed looks for the likes of Lady Gaga, Beyonce’, and Cardi B, wowed us when we sat front row at his Christian Cowan x Powerpuff Girls fashion show at City Social Market House in Los Angeles Friday night, as models strutted down the runway in feathered mini dresses, sheer shimmery frocks, and even a hot pink neon fur coat complete with illuminated trim.
We first met Cowan at an intimate pre-fashion show dinner at Chateau Marmont, where we noshed on roasted brussel sprouts, seared cod, roasted chicken, and the hotel’s famed truffle fries as we toasted champagne to Cowan’s new collection. The incredibly humble style maven thanked us all for being there, and told us that he was heading straight from the dinner to his showroom to work on a few last minute things for the show.
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 08: (L-R) Mercedes Bevan, designer Christian Cowan and Paris Hilton walk the runway during Christian Cowan x PowerPuff Girls Runway Show at City Market Social House on March 8, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Presley Ann/WME IMG/Getty Images for Christian Cowan and Cartoon Network)
As we walked into City Market Social House in downtown Los Angeles the next day, the space had been transformed with animated and neon-lit images of the Cartoon Network’s Powerpuff Girls characters, with influencers and celebs alike grabbing silhouette snaps and photos on the runway before the show began.
“I went Powerpuff Girls, but I wanted to pick up the powerful message of the multiple levels of Powerpuff girls,” Cowan told me (for InStyle) before the show. “Powerpuff Girls is a true representation of society. Growing up, there were so many shows that showed women as damsels in distress and I never liked that, because my mom is such a strong woman. Powerpuff Girls…they don’t need saving. They’re doing their thing, and so I wanted strong powerful women in the show.”
And it showed.
Erika Jayne (L) and Heidi Klum (R); Photo by Presley Ann/WME IMG/Getty Images for Christian Cowan and Cartoon Network
I strolled to my seat (with an extra pep since it was in the front row) joining the likes of Klum, Tinashe, Carly Rae Jepsen and more as we waited for the show to begin. Soon, the house lights dimmed, the runway lit up, and the first set of models walked out, sporting three cropped colorful versions of the first sparkly pink suit Cowan ever made for Mother Monster that put him on the map.
Photo by Presley Ann/WME IMG/Getty Images for Christian Cowan and Cartoon Network
From there, standout look after standout look hit the runway, with models rocking black mini dresses with feathered skirts, shimmery dresses with tulle trains, and Paris Hilton strolling out with her tongue-wagging Chihuahua pup in tow. “This is everything!,” I said as a model strutted by in a bow-topped glittery dress complete with a train. The whole show was simply magical.
Paris Hilton; Photo by Presley Ann/WME IMG/Getty Images for Christian Cowan and Cartoon Network
After it ended, Klum and more attendees headed to the open bar to grab cocktails to celebrate the evening at the on-site reception.
Tinashe (L) and Fashion Show Attendees; Photo by Presley Ann/WME IMG/Getty Images for Christian Cowan and Cartoon Network
Take a peek at our 5 favorite looks from the show!
1. Sparkle & Shine
Photo by Presley Ann/WME IMG/Getty Images for Christian Cowan and Cartoon Network
This shimmery, metallic bow-topped mini dress took our breaths away. Next Oscars dress? Check.
2. The FAB Ostrich Incarnate
Photo by Presley Ann/WME IMG/Getty Images for Christian Cowan and Cartoon Network
This black feathery mini dress was a showstopper.
3. The Ultimate Tulle Train
Who needs a generic train when you can have one made of tiered tulle? This unique look paired with this crystal-embellished, body-hugging dress stunned on the runway.
4. The Feathered Statement Maker
This is just one more example of Cowan’s creativity. His looks aren’t for the faint at heart, and that’s why we love them.
5. Golden Girl
Photo by Presley Ann/WME IMG/Getty Images for Christian Cowan and Cartoon Network
We are suckers for anything gold, and this dramatic one-shoulder golden dress was no exception. We loved it, especially paired with these bright yellow strappy heels.
Here’s to stepping into spring with major fashion moments.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.