Kathleen Marie’s journey into the world of fashion began unexpectedly in a 9th-grade history class. During a reenactment of the French Revolution, she witnessed a performer dressed as Marie Antoinette, but with a twist – the nun portraying the queen wore a vintage fur coat adorned with rhinestones and costume jewelry. This striking, yet tragic depiction of the infamous queen sparked a lifelong fascination with 18th-century French history and fashion that would shape her career as a designer.
This early intrigue blossomed into the creation of Kathleen Marie Couture, where the designer’s passion for historical elegance is blended with modern artistry. One of her most notable endeavors, Antoinette’s Atelier, draws direct inspiration from the flamboyant and opulent Marie Antoinette era. Kathleen’s designs are anything but conventional, embodying femininity through a lens of extravagance and unique detail. Her creations range from whimsical pink wigs housing birdcages to striking crimson headpieces topped with intricate pirate ships, offering a blend of beauty and a touch of dark mystery.
Her designs are often embellished with oversized bows, lace, cameos, and sparkling Swarovski crystals, and are presented alongside delicate watercolor illustrations of aristocratic figures painted on distressed silk. Marie describes her work as a mix of “glitter and doom,” combining beauty with an edgy twist.
Kathleen’s artistic approach has garnered a diverse clientele over the years. From custom ballerina dresses for a Swan Lake themed event to corsets for Destiny’s Child and latex bras for Victoria’s Secret, her designs have spanned across various realms of fashion and entertainment. Yet, despite her success, the road to where she is today was paved with trial and error.
Early on, Kathleen was her own client, designing “going out” clothes that reflected her personal style. One of her first creations, a corset made from tablecloth vinyl, was a learning experience that didn’t quite hold up but proved valuable in the long run. “It lasted about five minutes before it split down the side,” she recalls, laughing at the memory. She continued to push forward, and despite brief stints in fashion school, she remains largely self-taught when it comes to mastering the craft of sewing.
Kathleen draws inspiration from a variety of sources, with designers such as LaCroix, Galliano, Dior, and McQueen influencing her work. She holds a particular quote from Galliano close to her heart: “Even when things were really bad, I never once thought ‘that’s it, now get on with your life.’” For Kathleen, this resonates deeply, reflecting the challenges and perseverance that come with being an artist. Alongside these influences, her walls are adorned with images of 18th-century fashion plates and icons like Cher and Elvis Presley—two figures who have shaped her artistic journey.
Despite moving beyond her early designs, such as the ill-fated tablecloth corset, Kathleen’s sense of experimentation remains strong. One of her recent pieces, a grand ball gown made from 100 yards of tulle and beaded lace, was inspired by the very drapes in her studio. “I took them down and literally made a dress with them,” she explains. In addition to this, she is working on custom pieces for a Circus/Steampunk stage production and creating extravagant powdered wigs that will be displayed in Versailles.
Kathleen’s recent move from Brooklyn to upstate New York has allowed her to expand her creative space, enabling her to focus more deeply on her work. “I have a studio that is five times bigger,” she says, appreciating the newfound peace and space that aids her artistic growth.
In addition to fashion design, Kathleen is also an illustrator, painter, and sculptor, constantly exploring different mediums of expression. Her future aspirations are ambitious—she plans to feature her one-of-a-kind designs in boutiques, create a line of high-fashion dolls, and even curate a fine art exhibition that blends live models in her gowns with her artwork and photography.
Kathleen’s creative journey goes beyond just fashion; she aims to delve into the human experience with every project. “Clothing and costume are too vacant on their own,” she says. “I like narratives, ornaments with meaning. I like dealing with the whole human subject, not just a part of it.”
Through Kathleen Marie Couture, she has made a lasting impact on the fashion world, and her quest for artistic fulfillment continues to evolve. One thing is certain: Kathleen Marie has no intention of slowing down anytime soon.
