Images by Vital Agibalow for Hensel
Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin, known for her remarkable music career and unwavering commitment to philanthropy, is a true inspiration in the modern world. Her life's journey has been marked not only by her family's legacy but by her dedication to music, her relentless pursuit of personal and artistic growth, and her commitment to philanthropic causes close to her heart.
Born into a lineage tracing back seven generations to the shipping and railroad magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt, Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin has certainly left her mark on the world. Her illustrious ancestry provides a fascinating backdrop to her extraordinary journey through the realms of music, fashion, and philanthropy, where she has harnessed her family's legacy to make a meaningful impact on the world.
During our conversation, as Costin and I delved into her more personal interests, such as her love for playing tennis, her impressive piano skills, and her adventurous spirit, her warmth and sincerity immediately shined through. Her charming, blended accent adds a delightful touch to her narrative as she opens up about her unique journey. Born in New York and raised in England, it was the latter where her musical career took root. "I spent six months completely in training, singing lessons, got into the choir, and really haven't shut up since, to be honest," she says.
Costin’s musical journey, an ascending crescendo of triumphs, not only saw her name grace several Billboard hits but also featured collaborations with esteemed artists such as Vanessa Carlton, Mya, and Joe Cocker. However, her path to success was far from smooth, marked by challenges that ranged from pressures to alter her appearance to doubts concerning the suitability of her name. In spite of these obstacles, Costin's journey has profoundly influenced her perspective, encapsulated by her sage advice: "Stay curious, be in your imagination, and don't let others dictate your path. Be inspired by their words, but always stay true to yourself."
Her early struggles in her musical career were the first layers of what she humorously dubs the "complex onion" that defines her. She reflected, "It was hard for me to find my voice, build my label, and gain control over navigating the career I wanted versus the one others expected. In the long run, that's the beauty of being an artist — it's your voice, your words, your story that truly resonates. The more you try to fit into a mold, the further you stray from being true to yourself."
Her journey led to the founding of C&R Productions, where she could unapologetically embrace her authentic self and significantly impact the music industry. It's a lesson she carries with her, inspiring others to follow their own paths, embrace their individuality, and find their authentic voices. During our conversation, as we explore her music career and touch upon her 2015 music video shot at the Vanderbilt Mansion, a location rich in history, it becomes evident that Costin embodies this philosophy. She delves into societal pressures and the arranged marriage expectations that weighed on Vanderbilt women in the past, and when asked about the insights these historical experiences offer women today, she underscores the importance of defining oneself in the present. "There's always going to be family expectations," she says. "You stand in truth for the things that you want so that you can actually be happy because life is pretty short."
Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin's philanthropic journey is equally inspiring as her musical career. She has extended her compassion and support to various causes, leaving a meaningful impact wherever she goes. Just one day before our conversation at the Town and Country Philanthropy Summit, Costin tells me she witnessed the dedication of philanthropic panelists and the emphasis on involving youth voices to drive change. She emphasizes the importance of young people engaging in causes close to them, "I really think, again, you can't conquer everything, and if you want to do something, well, fight for something that's actually important to you," she advises. Her words encapsulate her approach, focusing on causes aligned with her beliefs and personal experiences to maximize her philanthropic impact.
One of Costin's most cherished endeavors centers around raising awareness for ovarian cancer, a cause that gained deeply personal significance when her mother was diagnosed with the disease. This pivotal moment spurred her into active involvement with organizations dedicated to combating ovarian cancer, such as the Ovarian Cancer Coalition of Greater California. Her dedication to these organizations not only underscores her commitment but also exemplifies her determination to effect meaningful change. Reflecting on her mother's battle with ovarian cancer, she emphasizes,"My mother's battle with ovarian cancer was a defining moment in my life," she says. "It compelled me to channel my energy into raising awareness about this silent killer. We need to find ways to detect it early and save more lives."
Her involvement with the American Heart Association in 2016 is yet another testament to her unwavering commitment to philanthropy. "I have a responsibility to give back," Costin says. Serving as a legislative ambassador for the American Cancer Society, she has been a tireless advocate for causes close to her heart. And her philanthropic passion extends beyond well-known organizations, with a remarkable example being her role in assisting an individual, Jimmy Dennis, who spent 25.5 years on death row in finding justice. Her active management of his case and securing the life rights to his story shine a spotlight on the flaws in the justice system. She reflects, "I'm doing everything that I can to have his story told and the way that he wants to tell it to give him his voice."
Costin lives by the philosophy that "you lay with philanthropic areas, find what is directly impacting you or where you feel you can really make a difference." This approach ensures her efforts are not just impactful but deeply personal. Much like her music career, her philanthropic journey is a harmonious blend of success and compassion. Through her influence, she empowers individuals to take action and emphasizes that we all are responsible for making the world a better place.
