Rising Stars: Meet Cori Lowe of Torrance

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cori Lowe.

Hi Cori, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey with Cori Michelle and COR started with a deep love for fashion and a belief that clothing should empower us to feel our best. Growing up in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, I had the unique experience of balancing life between the country and the city. I spent part of my childhood outdoors with horses and tractors and the other part was spent enjoying time with friends, shopping, and immersed in creativity. Some of my favorite memories are of designing outfits for my Barbie dolls alongside my Grammy, who was my first creative inspiration. Those moments with her planted the seed for my dream to create something meaningful in fashion.

After earning a BS in Business from the University of Wyoming, I moved to Los Angeles to study Fashion Design at FIDM. Later, I worked in advertising, where I honed skills in marketing and management – all of which became invaluable when I set out to build my own brand. My Grammy’s unwavering belief in me stayed with me, even after her passing in 2018. She was my biggest supporter, and her encouragement gave me the strength to finally bring Cori Michelle to life in 2022, honoring her memory with every piece.

Cori Michelle is dedicated to accessible luxury and effortless style for women, while COR is focused on versatile, high-performance athletic wear for active lifestyles. Both brands highlight vibrant colors and bold prints because I believe that color has the power to lift spirits and inspire confidence. I want to encourage women to live life in more color, because whether you’re at work, home, or just walking down the street, a little vibrancy makes life feel fuller and happier. Building these brands has been an incredible journey – one that’s fueled by passion, resilience, and a commitment to creating pieces that celebrate individuality.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There have definitely been challenges along the way. Building Cori Michelle and COR from the ground up has required persistence, adaptability, and a lot of learning. I started research and development in 2019 with hopes to launch in 2020, but COVID brought unexpected delays. While frustrating, this pause ended up being a silver lining, giving me time to refine my vision for both brands and ensure they would truly stand for something meaningful.

Finding reliable production partners was another significant hurdle. Although I am an experienced sewer and gained valuable skills at FIDM, taking on roles like pattern maker, sample maker, and project manager was challenging. It was especially difficult to find a full-service manufacturer open to close collaboration. The first one I worked with preferred that I stay less involved, focusing on their own bottom line. But as a startup founder, I knew I needed to be hands-on in every aspect to ensure my vision came through. This level of involvement has been essential to building a product that reflects my brand’s values.

Budgeting was another steep learning curve, especially with the high cost of U.S. production. I had to quickly master balancing quality with cost management. My husband, who works in logistics, was an incredible support here, helping me navigate sourcing materials and coordinating transport both domestically and internationally. His professional and personal support has made all the difference.

When I launched Cori Michelle the label, I started with a small collection of just seven styles, which made building brand recognition and loyalty a challenge. To support the growth of my women’s ready-to-wear line, I introduced Cori Michelle Boutique. This curated collection aligns with my mission of empowering women to wear color and print confidently. While Cori Michelle the label focuses on versatility and choice—allowing women to decide how much skin they want to show—the boutique offers styles that are sexy, beautiful, and a bit modest. This addition has expanded my reach while staying true to my vision of celebrating individuality.

Facing these challenges also inspired me to explore new methods, like print-on-demand for COR athletic wear, which helped reduce overhead while supporting sustainability. By minimizing waste and using eco-conscious techniques like sublimation printing, I am able to uphold my values. Each obstacle taught me resilience and strengthened my commitment to building my brands with integrity. Those early hurdles are now part of my foundation, and I’m grateful for the lessons they brought.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At Cori Michelle, I focus on creating fashion-forward, ready-to-wear pieces that seamlessly blend style with comfort, designed for women who want to feel chic and confident in their everyday lives. Each piece in my collection is crafted with thoughtful, innovative design details that add flexibility and functionality. For example, I developed the XO Cami, an included piece that pairs with its matching dress or top to provide bust coverage and create the look of a single garment. This cami, which isn’t sold separately, offers three styling options: with the dress or top for a modest look, on its own for a sleeker silhouette, or just the dress or top for a more daring vibe. My dresses and skirts feature functional buttons running from waist to hem, allowing each piece to be buttoned up for a more conservative style or unbuttoned to show a bit more leg. To address common issues, I designed these buttons to be sewn closed from the hem up about 6-7 inches, preventing any gaping around the midsection when sitting or standing.

Practicality is essential to me, so I’ve ensured my jumpsuits, skirts, and dresses include pockets whenever possible and are crafted with taller women in mind—addressing common frustrations I’ve heard from friends, family, and other women seeking more functional clothing options.

Meanwhile, COR is my line for active women on the go, combining high-performance athletic wear with style. I’ve designed bold, fun prints to make sure COR pieces stand out—not just at the gym but also while running errands or tackling everyday tasks. I’m incredibly proud of the impact both brands have had, especially when customers share how confident, empowered, and beautiful they feel wearing these pieces.

What truly sets my work apart is my commitment to blending performance with style across a range of looks that allow women to express themselves authentically, whether they’re at the gym, at work, or out on the town.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love the balance that we have here in Torrance, it’s hard to find elsewhere—close proximity to LA’s vibrancy, but with a quieter, more laid-back atmosphere. The parks, beach access, and family-friendly neighborhoods make it a wonderful place to live and work.

Pricing:

• High-quality, stylish designs at an accessible, affordable price.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.corimichelle.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corimichellexo
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/corimichellexo