Cosmo’s star is shining brighter than ever.
The “Queen of Melrose” was honored Monday night by West Hollywood City Council for her contributions to the fashion industry and the LGBTQ community. Cosmo has spent over 30 years as a stylist, fashion designer, entrepreneur — and most recently, TikTok star — shaping the local fashion scene and supporting LGBTQ visibility.
@wehoonline @cosmo_queen_of_melrose @wehocity ♬ original sound – WehoOnline
She began her career as a stylist at a boutique on Melrose Avenue, where she gained attention for her unique style, attracting high-profile clients such as Madonna. In 2010, Cosmo launched her own boutique, Cosmo’s Glam Squad, and expanded her business with two additional boutiques, solidifying her status in the fashion world. Her work has helped increase LGBTQ visibility in fashion, and her boutiques have become known as places for LGBTQ+ individuals to explore self-expression.
In her gruff voice, the fabulously dressed Cosmo described difficulties she faced after the 2020 riots and looting that took place during the George Floyd protests, when her shop was destroyed and damages were not covered by insurance.
“It was a really bad time, and since then, I’ve been really kind of chasing my tail, trying to, like, keep my doors open, you know, for fashion,” Cosmo said. “And yeah, I get the celebrity and that’s great, but man cannot live on Beyoncé alone, you know?”
Everything changed when Cosmo shared her story of overcoming addiction on the documentary series Soft White Underbelly. People began visiting her stores just to connect with her and express their gratitude.
“I’ve been on social media for only seven months, and I literally get DMs from all over the world saying, ‘I’m sober because of you. You know, I can be authentic. If I want to wear a wig or lashes or just be myself,'” Cosmo said. “And it’s not only just the LGBTQ community, it’s everyone.”
She feels blessed with the second chance in life that sobriety gave her.
“I want to thank God for showing me miracle happens,” she said.
@cosmo_queen_of_melrose The most important lesson I learned since getting sober @Soft White Underbelly #softwhiteunderbelly #sobriety #cosmoqueen ♬ original sound – COSMO QUEEN OF MELROSE
In what ways has social media impacted Cosmo’s connection with her customers and the broader community since she started sharing her story?
A cigarette smoker wearing a t-shirt with the word “WHORE” spelled out in rhinestones is a praiseworthy example of cutting edge fashion sense and LGBT visibility?
Lovely, ain’t it. Apparently the goal is a race to the bottom.
Nov is 29 years we showed up, helping others into sobriety. We all knew Cosmo 20 years ago. Unfortunately the Weho narcissistic abuse and serious felonies of unsober not only ran us all out of Weho, businesses damaged and property/vehicles stolen etc, the lack of caring in Weho and LA County is too real. Being sent by Rehabs or 501c3s to do free Interventions led to strangulation attack from bad guys in one, Weho LASD was late, never arrested serious felons. When gang members from Asian gang traffickers in LA County found their escaped sex trafficking victims, even we were… Read more »