Any brand I deem worth it, can find loyalty in me. The inverse of this is also painstakingly true. So when l endorse something, I’m undoubtedly in.
Madewell, sister company to J. Crew and creative directed by unconventional “it-girl” Alexa Chung, has been my recent muse. Their designs are exceptionally modern, practical, and made well.
Denim by Madewell
My first post to this blog a few months ago, highlighted my first Madewell purchase, 'boy jeans.' Since then, I’ve purchased four additional pieces, and currently eyeing another two. All, incredibly unique staples, and most, I’ve already worn countlessly and they're still in pristine condition.
When on a budget, it’s not always easy to justify a $100 pair of denim pants or a $50 skirt, however the quality of wear speaks for itself over time. When I find a design flattering, I reach for it constantly, so durability is a huge selling point. I am also a firm believer in buying less clothing worth more, so naturally, Madewell targets me. Designs are practical, yet unique enough to warrant appeal despite cost, i.e., value.
I am no official ambassador just yet, but I am a person who likes and buys their clothes. There’s never not a sale or an incredible curated display. They always find a way to both highlight the quality of their sourced material, and appeal to the diverse werabilty of any Madewell item.
Given the heat some massive companies may come under for labor law violations and unethical material sourcing, it would be nice for Madewell to openly disclose this information. However, I find their recent repurposed denim donation campaign, and frequent collaborations with young designers, to be an indirect answer to some of those concerns.
Skirt by Madewell
Madewell is a young company on the rise. So in supporting them, I feel as though I’m truly supporting a company that could easily surpass it predecessor (J Crew) in the coming years. Even more so, I’ve fallen in love with their origin story, a tell tale comeback narrative. Originally founded in England in 1937, and later dismantled, they were revamped in 2006 under the J Crew umbrella. They exist now as what feels like a love project, revamping the vision of what was first a mom and pop shop. Though ties to the founding family have since been severed, the Madewell brand is making new strides, in their own right. ©
On Madewell for the series, “Ethical Allure.”