In January 2025, we warmly welcomed renowned textile designer Dorothy Cosonas to Luum as our new Creative Director. Devoted to modern design, she is known for combining clean, clear color with elegant patterns and textures. Cosonas is currently working to broaden and evolve the brand with her unique approach to design that is highly influenced by fine art and fashion. Read on to learn more about her point of view and what’s new for Luum next year.

Where is your favorite place to be in NYC when you need inspiration?

It’s really hard to limit my answer to just one place. When you walk in NYC you can’t help but see new things or see things from a new perspective. Inspiration can also from my 3-4 newspaper reads and Women’s Wear Daily. My book collection is always a great source to revisit time and time again along with the many museum shows that happen every year. The open little secret is the current modern wing at the Met – you can often at times be surrounded by Rothkos and be the only person there.

Did you always know that you wanted to be a designer?

Growing up I don’t think the idea of being a designer was the first thing I ever thought about but I can tell you from a very young age I was focused on color and especially loved my red Stride Right shoes. I was also very picky about what I wore and what colors worked together in an outfit. Drawing came naturally to me so that led to studying Fine Arts at FIT and eventually to a degree in Textile Surface Design with a Minor in Weaving.

What is your design process like?

Along with the team I look at current collections to see what works and what’s already in the line. We also listen to the salesforce to get their read on what they need. From that I put together with the team a product plan trying to make sure we’re reinventing ourselves with each new collection. Once final design concepts are determined, we have to take these ideas and translate them into products. To do this well, it’s crucial to choose the appropriate mill to make a design a reality. I generally like to work with a variety of mills to create a collection / shape a point of view. All this is to attempt to make sure we consistently strive to lead and not follow.

What excites you the most about textiles?

I think it’s the same as what excites me about design – things that are functional, beautiful and bring joy – and when it’s something that you had a part in making, it is especially rewarding.

What materials are you drawn to work with?

Natural fibers / materials are really my first choice, but it comes down to what material performs best in the application that you are trying to supply a solution for.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned so far in your career?

How a textile is colored truly makes or breaks a product.The most beautiful pattern, texture or solid badly colored will not work. Color is visceral, emotional and exacting. It has to be right.

What does sustainability mean to you?

I look at sustainability as something more than just content. I view the goal is to produce product that is fresh and beautiful for today but is classic enough to be around for years until it literally wears out.

What is your favorite book on design?

This is another tough one - like picking a favorite child – Sleeping Beauties Reawakening Fashion by Andrew Bolton (from the Met Show in 2024) comes to mind right now.

What can you share about your debut collection for Luum in February 2026?

It will be a thoughtful combination of pattern, texture and color with the hope that it excites designers enough for them to want to use it.