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From homeless in LA to the 'Queen of Melrose'

Cosmo Lombino grew up with a father in the mob, and a reckless approach to drugs and alcohol. Cosmo found success as a stylist, but lost it all when addiction took over.

Cosmo Lombino is a fashion icon, having dressed Nicole Kidman, NSYNC, Britney Spears, Beyoncé and Lana Del Rey. She grew up in Harlem with a father who had associations with the mob; FBI agents would raid the house as meatballs simmered on the stove. Her chaotic childhood in the 80s was loving, with a deep vein of religion, but cocaine use was common in Cosmo's family. Still her talents and work ethic were undeniable and despite her own drug use, Cosmo opened her shop on Melrose Avenue in LA and started dressing the rich and famous. But when addiction caught up with her, she lost her business and had to fight to get her life and empire back.

Presenter: Mobeen Azhar
Producer: Caroline Ferguson

Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com or WhatsApp +44 330 678 2707

Photo: Cosmo Lombino aka The Queen of Melrose Credit: Cosmo Lombino

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41 minutes

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Podcast: Lives Less Ordinary

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