About Cosmic Couture

Berlin-based designer and performance artist Tatjana Warnecke founded her fashion label over 10 years ago. Her experiences on stage and a passion for extreme fashion set the tone for this extraterrestrial collection.

The appeal of the „COSMIC - COUTURE - COLLECTION“ lies in the high quality, unique design of its futuristic glossy ribbed material constructed in an elegant Si-Fi style. This collection features extreme-tailored cuts which accentuate the feminine or the masculine. Choose between glossy or matte black.

All materials used are produced in Germany and all designs are quality assured for form-fitting to guarantee the most comfort. The collection is available in authorized boutiques in different countries.

Following an interview Tatjana did with Ayden:

Ayden: Do you remember the first moment when you realised that you wanted to become a fashion designer?
Tatjana Warnecke: Interesting question… I never intended to be a designer let alone a fetish fashion designer. In 1995 I decided to stop working as an employee, I wanted to start a fulfilled life without fear of failure. I chose to make a living from my art. I started with performance because I was trained in classical ballet and it was a minimal investment. Wasn’t long before i had my own show company and a big deal with a show agency, so I had a need for show outfits. I wanted to have something futuristic, durable, sensual, and easy to perform in. I couldn’t find the right outfits, so I decided to make them myself. That’s when I discovered the materials that I still currently work with.
Once on stage I got enormously positive feedback for my performances…and the clothes, so I started thinking about selling them.  I’ve always been a perfectionist and what I envisioned from the start was to deliver such outstanding quality and comfort, that I could put my own name on them. That final step took years…At first I opened my own little shop, and then I finally had production and marketing covered. However my materials and designs were too extraordinary for the small town of Nürnberg and I could not make a living from it. I closed my store and decided to sell these items to fetish boutiques, firstly in Germany and then in other countries across Europe, and I continue to do so. What makes me really happy is that performance and fashion are connected once again. My best designs are born when I have to prepare for a show.

Ayden: Have you always lived in  Berlin?

Is it a good base for your work?

Tatjana Warnecke: I was ready for Berlin and Berlin was ready for me! It was important to build up the collection and label prior to moving to Berlin. In a small town like Nürnberg it’s easier to focus on my work without distractions…I had to be disciplined, to travel a lot, and Nürnberg was ideal. To build up the label I spent years on the road, setting up fashion shows and selling my collection to boutiques as well as partying with my clients, models and performance partners. It was fantastic but tiring. At some point I realised that I had layed a strong foundation and to take things to the next level – I needed to move to Berlin. There is no other city where you have such a great concentration of artists, where new ideas are welcomed with enthusiasm. It’s a trend setting city!

Ayden: Your blog mention, that you have an interest in historic rituals … ?
Tatjana Warnecke: I am convinced that it is very human to celebrate rituals. This is evident since the beginning of humanity in every continent. People come together, like family in a community, from far away places, for a special night… they change into different people. They wear make up, costumes, take drugs and dance till euphoria. My party life in the fetish scene is very close to this basic desire. It’s natural, and healthy. I need to experience and absorb that energy. Otherwise life would feel robotic.

Ayden: What kind of people do you imagine wearing your designs?
Tatjana Warnecke: Good question. As a designer, when developing a collection you have your customer in mind. You know what they want and prefer. With this collection it was completely different. I had my designs and needed to find the right clients for them. My collection ranges from female, male and everyting in between. My customers have to be mature and self-confident because people will be watching. They are different from the masses, and have a high regard towards quality. They feel good in their own skin… My outfits are now on stage, exhibitions, and on TV (eg. Germany’s next top model). A separative aspect about the collection is that my customers are imagined to be elegant and chic rather then clumsy and trashy.

Ayden: Am I correct in assuming you are a fan of science-fiction?
Tatjana Warnecke: I love the sci-fi aesthetic and I can relate to it. The narrow cuts, the clear lines, the reduced colour and the hi-tech form. These are all aspects of my current collection and I will continue to work between these lines. My aim is and will be to be the fetish fashion designer that has made this tech aspect a signature. I’ve recently noticed my clothes being worn at LARP (Live Action Role Playing) events which I find fascinating. I’m also currently looking into new technologies such as smart fabrics and LED light-wear.

Ayden: Based on your wealth of experience, do you have any advice for our readers?
Tatjana Warnecke: Change your life if you feel unhappy – there’s no need to fear the new and unknown. Search for your meaning and work with discipline. Be thankful, that you are on the way and never give up. When a problem appears there is always a solution. Avoid being around people that don’t believe in you. If you feel like asking for advice it is important to ask the right person. Write your goal down in one short sentence and believe you can accomplish it. Avoid material goals as they will only come as a result of your personal success. You will be surprised at how willing people are to help you on your way.