Born from the serene beauty of coastal living, Cosanila celebrates the artistry of hand block printing and sustainable fashion. The name itself is a blend of Coastal and the Hindi word for blue, Nila, capturing the calming hues of the ocean and sky. It’s a perfect reflection of the brand’s mission: to create timeless pieces that embody coastal elegance while embracing ethical production and sustainability.

Originally launched in May 2022 as Coastal Brahmin and rebranded in 2025, Cosanila has quickly carved out its niche as a slow-fashion label. The collections — from hand block-printed dresses and flowing kaftans to luxurious linens — are designed to elevate the coastal lifestyle. Inspired by the rugged beauty of Cape Cod, each piece marries sophisticated craftsmanship with the laid-back luxury of seaside living.

At the heart of the brand is founder Michele McCoy, whose love for the coast sparked the idea for Cosanila. She envisioned a brand that redefines slow fashion, where every design is crafted with care — from fabric selection to thoughtful, ethical production processes. Michele’s goal: to create enduring pieces that women can live in, love, and cherish.

Cosanila’s philosophy is simple yet powerful — invest in fashion and décor that last in both quality and style. Every design is created to be versatile, wearable, and timeless, offering women a way to embrace sustainability without sacrificing beauty.

Today, Cosanila’s creations blend sophistication with seaside charm, inviting you to embrace coastal elegance in a way that feels both effortless and refined. Each piece carries with it a story of artistry, sustainability, and timeless style — as enduring as the ocean itself.

We recently sat down with Michele for a quick chat about all things Cosanila—the brand’s beginnings, the inspirations behind her signature coastal style, and a few of her personal favorites along the way.

Ok, first things first; where does the business/brand name come from?

Michele: Cosanila is a coastal brand. Cosa is a play on coastal and Nila is blue in Hindi.

What inspired you to start the brand/go into business?

Michele: I was doing Interior Design for years and I fell in love with fabrics. I decided to design my own and have them hand block printed in India. Originally I was only going to do linens, but then I met a dressmaker and started doing that too.

How would you describe your style or aesthetic?

Michele: Coastal bohemian with a dash of prep. I just made that up.

Did you always have a passion for this industry?

Michele: Yes. I always admired designers who traveled to other countries to be inspired. Fashion and travel go so well together.

Who/What has inspired your career in this field?

Michele: I love what John Robshaw does — his products, his travel stories, his style. I am also obsessed with India Hicks. She is the ultimate bohemian. I love her old money English aesthetic combined with the Caribbean culture. I love all of her brand collaborations and business ideas, but most of all her humanitarian work.

What is the greatest reward of running your own business?

Michele: My freedom. I work a lot, but I can do it any time of day and anywhere I want to be for the most part. I have total control of my life.

What’s been the greatest challenge?

Michele: Scaling my business.

What is currently inspiring you creatively?

Michele: Cape Cod inspires me daily.

How have the sites and scenes of New England played into your brand?

Michele: Coastal colors are a huge inspiration — from the way light hits the ocean to the roses and hydrangeas to the weathered shingles. It’s also the ethereal feeling, a light and airy ocean breeze. Our cotton is usually 100% Cambric. It’s a super light yet durable cotton that’s perfect for beach weather. Our clothes are easy to wear.

What is your New England or Coastal happy place?

Michele: Cape Cod, of course.

My perfect day in that place would be…

Michele: A morning walk on the beach, lunch at an outdoor café, a stroll through the shops and galleries, then cocktails and dinner on the water.

Do you have a dream project, product, or collaboration?

Michele: I would love to work with a West Coast or European handbag company using my fabrics on (or inside) their bag.

Where do you see the brand in 5 years?

Michele: I would like Cosanila to be established in shops across the U.S. and looking to expand in Europe. I would also like to have two full-time employees.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Michele: The people who succeed are the ones who don’t give up.

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

Michele: “What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.” – Zig Ziglar

To round things out, we asked Michele to answer a few rapid-fire favorites. Simple choices, coastal instincts, and the little things that shape her everyday style.