Since I have a rather unique job, especially for Southeastern Wisconsin, I get asked quite frequently about what it is that I do and how it all works. I thought it would be beneficial to put together a lingerie FAQ to answer some questions about lingerie. Some of you wrote in and asked me your lingerie questions so I will answer those first then get to the questions I personally receive on a daily basis!
Read MoreWow! I simply do not even know where to begin because my experience with Unadorned Magazine has been nothing short of amazing!
Read MoreToday Styled By Madalyn Joy is giving Forever Young Photography a warm welcome to the blog! I am so thrilled to be featuring Rebekah Luedcke of Forever Young Photography. We met just about two months ago now through our mutual friend, Bonnie Neumann, and ever since we have been making fashion magic happen!
Read MoreGood Morning + Happy Monday! Today, I am sharing what I wear to work on a typical weekday when I have fittings + meetings and illustrating + sewing work to do in the studio.
Read MoreWelcome to my new studio space! I am so very excited to be sharing the new space with you today! Since it has been about 2 months since I officially moved in, I thought it would be fun to just share the story of how I found the space, how it all came together, and how much I love having a proper place to work from.
Read More
Madalyn posing in front of the Moda step and repeat before the show with her hand lettered sign by Emma Conklin.
From left to right: Ashley Brehmer, Danika Tramburg, Dani Fessler, Miriam Hughes, and Josie Smith
Madalyn posing with models, Josie and Dani, after the show.
The fabulous models giving one last pose backstage before they walk the runway.
The fashion industry is a place where everyone is ALWAYS looking forward.
What's the newest trend? Who is the next up and coming designer? Who is the hottest new model?
While designers are showing their current collection, they already have their next collection in production and have already started designing the following collection! It is so easy to get swept up in the fast paced nature of the industry and since everyone is always looking forward to what's next, we all forget to just sit and enjoy the present.
When Kelsey and Reilly, the co-creative directors for Moda, reached out to me asking if I wanted to participate in the show, I really had to sit and think about it. Not because I didn't want to do it but primarily because I did not know if I would have the time to create a new collection, photograph it, find models, and spend the day in Madison for the show all the while starting my own design business. Ultimately, I decided to live in the present and enjoy the opportunities that were being presented to me in that moment.
I previously shared a blog post talking about my inspiration for this collection so I won't go into too much detail regarding that but in short, the collection was inspired by 1920's Paris and the Moulin Rouge. I used the rich colors of black, red, and gold to give the collection the luxurious feel of that time.
The looks read really well on the runway and the satin and chiffon skirts glided beautifully on the runway. Adding a flowy fabric as a skirt, cape, or sleeve really helps the lingerie pieces come to life. It gives them that extra bit of movement they need for the runway.
I had mentioned in my Instagram post yesterday that you always have to expect the unexpected especially when it comes to fashion. That was very true for the show on Friday because one of my models ended up getting sick a couple of hours before the show... the kind of sick that doesn't really let you get out of bed. Thankfully, the day before, Josie, a friend who had modeled for me in the past, sent me a message saying she would be in town and could model if I needed her to! Long story short, Josie arrived just as the show was starting, we got her dressed and ready, and she strutted her stuff on the runway to close the show!
Thank you SO much to everyone who helped out in anyway to make this show possible! I don't know what I would do without the support from my amazing family and friends. You all seriously amaze me every day and I love you all so very much!
Thank you to Moda for hosting such a great event and for including me in the show. Thank you to Kelsey and Reilly for putting on an amazing show and for asking me to be a part of it. Thank you to my family for coming to the show and for always being so supportive. Thank you to my good friend, Anna, for coming to the show and helping out backstage with all the finishing touches. Thank you to Ben for coming to the show aka your very first fashion show but definitely not your last! Thank you to my fabulous models-Ashley, Danika, Josie, Dani, and Miriam-you all made my designs come to life on the runway!
Stay tuned for the runway shots from the photographers! I'll be getting them over the next couple of days and sharing the more professional shots with you all as well. :)
Also, the amazing Alexa Carlson interviewed me for the show and wrote a great article about the collection. You can check out my designer profile HERE.
xoxo
Madalyn Joy
Reilly Koch wearing the Madalyn Joy "Reilly" slip dress photographed by Kelsey Daykin in Madison, WI. 2017.
I was so excited when Reilly reached out to me inquiring about working together and creating a piece of custom lingerie for her! It is just so fun to be able to work one on one with a client and go through each step of the design process together. The designer to client relationship is truly my favorite thing about being a bespoke fashion designer. :)
As always, to get things started I asked Reilly to create a Pinterest board with inspirational images. Most of the lingerie was black (which I can totally relate to! haha) and very versatile. Why limit your beautiful lingerie to just your home!? So we opted to design a satin slip dress with lace details. That way Reilly could wear it during the day styled with a jean jacket and boots and in the evening throw on a pair of heels and a clutch and be ready for a girls night out. Perfect for busy ladies on the go!
However, I did have two requests of Reilly when designing her slip dress: that I could name the slip dress after her and share a blog post of her modeling her new design. I'd say those are some pretty fun perks! One of the things I love about starting and growing a small business is that there is a lot of room to carve out your own path and add signature touches. The women who wear and model the lingerie are truly more important than the lingerie because they are the ones who bring it to life and are the inspiration behind all the designs. I definitely want to start naming more new styles after the amazing women who order and/or model them. How fun to have a style named after you!? So excited to have the brand new Reilly slip dress be a part of the Madalyn Joy family. :)
Reilly, thank you for collaborating and for being one of the best clients I have ever worked with! You look absolutely beautiful! I can't wait for you to celebrate your birthday in your new Reilly slip dress! Cheers!
xoxo
Madalyn Joy
Madalyn Manzeck photographed in her now old studio by Cassie Sterwald in 2016. Since these photos were taken, Madalyn has moved into a new studio and plans to share photos of the space at the end of March.
Life has kind of been a magical whirlwind lately and I've been savoring every single moment. I recently moved into a brand new studio space located on the marina in downtown Port Washington, Wisconsin. I absolutely, positively love and adore my new studio.
I had been struggling with finding a work life balance and the studio has already tremendously helped. Having a designated space where I "go to work" has restored some of the balance I was lacking in my life. I've been struggling with some issues in my personal life i.e. quarter life crisis issues and I have truly been finding solace in my work. I wake up excited to go to my studio and design new looks and create garments and converse with clients and source fabrics and type up estimates and search for inspiration on a daily basis.
I think I have found what wholly makes me happy... simply doing what I LOVE each and every day. Truly every day because I am currently sitting in my studio on a sunny Sunday afternoon as I am typing up this blog post. When you truly love something, time doesn't exist. The minutes and hours and days and weeks and months feel like no time has passed because you're so engulfed and consumed by what your heart and soul craves. Yes, it sounds absolutely ridiculous but if you have found your passion in life, then you understand exactly what I mean.
The month of March is going to be a crazy busy one! I wanted to share a "working in the studio" post because that is what my entire month of March is going to look like. I won't be sharing as much on the blog other than the new lingerie collection updates simply because I won't have the time to be creating new content specifically for the blog. However, I am really excited to be documenting my entire design process with this new lingerie collection. I'll be sharing every look from start to finish!
As always, thank you so much for stopping by and checking in to see what's new! What is your passion? What makes you happiest in life? Where do you find your solace?
xoxo
Madalyn Joy
Photo credit (clockwise from upper left): Agent Provocateur // Vintage Everyday // Refinery 29 // German Vogue // Josephine Baker // Vintage Venus // BuzzFeed // Vintage Venus // Little Pawz
Illustrations by Madalyn Manzeck. 2017.
Moda Magazine, an online magazine in Madison, reached out to me a couple of weeks ago and asked if I would be interested in participating in their annual UW Fashion Week finale fashion show. I was a part of Moda for most of my college career and was thrilled at the opportunity to participate and give back to an organization that was so generous to me during my time there.
I agreed to participate in the show under two conditions...
1. I would show my collection last and close the show.
2. I would create an entirely new collection specifically for the finale fashion show.
I was absolutely thrilled to hear yes and yes! I showed one of my evening gown collections at the finale show three years ago so it will be so fun to come back and debut a brand new lingerie collection!
As shown above, I just finished creating my mood board and fashion illustrations for the new collection. I am still sourcing and ordering materials and cannot wait to get started this next week! I have always been drawn to lingerie, 1920's glamour, and Paris and finally realized that the Moulin Rouge combined all three sources of inspiration. Truly the best of all three worlds!
I am planning to have the models strut down the catwalk to "I Don't Wanna Live Forever" by Taylor Swift ft. Zayn from the new film 50 Shades Darker. I want the collection to have a very Victoria's Secret Fashion Show feel to it with the models walking with high energy and a sexy strut.
Since I will be busy working on creating a brand new collection, I will be posting more about the collection process and behind the scenes (aka behind the seams) shots so you all can see the design process from start to finish. I am sharing the very first sneak peek below of the final look of the collection. What do you think so far!?
Draping the final look of the collection that Nicole Petrie will be modeling to close the show!
Sassy and lacy back detail!
Also, I just got a brand new studio space so once I am all moved in I will be sharing photos of the space. I want it to have lots of color and pattern and just be a happy, bright environment where I want to work everyday. I also want my friends, family, and clients to all want to visit and feel comfortable and happy there.
Sourcing fabrics and collecting swatches with a little Devil Wears Prada fun!
I am really loving my new studio space! I like to share my day to day details on my Instagram stories and Snapchat. :) #BehindTheSeams
There are lots of new and exciting things happening just in time for spring to be on its way with lots of sunshine and warmer days! I look forward to sharing my lingerie collection design process with you all!
xoxo
Madalyn Joy
I am so happy and thrilled to be collaborating with the ever fabulous Emma Leuman of Elsewhere Magazine! We met through Moda Magazine when we were both studying at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and connected through our mutual love of fashion. Now we both are enjoying post grad life and continuing to pursue fashion through blogging. Emma reached out to me a couple of weeks back to collaborate and, of course, I said YES right away!
Emma is such a girl boss and goes after what she wants. I love her fashionably moody aesthetic on Instagram and I definitely love reading Elsewhere Magazine to stay up to date on the fashion industry's news and happenings. It is great because she highlights the main points so you can stay up to date even when you're on the go! Emma and I both shared a bit about ourselves on each other's blogs and chatted about how we got involved in fashion, what our niches are, our blogging process, and why collaborating with fellow girl bosses is SO important.
Thanks so much for stopping by and enjoy getting to know Emma and all things Elsewhere Magazine!
xoxo
Madalyn Joy
Hi! My name is Emma Leuman and I am the creator of Elsewhere Magazine, a digital publication designed to provide fashion-obsessed outsiders a place to discuss the fashion industry and find community. As an outsider myself (born in raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin - maybe one of the least fashionable cities in America), I wanted to give people a place to be a part of the world that they had a passion for, without feeling judged by so-called fashion insiders. Fashion has an incredible community, and we should all be able to be a part of it! This is the basis behind this collaboration with Styled by Madalyn Joy - to open our audiences to new perspectives on the industry that we both love. Thanks again for inviting me to contribute, Madalyn!
What first drew you to the fashion industry?
My first experiences with fashion came through magazines. I would spend hours flipping through their glossy pages, studying the ads as much as the editorials to see which trends were arising that season and which models I could identify from previous issues. I loved the way that reporters could accurately and succinctly describe clothing in a way that made couture collections feel like poetry.
How did you first get involved in the fashion industry?
My first point of access to getting more involved in fashion was through my university’s fashion and lifestyle magazine. I was able to learn from more experienced members of the magazine about what the industry was like, how to write for a fashion publication and how a publication is run. I was also able to discover what I truly enjoyed writing about! I was drawn to pieces that examined fashion as a business, as well as feature-length pieces about the cultural implications of fashion.
My next step toward ingratiating myself into the fashion world was to start a blog. What began as a lifestyle blog quickly transitioned into the fashion-focused publication that Elsewhere Magazine is today! I have been writing for my blog-turned-magazine for over two years now and don’t see myself stopping anytime soon. I believe that adding new and unique voices to a conversation that is all-too-often dominated by “insiders” is important and necessary!
What is your specific niche/voice in the fashion industry?
I believe that my specific voice can be defined as that of an outsider. I have never been invited to a New York Fashion Week show, nor have I written for a renowned publication or attended a major industry event. I have, however, developed an intense passion for fashion through years of research and observation - and I think that makes me as qualified as anyone is to have an opinion on clothing, trends, models and fashion as a business. My voice is a welcoming one, one that that encourages everyone (regardless of status and experience) to develop their own outlook on fashion. After all, as consumers ourselves we have the ultimate say in what trends become profitable and which flop at the department store!
What does your blogging process look like?
My blogging process has varied over the course of developing Elsewhere Magazine, but in this moment it is a mix between having a plan and keeping up with current events. I am constantly keeping up with outlets such as Fashionista and The Business of Fashion in order to see what is happening in the industry. As an outsider that does not yet receive press releases from major brands (someday!), it is difficult to be a “news-breaking” outlet. I see Elsewhere Magazine more as a source of analysis of current events, as well as a place where they can be discussed.
Why is collaborating important to you?
Collaboration is the key to progressing in any facet of life. For example, as an athlete it is difficult to improve beyond a certain point of ability without collaborating with a coach. As an artist or entrepreneur, you look for mentors to help take you to the next level. In this case, collaborating allows us to be exposed to other audiences, as well as provide support and express our admiration for other fashion-obsessed creatives! I am so thrilled that Madalyn has allowed me to contribute to her incredible blog. I admire her ability to take all of her dreams to the next level and am overjoyed to be a part of it all.
Emma Leuman, Madalyn Manzeck, and Courtney Pelot photographed at the "Party Like Gatsby" WUD banquet back in 2014. We all look like babies! haha
Make sure to visit Elsewhere Magazine (here!) and follow along on Instagram (@elsewheremag)!
Lauren Engelke photographed on Lake Mendota in Madison, WI. 2017. Wearing Madalyn Joy Designs and denim and shoes from her own collection.
Collaboration and community are two very important C words to me... the third being couture. ;) Building a supportive community and network of fellow creatives allows everyone involved to grow and work together which eventually leads to collaboration. It is so easy to scroll through social media and immediately view everyone as competition; however, I try to immediately replace competition with collaboration. Instead of knocking one another down, we should be building one another up and what better way to do that than collaborating and working together!?
Lauren and I met about two years ago when I was organizing Moda's Couture and Cocktails event and she was featuring her designs. I just remembered her being so sweet and talented that when she reached out to me a couple months ago to collaborate, it was an immediate yes! We didn't quite know what we necessarily wanted to do but we knew it would be fun to work together to create something outside of both of our comfort zones.
Eventually we decided on styling some of my designs in a new way inspired by New York Fashion Week street style. I like to describe my style and design aesthetic as classic with a twist so I was all for styling my designs in a new and fresh way. Lauren's inspirational images really honed in on the trend of pairing dresses with denim. It was something fun that I had never thought to try!
We shot the looks on the frozen Lake Mendota in Madison back in January and I think we both just loved how the shots turned out in addition to the cool, fresh styling. I just absolutely love the mix of the velvet gown with the denim and the sneakers! Such an unexpected yet amazing combination!
I loved collaborating with Lauren because it was just so fun and easy going. I just think it is so beneficial to collaborate because each person brings a unique perspective to the table. Thank you Lauren for reaching out and wanting to collaborate! You totally rocked the looks!
xoxo
Madalyn Joy
Ben Rennicke and Madalyn Manzeck photographed by Cassie Sterwald in Port Washington, WI. 2017. Both are wearing looks from their own personal collections.
Valentine's Day may get a bad rap for its "cheesy" reputation; however, it is a wonderful opportunity to hit the pause button and take a moment to share your love and appreciation for family, friends, and significant others.
I love putting together little gifts for my girlfriends just to remind them how much I value our friendship and to show how proud I am of all their amazing accomplishments. I enjoy getting little sweet treats for my family members because we all really love our dessert! I also love getting a card and enjoying a nice dinner together with Ben on Valentine's Day. We typically keep it pretty casual but it is a nice reminder to be thankful and appreciative of one another.
In an effort to truly keep it short and sweet, Ben and I wanted to share our top 10 favorite things we love about each other. We've known each other for 10 years (dated for 7) so it is only fitting we share our top ten! :)
10 Things Ben Loves About Madalyn
1. She is super creative. She is constantly creating and coming up with new and exciting ideas!
2. She is funny. She makes me laugh all the time with her witty comments and sense of humor.
3. Her style. She is always the best dressed and tries to coax me always to dress nicer and more stylish than sweatpants.
4. Her smile. There is nothing better in the world than seeing her smile.
5. Her faces. She makes the best facial impressions and they always make me laugh.
6. Her thoughtfulness. She always has the nicest cards and gifts for everyone. She gets the best presents because they have meaning behind them.
7. Her work ethic. She is the hardest and most dedicated worker. She knows what she wants and finds ways to achieve them.
8. She is a dreamer. The goals she sets are incredible and it's fun being able to be a part of each one she accomplishes.
9. She shares Taco Bell with me. We have an obsession with our Taco Bell and love having date nights there.
10. How much she loves me. She loves me unconditionally and I don't think there is anyone else out there who could put up with my quirks.
10 Things Madalyn Loves About Ben
1. Ben knows me better than I know myself. I call him a Madalyn mind reader!
2. He surprises me at the airport with flowers.
3. He brings me soup and takes care of me when I am sick in bed.
4. Ben spoils me with presents!
5. He makes me laugh every. single. day!
6. He is extremely supportive and encourages me in all things I do.
7. We balance each other out perfectly! He is the yin to my yang, the realist to my dreamer, and the left brain to my right brain.
8. He is the hardest worker and makes me so very proud!
9. Ben is the most grounded supportive, caring, and loving person and will make the best husband and father some day.
10. He loves me unconditionally. <3
Enjoy your Valentine's Day with your significant other, family, and friends!
xoxo
Madalyn Joy
Madalyn Manzeck photographed by Cassie Sterwald in Coca Lena located in Port Washington, WI. 2017.
Skirt (Oscar de la Renta print fabric from Mood) Madalyn Joy Designs | Off The Shoulder Sweater Cable & Gauge | Bow Flats M. Gemi | Earrings Kate Spade | Necklace BaubleBar
I have always loved birthdays for as long as I can remember! Whether it be celebrating my own or a friend's, birthdays are a magical time where you get to dress up and enjoy presents and eat way too many sweets including funfetti cake. I love curating fun gifts for my family and friends' birthdays. I don't usually spend too much time in the kitchen except when it comes to baking sweet treat for birthdays and holidays. I think it is important to celebrate the little things in life because as you get older, you truly realize how fast time flies!
However, this year has been different because I have been having reservations about turning 23. Yes, I know I should be counting my blessings that I am 23 years young and am in good health. Trust me, I am beyond thankful and grateful, but there just is something about 23 that hasn't been sitting right with me. Have any of you felt this way about turning a specific age!?
I think why I'm having reservations about turning 23 is because 22 was such a great year! I debuted my lingerie line at the SoHE Threads Fashion Show, graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, finished having to do a long distance relationship, traveled to NYC twice, dressed Miss Wisconsin for the Miss America parade, stood up in one of my best friend's wedding, started a blog, pursued my career dreams of working on my own designs, traveled to Florida to visit family, and spent valuable time with my boyfriend, family, and friends. 22 was pretty darn good to me! I'm sad to let it go!
So in an effort to get excited and embrace the tender age of 23, I took a little trip with Cassie to the adorable candy shop, Coca Lena, located in downtown Port Washington. If candy and chocolate can't make a girl feel better, what can!? (Actually, wine. Wine always makes a girl feel better!) I seriously could not believe I had never stopped in Coca Lena until a couple weeks ago. It is like a little slice of magical candy heaven!! At any point you are just waiting for a unicorn to prance right on by!
My personal favorite candy is anything sour and gummy so, of course, I went straight for the gummy bears and sugar fruit slices. Cassie opted for a chocolate covered Oreo coated in mini M&M's and said it was to die for! Essentially, if you are ever in downtown Port Washington you MUST visit Coca Lena! I definitely consider myself to be a candy connoisseur and I give Coca Lena two thumbs up!
I'll be spending my weekend binge eating sweets, spending time with family and friends, and trying my very best to warm up to the idea of 23! Maybe the years you look the least forward to turn out to actually be filled with the most surprises! I'll keep an open heart and mind. ;)
xoxo
Madalyn Joy
Adorable pineapple wine opener by Greenville Society. 2017.
The beautiful Maya McDonald of Charmingly Styled photographed by the talented Aimée Mazzenga in Chicago, IL. 2017.
How absolutely gorgeous and stunning does Miss Maya look lounging in her champagne satin robe with a glass of white wine in hand!? She is giving us major treat yo self vibes! #goals
Maya McDonald of Charmingly Styled shared a very uplifting and inspiring post yesterday all about self love and the importance of taking time for yourself. It is such an amazing reminder to truly take the time to rest, relax, and restore whether that be with a mani/pedi, massage, nap, or glass of wine. I mean how can you say nay to a little Chardonnay!?
It was such a treat to design this bespoke champagne satin robe for Maya! We have been brainstorming and collaborating on this project since October and it is so exciting to finally see it all come together, just in time for Valentine's Day! Whether you'll be spending the day with your significant other or just hanging with the girls, treating yourself with some lingerie is always a good idea! What better way to give yourself a little self love than with a silky robe, sassy slip, or lacy little panties? To me, lingerie is one of the best, yet subtle, forms of self love.
I somehow convinced my long time boyfriend, Ben, to collaborate on a Valentine's Day post that I will be sharing next Tuesday but in the mean time, share some love with blogger Maya of Charmingly Styled and photographer Aimée of Aimée Mazzenga. They both are such talented and inspiring ladies!
xoxo
Madalyn Joy
Madalyn Manzeck photographed by Cassie Sterwald at The American Club in Kohler, WI. 2017.
Coat Dress Madalyn Joy Designs | Bow Flats M. Gemi | Earrings J. Crew | Hair Bow J. Crew
This coat holds a very special place in my heart because it was the first coat I had ever designed and made entirely by myself. I knew from the very beginning I wanted to design a dress coat that drew its silhouette inspiration from Dior's New Look and its embellishment inspiration from the Chrysler Building. It still remains one of my favorite pieces to date!
Cassie and I ventured to The American Club to photograph this elegant look with the sparkling chandeliers and grand piano in the background. It is such an enchanting and magical space! I always daydream that the entire resort is my home. Hey, a girl can dream, right!?
In all my designs I try to create juxtapositions whether it be strong and soft, feminine and masculine, geometric and ethereal, or dramatic and understated. With this look I really wanted to emphasize the femininity of the silhouette demonstrated in Dior's New Look and the masculinity of the geometric shapes demonstrated in the Chrysler Building. I think they both work harmoniously together!
xoxo
Madalyn Joy
