Cosima Swayze

Interview with Cosima Swayze

We were thrilled to ask Cosima Swayze a few questions about the development and inspiration behind her brand. We also discussed her relationship with Lotty and Mustique!

📸 Lotty B: A young Cosima modelling original hand painted Lotty B sarongs on Mustique

Childhood Holidays on Mustique

PH: We have some fabulous photos of you wearing Lotty B as a child—what do you remember of holidays on Mustique?

CS: I spent much of my childhood on Mustique and consider it a home away from home. Diving into the warm, salty sea at Macaroni Beach during school holidays was pure joy. We grew close to our cousins, and I adored modeling my Aunt Lotty’s beautiful designs for the Pink House. Every visit instantly transports me back to those magical days—the scent of Caribbean air, sandy feet, and a rum punch at Basil’s to watch the sunset.

📸 Sophie Fauchier: Cosima wearing a Ray print silk kaftan at a Mustique picnic

📸 Lotty B: Cosima and Eleanor modelling Lotty B's stunning hand painted silk sarongs at Lagoon Bay

Inspiration and Interior Design

PH: Growing up surrounded by creative people, when did your love for interior design emerge and who inspired you the most?

CS: I’ve always loved beautiful design in homes, art, jewelry, and fashion. Travel shaped my eye from a young age, exploring homes with distinct styles and noticing the details. My biggest inspiration is my mother, Eleanor Cardozo, whose dedication to art and family instilled in me a deep appreciation for beauty in everyday life.

📸 Lotty B: Cosima wearing a Leaves print silk sarong by Lotty B

First Commissions and Travel Inspiration

PH: What was your first or favorite commission?

CS: My first commission was a home overlooking Lake Geneva, Switzerland, where I curated tabletop pieces and accessories. It remains special because I still visit and see the pieces being enjoyed.

PH: Where do you draw inspiration from?

CS: Travel is my greatest inspiration. Paris and Milan during design week are highlights. I also love traveling alone, as my best ideas often come mid-flight with no distractions.

📸 BTS: Cosima at a studio shoot, wearing Passionfruit silk chiffon Ellie kaftan

Family and Creativity

PH: What is it like being part of such a big family?

CS: I come from a large, deeply creative family. My mother is one of ten, and six are artists. Creativity is part of daily life—drawing, painting, sculpting, making things by hand. We rarely watched TV, and there was never a dull moment!

📸 Lotty B: Cosima in the Mustique shallows, wearing a Shell print silk kaftan

Visits to Mustique and Motherhood

PH: How often do you visit Mustique?

CS: We visited every year growing up. Now living in Los Angeles with my own family, I hope to give my son the same magical experiences.

📸 Lotty B: Cosima wearing a Lotty B silk chiffon sarong in Bicycle print

PH: How has motherhood impacted your work?

CS: Motherhood has made me more intentional and focused on projects. I’ve learned to make every decision count and not waste a single moment.

📸 Lotty B: BTS with Cosima at Gelliceaux Beach with photographer Kate Martin, wearing silk chiffon "Ellie" kaftan, Ray print by Lotty B

Favorite Pieces and Current Projects

PH: What’s your favorite PH and PHM piece?

CS: It’s impossible to choose! I’ve been collecting PHM since childhood. My favorites include the Cosima & Ellie chiffon kaftans and for homeware, the Sage Green Palms fine bone china. Perfect for entertaining in LA!

PH: Is there anything new in the pipeline?

CS: I’ve launched my online store, www.shopcosima.com, with limited drops created with master craftsmen worldwide. The first drop is the ‘Wave’ glass, mouth-blown in Murano, featuring an organic, sensual form.

Cosima's Wave glasses, placemats, napkins, and mini woven bread baskets alongside Lotty's fine bone china and tablecloths were photographed at a collaborative picnic they hosted at Lagoon Bay, Mustique in October 2025.

We are very grateful to Cosima for taking the time to share her story. We loved learning about her work and her use of the Pink House Home Palms dinner service in her tablescaping!