The Queen of Versailles Features a Staggering 1,100 Costumes, From Fashion Designer Christian Cowan

Celebrated fashion designer Christian Cowan is currently making his Broadway debut as the costume designer for the new musical The Queen of Versailles, which announced earlier this week that it will end its run January 4, 2026. But before it closes, audiences at the St. James Theatre are in for some eye-popping looks.

Cowan—whose collections have been worn by Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, and Zendaya—is also regularly featured in the pages of Vogue and The New York Times. And now, Broadway audiences are getting the chance to witness his design talents in the new musical that casts Tony winner Kristin Chenoweth as Jackie Siegel, who with husband David Siegel (Oscar winner F. Murray Abraham), endeavored to build the largest private home in the country in Orlando, Florida, only for the 2008 recession to dampen their dreams and lavish lifestyle.

The musical, adapted from Lauren Greenfield's 2012 documentary by book writer Lindsey Ferrentino (The Fear of 13), features a score by Tony winner Stephen Schwartz (Wicked) and direction by Tony winner Michael Arden (Maybe Happy Ending). Cowan, known for his bold and glamorous style, is joined on the design team by scenic and video designer Dane Laffrey (Maybe Happy Ending), lighting designer Natasha Katz (Sweeney Todd), sound designer Peter Hylenski (Beetlejuice), and hair and wig designer Cookie Jordan.

In the interview below for the Playbill series How Did I Get Here—spotlighting not only actors, but directors, designers, musicians, and others who work on and off the stage to create the magic that is live theatre—Cowan shares how a pink suit helped launch his career, the challenge of designing for Broadway, and why he loves creating for his current leading lady.

Lindsey Ferrentino and Christian Cowan Heather Gershonowitz

Where did you train/study?
Christian Cowan: I studied at Central Saint Martins and London College of Fashion.

Was there a teacher who was particularly impactful/helpful? What made this instructor stand out?
What was the most helpful for me about school was the structural framework that it gave my younger years as a creative in London. It also taught me so much about the technical skills of making clothes.

Queen of Versailles marks your Broadway debut as a costume designer. How did this latest role come about?
It’s been a dream of mine for quite some time. I was going around New York telling everyone that I wanted to do costume design for a Broadway show. Eventually, I was sitting at the right table with the right person, and about two years later, they gave me a call telling me about this project!

What was your process designing for the new musical and for Kristin Chenoweth?
The process of designing for The Queen of Versailles was such an education for me. I love so much about the Broadway world, and how these incredible people make incredible stories come to life. Designing for Kristin Chenoweth is so easy; you can put her in anything, and she looks incredible!

Kristin Chenoweth and company of *The Queen of Versailles* Julieta Cervantes

What was the most challenging/rewarding aspect of designing the costumes for Queen of Versailles?
The most challenging aspect was the sheer number of costumes that we had to create. Onstage in The Queen of Versailles, there are about 375 costumes and then double that for swings and cover performers offstage. Approximately, there are 1,100 costumes total in the building. This was also the most rewarding aspect of it, looking up at that stage and seeing all the costumes interact with each other.

Are you a theatre fan? Do you have any favorite plays or musicals?
I’m a huge musical theatre fan! I would say my favorite shows before The Queen of Versailles are Hairspray and Wicked.

If you had to choose one of your costume designs from any project as representative of your work to leave in a time capsule, which would you choose and why?
That’s such a hard question. I would have to pick the final Marie Antoinette gown that you see at the end of the show.

What do you consider your big break?
When I was 19 years old, I made a pink glittery suit. Lady Gaga saw the suit online, requested it, and wore it. It was a dream come true!

Kristin Chenoweth and F. Murray Abraham in *The Queen of Versailles* Julieta Cervantes

Is there a person or people you most respect in your field and why?
Honestly, the real answer is Kristin Chenoweth. To be able to have done this project as my Broadway debut with her, still after 2.5 years is a pinch me moment.

What advice would you give your younger self or anyone starting out?
My main advice I would give to a younger creative is to not ask for too much advice, but identify those people you can come to, and rely on their thoughts. I would also say stay true to what you creatively are excited by, because that is what will excite the world.

In such difficult times in this country and around the world, how do you think theatre can play a positive role, either for yourself and/or the community at large?
I think theatre plays a vital role at any time in society. It's reminded us that we are all different, but also so united in our experiences as humans. That togetherness always prevails and is the most beautiful thing.

What is your proudest achievement as a designer?
My proudest achievement of a designer would be that I am still here getting to do what I love.