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Liv Perez
The following podcast is a Dear Media.
Maddie White
Production.
Liv Perez
Hi guys, welcome back to another episode of let's Get Dressed. It's your host, Liv Perez. Do you guys remember a video that went viral last year where an influencer was in Milan for Milan Fashion Week? She was going to the Prada show and she posted a Get Ready with Me video where she had a $2,000 Prada jumpsuit and and she cut it up and made it her own. It went from a jumpsuit to a crop top, skirt and leg warmers and it was a pretty iconic moment. I'll never forget it. And it was the one and only Maddie White who joins us today on the podcast. Since that moment, Maddie has truly become the DIY queen of TikTok. We've seen her cut up the Prada jumpsuit. We've seen her recreate a dress that Bella Hadid wore to the Comm Film Festival right at home to even creating the gown that she wore to the CFDA Awards just last week. In today's episode, Maddie and I got to sit down and talk about her best tips for learning how to create and build your wardrobe right at home. We talk about some of her favorite moments in viral fashion. A little bridal update too as she's getting married next year and some very exciting news about the relaunch of her brand. See you tomorrow. Coming this December. I hope you guys love this episode. Let's Go Get Dressed with Maddie. Welcome to let's Get Dressed. Thank you. I have been really excited to have you On. Because there are so many looming questions. I'm so excited to hear from you. On.
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
Firstly being. Tell us about the CFD dress.
Maddie White
Oh, I. It's been a journey.
Liv Perez
It's been a fun journey to watch. By the way. I'm proud of you.
Maddie White
It's been. I. Because I decided I wanted to do it because I usually a red carpet comes up kind of last minute, whereas I knew about this one for, like a couple of months beforehand. And so we decided, me and my team, like, I'm going to DIY my dress. And we had to get approval from Amazon because they were bringing me. And it took a while for them to say yes. And we're like, okay, this has to be good. Like, it was not a little hack it up and call it a day. Like, I knew it had to be well made and, like, properly done, which I've truly never done before. Like, I've never made anything more than like a thrift flip or something that was like, already an existing garment that I just, like, flipped. I'm not somebody that typically makes things from scratch, but I decided I was going to do it. I started working on it last week. It's actually going way better than I expected. It's not done yet. By the time the pod's out, it'll be done. So hope you guys can see it.
Liv Perez
I hope you guys love it.
Maddie White
It turned out great. If it didn't, I'll be crying somewhere because I have spent so much time and energy building this dress. I have been, like, just watching YouTube tutorials that have, like, three views on how to do every single step. Yeah. But it's turning out really, really good so far. And I wanted to, you know, take inspo from something that I didn't want to do anything too recent. Didn't want to just full on copy something. So I took inspo from this address that Audrey Hutbin wore in Funny Face. That was my inspo. It's. It's looking pretty, pretty close and pretty close.
Liv Perez
I saw you post this morning and I was like, you know, I saw. I've been like, watching the progression. So I saw it from like, the muslin to this.
Maddie White
And I.
Liv Perez
When you posted the, like, dress on your body this morning, I was like, she's doing it.
Maddie White
It's going really well. Yeah, it was like, I feel like this is my opportunity to be like, for people to know that I'm serious. And I actually do have knowledge about, like, construction of garments and about fashion, and I am really passionate about it. So I'm Taking it very seriously, and I'm hoping that it will pay off.
Liv Perez
I love it. It's been really fun to watch you do it. And for listeners who don't know what the CFDA's are, they're an award show that happened last week. By the time you guys are listening to this, it celebrates American designers. Jenna Lyons hosted the red carpet. It's a really fun event.
Maddie White
Yes.
Liv Perez
Tell us a little bit about you going to the cfda. So that's huge.
Maddie White
Yeah. Yeah. First time, I'm really excited. Again, it's. I feel like one of the more prestigious events in fashion and on the calendar. So I'm so happy and honored to be invited and to get to walk the carpet. And I knew it was, like, probably one of the biggest carpets of my career yet, if not the biggest. Hence why we were like, okay, we have to have a look and have to have something, because there's going to be a lot of eyes, a lot of pressure ever, all those moments that you want. And so I wanted to think outside of the box and do something that probably nobody else is doing. Definitely not.
Liv Perez
Definitely not.
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
It's a very industry facing event and the CFGs have helped really bring so many incredible designers that we know and love.
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
To the forefront of fashion today. It's so exciting that you're going.
Maddie White
I know.
Liv Perez
It's like one of the biggest nights.
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
But I'm obviously, as we're recording now, I haven't seen the final look and I'm very excited.
Maddie White
I'm nervous. I'm going to. I'm hand painting it and so that.
Liv Perez
Oh, that's very cool.
Maddie White
It's what I'm most nervous about because I just feel like there's a lot of anomalies with paint and, like, spillage of paint. And I've been, like, testing it out on swatches of fabric and trying to make sure to see how it dries because I'm like, what if it dries all wrinkly and then I can't iron it or steam it? Like, so many variables with paint. And then I realized, like, testing it out, that it does, like, bleed through on the back. And I'm like, yeah, that would have been a disaster if I had like.
Liv Perez
Thank God you're testing.
Maddie White
Yeah, thank God.
Liv Perez
Are you going to be painting it similarly to the Audrey Hepburn dress? Are you taking your own inspiration?
Maddie White
I'm going to do a floral motif, but I'm going to switch up the colors and kind of do my own. Just see where it takes me as I like, paint it, but I am doing florals, like she has on us.
Liv Perez
I also really love, you know, from, like, a content creator perspective that Amazon partnership is very creative. To say, hey, I'm not going to wear an Amazon dress, but I'm going to use tools from Amazon to create this moment, I think is really innovative and outside of the box.
Maddie White
Yes.
Liv Perez
How did you come up with that?
Maddie White
Totally. I just. I have been working with Amazon for quite a while on their, like, partnership side, and the, like, amount of garments that they had available to wear, because it has to be obviously available on Amazon, is pretty limited. It's, you know, they have some amazing designers on there, but, you know, there's more than just me going, and I didn't want to run the risk of, like, wearing something too similar to someone else. And I was trying to think about, like, what is actually relatable to my audience, because, like, the majority of my audience is not going to be buying a $15,000 dress on Amazon, which is awesome. And I love that they have that available on the luxury site. And the luxury site is, like, my favorite place to browse.
Liv Perez
Such a good place to browse.
Maddie White
But I knew that my audience was probably not going to engage with it as much as they would. I get questions all the time about, like, where would you start? Where should I start sewing? Where should I. What machine should I buy? Like, I really want to get into it. What would you recommend? And so that's why I pitched it to them as, like, hey, what if I did a DIY moment? And I, as I do the journey, I'm going to include all of my sewing tips. And I have, like, lists on my storefront that have beginner machines and all the little beginner kits that I used. When I started, I learned how to sew, and I just felt like that would resonate so much more. And then I'm going to tie in with my Amazon accessories and my shoes and everything. And, yeah, I just felt like it made more sense for my audience, and I knew that it would probably get a bigger reach that way. And, yeah, I just wanted to do something a little bit different to make sure that I was not doing the same thing as everyone else. Love.
Liv Perez
I also think one of the most important things, no matter what you're doing in this space, is meeting your audience where they're at.
Maddie White
Exactly. Yeah.
Liv Perez
It's amazing. Speaking of big dress moments, you are also on the hunt for a wedding dress at the moment?
Maddie White
I am.
Liv Perez
How is that going? Congratulations.
Maddie White
Thank you. It's done. To be honest, I'm so happy for you. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Because you just got married.
Liv Perez
I did.
Maddie White
Your dress is absolutely beautiful.
Liv Perez
Thank you so much.
Maddie White
Ellie. Top right. Yes. Looks stunning.
Liv Perez
Thank you so much. It was. It's so much fun, and I'm so excited for you. You're gonna enjoy every minute of it.
Maddie White
Yeah. I'm honestly so happy. The dress. The dress hunt is over. It was like I started to get dress blindness. I was like, oh, my God, they're all just white dresses. They're all just white dresses, and it really doesn't matter. So I literally sent my top four to my mom, and I was like, can you just pick? Because nobody would give me a straight answer. Nobody was like, this is the one. Everyone was like, well, it's whatever you feel confident in. And I'm like, please shut up.
Liv Perez
Please stop.
Maddie White
Just, like, easy. Like, that one love, like, thank you, mother. I knew I could trust her to tell me straight, and so I was just so happy that somebody made the choice because I couldn't. And I. I feel like the worst thing I did was post it on TikTok and share my journey, because then it's just like, you have a hundred opinions just swirling around, like, well, people like that style on me, even though I didn't like it that much. And, like, I feel like it started clouding my judgment of which one I actually really liked best. And then when my mum picked the one that she picked, I was like, I think that's the one I like the best as well. It's just not what everyone in my comments on previous videos has been saying they want to see me in. But I have to just trust that nobody wants me to look prettier on my wedding day than my mom. Exactly. So I'm trusting her judgment and my.
Liv Perez
Judgment as a former bride, I have. My experience was I like. Was like, bye, everyone. Yeah, I couldn't do it.
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
I have a very, like, strong recommendation for brides as they're looking for dresses. It's like, do that first fitting with your friends, with your mom, your siblings, like, whoever you want to bring. Bring three people. Make it fun, make it loose, have a drink, get your hair and makeup done, and make it like an exploratory thing. But after that, you should be bringing one person who you know is decisive and gives you just the straightforward, honest advice.
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
And sometimes that's not your mom, sometimes that's not your sister, because they're very emotional. I brought my best friend, and she's the one that picked out the dress that I ended up wearing and it was my favorite thing in the world. Any other tips in the wedding dress shopping process that you would share that were helpful for you while you were looking for yours?
Maddie White
I. I agree with you totally. Like go the first time. Friends, champagne, try on every style. Like even if you think you know what you like, which I ended up picking what I already I thought I liked. But try on one of everything just in case because like some of the form fitting, like the Hailey Bieber esque long sleeve lace I didn't think I would love on me. But then I tried it on, I was like wow, I loved it. So definitely just like give everything a shot and also just like trust yourself and your gut and don't let anybody influence your choice because it's ultimately if you show somebody, play somebody a thousand songs and say pick your favorite, two people are not probably not going to pick the same one song. And it's exactly the same with dresses. And so you just have to pick what you feel the best in because ultimately nobody cares about your wedding as much as you care about your wedding. And the only person that's still going to be looking at that photos in 10 years is you.
Liv Perez
Absolutely. A quick break from our conversation to thank the sponsor of today's podcast, Posh Peanut. If you are listening to let's Get Dressed and you're ever shopping for your own wardrobe and you have kids, chances are you are also thinking about their wardrobes. And if you are looking for a brand that is both cool and cute for your kids, I have a brand that is both parent approved and kid approved and it's called Posh Peanut. Posh Peanut makes thoughtfully crafted, beautiful and stylish clothing for kids and families designed in house from beautiful florals to your favorite brands such as Hot Wheels, Disney, hello Kitty and Barbie. And your kids grow fast, but that doesn't mean that they need to outgrow their favorite items only after a few months. Their pieces are made with ridiculously soft viscose from bamboo that stays soft even after you wash them over and over again. Their high quality fabric is four times stretchier than cotton so it grows with your little ones. It's also breathable and chemical free which means they're delicate on your baby sensitive skin. I have a one year old niece and my sister, her mom loves Posh Peanut so they're approved in our house. It's made for infants and kids but they also have sizing for moms and dads. If you want the whole family to match Especially with the holidays coming up. And right now, Posh Peanut is offering you guys 20% off your first order with promo code LGD. Go to poshpeanut.com SL LGG and use the promo code LGG for 20% off your first order. So while you're out there getting some cute new things for your wardrobe, get something cute for your kids, too. It's loved by over 1 million parents and adored by so many of your favorite celebrities and influencers too. Let's get back to the show. Okay, I wanna get into how you get dressed every day because you walked into the studio and have, like, the cutest outfit on ever. Those shoes are to die for. And I think we need to put on everyone's, like, holiday wish list because that, for those of you who are listening audibly and not watching on YouTube, they're like a satin pump with a crystal mew mew bow over it. They are. So I think I need those for, like, my Christmas outfit.
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
So cute.
Maddie White
Did come in here complaining about the fact they're not that comfortable, but you're not wearing these for comfort, and you.
Liv Perez
Don'T wear heels for comfort.
Maddie White
Yeah. Facts.
Liv Perez
People keep, like, messaging me being like, what are your comfiest heels? And I'm like, how comfy are we talking? Like, you're gonna be inherently uncomfortable, but, like, you mean the comfiest uncomfortable.
Maddie White
Yes.
Liv Perez
Yeah. Yeah.
Maddie White
And if I would. If you were to ask me that question, I would say aquazzura. I think aquazzura are the comfiest heels ever.
Liv Perez
My wedding shoes, were they Aquazura? Yeah.
Maddie White
Definitely. The best of the best of the discomfort, in my opinion.
Liv Perez
Well, the shoe I wore for my ceremony was like a Jimmy Choo classic white satin pump. And then the shoe that I changed to dance in all night was an Aquazara sandal slingback.
Maddie White
Yep.
Liv Perez
That I literally. I, like, have a bad back. So my shoes for the night went, like, decreased.
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
It went from, like, a pump to a sling back to a flat.
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
And those Aquazaras I had on for hours and did. I didn't even. I don't even remember them. Like, having them on wasn't a big deal.
Maddie White
They're the best.
Liv Perez
Love.
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
Okay, so tell me about your outfit today. Walk me through it.
Maddie White
It's just. I mean, I was in a little bit of a R. I'm always in a rush. I just was like, okay, I need to be. I need to dress up. Like, the fashion podcast. I've got to bring my fashion.
Liv Perez
Thank you.
Maddie White
We appreciate it here, and the weather's, like, kind of in the middle right now. In la, it's, like, still hot, but you want to dress for fall. So I originally had a sweater on, and then I'm was just, like, panicking. I'm like, okay, this Versace top that I have is, like, my favorite top ever. And in a pinch, I'm just like, that'll work. I know it'll work.
Liv Perez
I say for podcasts, if you're going, like, belly button up, you're winning and you're going belly button up.
Maddie White
Yeah. But usually I would love to tell you that I have, like, a formula to get dressed, but most of the time it's just like, me standing in my closet, put 18 different things on before I just like, okay, this works.
Liv Perez
So is it a feeling or is it. I've seen a lot of your getting ready videos, and one that sticks with me forever. The ugg boots. I'll never forget it. Oh, those were. I'll never forget it.
Maddie White
I still have those sitting in my closet. I'm like, don't know what to do with them. Yeah, but they're like, at this point.
Liv Perez
You did the thing with them, which was, like, create this video that everyone was like, holy fucking shit.
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
Anyways, do you. When you're getting ready, are you, like, walking into your closet and being like, I have this one item I want to style. Look around. Or are you like, I want to look hot today. So this is the outfit I'm putting on. Is it a feeling or an item?
Maddie White
Most of the time it's an item, especially if I'm filming it for my. My TikTok or Instagram or whatever. It's usually an item because people, I feel like, come to me for the fun items. The thigh high ugg boots or the, like, super sparkly dresses and all that kind of stuff. So usually I start with the item and, like, build out from there. And that's honestly the best way that I do it. Like, the most effective. Takes me way less time than today when I'm just like, have free rein. And I'm just like, I don't know what to do.
Liv Perez
You don't know where to start.
Maddie White
Yeah, I know.
Liv Perez
I usually like it when I'm like, I either have something, like, something I've been excited to wear.
Maddie White
Yeah, exactly.
Liv Perez
So much easier. I walk in and I'm like, starting from zero, I'm like, oh, God. Like, it could be a jean, it could be a cardigan, it could be a skirt, it could be a dress. It's Just like the most overwhelming feeling of all time.
Maddie White
Yes, agreed.
Liv Perez
I have been very invested in closet organization recently.
Maddie White
Oh, yeah. I need one of those.
Liv Perez
How is your closet organized right now with the loads of incredible things you have?
Maddie White
It's. It's not. It's. I have.
Liv Perez
It's.
Maddie White
It's.
Liv Perez
It's not.
Maddie White
Yeah. I have, like, you can see my backdrop from when I film. I have all my purses and my shoes in my office, like, as my filming backdrop, which I don't think is very smart because it's like, here's everything that I have.
Liv Perez
Disagree. Can I tell you why? Okay. Yes. From a security point.
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
Okay, let's. Anyways, I am very drawn to creators who have a template or a background or staple series that I know is them.
Maddie White
Yes.
Liv Perez
So, like, I have an area of my house. It's like this beautiful archway, and I always film my videos in front of that because people can be scrolling their feed.
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
And say, oh, there's Liv.
Maddie White
Yeah, exactly.
Liv Perez
I know when I'm scrolling my TikTok and Instagram and I see the cute pink.
Maddie White
Yeah, exactly. Yeah.
Liv Perez
With the flowers on the wall. And last case with your accessories that I know. It's Maddie.
Maddie White
Yes, absolutely. Totally agree. I feel like it's so important if you are. If you do content creation or you want to get into it, to have that background that's kind of a constant. Because again, when people are scrolling, they know it's you. And they know, like, even if they're not paying attention to who it is, as soon as they see that backdrop that they know is yours, it kind of like, oh, okay, I know what I'm watching here. Like, I know what to expect. So, yeah, that's where I keep my accessories. And that room is. I keep organized because I can't, like, film in chaos. But my actual closet that has all of my clothes is a disaster. It is, like, way too small. When we bought our house, there was nothing in the closet. Like, no racks, like, no nothing. And I was like, oh, are they gonna finish building it? Because it was like, half done. They're like, yeah, yeah. And then we moved in, and there was not. It was just an empty room. And I'm like, oh, what happened to the closet? And they're like, oh, well, most people prefer to, like, build their own closet. Anyway, I'm like, okay, And a lot of work. Then I got a quote for, like a custom built in closet.
Liv Perez
And I'm like, you're like 25 grand later. Great, thanks.
Maddie White
So I'm like, no, no. I can do this with IKEA stuff myself, which was, like, the biggest mistake of my life. If I could go back, I would just.
Liv Perez
Yeah. I'm gonna give everybody right now who's dealing with a custom closet situation just a piece of advice.
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
The custom IKEA situation is the price is. Looks amazing, and you're super excited putting it together. And the quality of it is terrifying.
Maddie White
Terrible.
Liv Perez
Don't do it. Find any other alternative. Like, even if it's. It doesn't have to be California closets. It doesn't have to be the most expensive thing on planet Earth. Find a bunch of armoires and, like, put them together, like, totally. Find a shelving solution.
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
The IKEA wardrobe cabinets are not it.
Maddie White
No. And you'll. You'll think you're buying the right measurements.
Liv Perez
You're gonna have a panic attack. Actually, that part. You think you're buying the right measurements, and then they come in and you're like.
Maddie White
And then you've accidentally.
Liv Perez
Is this a meat thing or a them thing?
Maddie White
I had to order the drawers, like, three times because they were different depths and didn't realize it was just like, yeah, my closet's a mess. It's just overflowing with clothes. And I clear out probably every three to four months. I get rid of stuff. I'm taking it to the donation place or to Wasteland or wherever it is. But, yeah, I could really use some better organization in there. It's a disaster. People always ask for closets where I'm like, oh, trust me.
Liv Perez
You're like, please don't.
Maddie White
You ain't getting one.
Liv Perez
I believe in, like, the closet organization as, like, mental health and, like, wellness, genuinely. Like, my husband's been having, like, a crazy week at work, and I woke up the other day and, like, organized this whole closet, and I was like, here you go.
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
My gift to you, this is to help you, like, de stress.
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
Because it's that thing first thing in the morning, you walk in and it's absolute chaos in there. You start your day from a chaotic point.
Maddie White
Yep.
Liv Perez
So, yeah, I'm. I'm here for you if you need help. I. The way I say to do it, call a friend over and say, help me clean out and organize my closet. And you can take whatever you want of what I'm giving away.
Maddie White
Yeah. Yeah.
Liv Perez
Like, there's things I'm giving away. Just take whatever you want from it. I'm going to get drinks. I'm going to get pizza. We're going to make it fun. Yeah, that's usually my sex in the city scene. I never bring that up because people are like, how cheesy. But they had a point. Yeah, they had a point.
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
I'm not telling you to get the signs that say yay or nay.
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
And, like, drink out of the champagne bottle. I'm not telling you to do that, but I'm telling you to do an iteration of it.
Maddie White
Yeah, yeah, I'm gonna. I'm gonna do that 100. I think that's great advice.
Liv Perez
I want to get into your DIY a little bit because I think that's how I first found you. I might have seen you first from the ugg boots, and I was like, oh, that's queen.
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
But I actually think the first time that I really saw you and I was like, oh, wow. I'm obsessed with this person. Was the Prada show.
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
Take us back to the day where you're in Milan getting ready for the Prada show, and you cut up a $2,000 Prada jumpsuit.
Maddie White
Yeah. It was probably the most nerve wracking day of my life because it came about, like, pretty last minute because it was my first invite to the Prada show. I only got invited, like, the day before. Like, we were waiting to see if they had a ticket left over.
Liv Perez
By the way, for people listening right now, that is a very common thing for creators, influencers.
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
It is not. We don't. I decided to go to Paris a week before I took my flight.
Maddie White
Yeah. No, in that instance, it was like, okay, Prada's maybe a yes. So I had, like, gone to Milan just in case it was a yes. Literally, the night before, like 7pm they're like, okay, we have a. We have a seat for you. But, wow, we can't dress. And usually in fashion week, they'll loan you a look to wear and, like, dress you. But they were like, we've given away all our loans. Like, we have nothing. And I feel like most of the town will be like, okay, I'll just wear some product I already have. Even now, I would be able to wear some product I already had. But at the time, I was very new to my influencer journey. I didn't have racks of Prada sitting around that I could just throw on to the show. And so I was talking to the team and I'm like, oh, you can go to the store right now, like 8pm and buy something if you want to. I'm like, okay. And I'm like, my heart's palpitating. I do not have the money really, to be spending, like, buying a full look from Prada. Like, I had maybe had bought, like, two Prada bags, but that was, like, a lot to me. So I'm, like, looking for the cheapest thing in there. And unfortunately, like, a $2,000 jumpsuit was one of the cheaper things that I could get. Then I was, like, talking to the team, and I'm like, my manager was with me, and she's like, why don't you cut it up now? I'm such a rule follower. I am not somebody that likes to break rules. I'm not somebody, like, takes. Take risk. I'm the opposite of a risk taker. And so I look at the product team, and I'm like, can I do it? And they're like, you?
Liv Perez
Yeah, yeah.
Maddie White
If you buy it, it's yours. You can do whatever you want with it. And I'm like, okay. And so I just decided we were going to make a moment out of it and that I was going to take this, like, huge gamble, and it was either going to be then ever inviting me back again in my life, or it was going to pan out and people were going to pay attention. And so I decided to do it. I knew I had to do it on camera. I had to do it with my glam already done. Like, I had one take, one shot even looking back.
Liv Perez
One bad cut, and it's over with.
Maddie White
Crappy, like, hotel scissors that I had, like, begged for in the lobby. And even looking back, there was things I would have done. I would probably skip the leg warmers, but I'm like, frantically like, okay, 20 minutes. Like, let's do this.
Liv Perez
It was part of the look.
Maddie White
Yeah. And so we decided to do it. I wore it to the show first, like, two days. Nobody really picked it up. Nobody was, like, that interested. And then all of a sudden, like, three, four days later, I am just, like, blown up. And I have a hashtag on Twitter. It was like, hashtag Prada jumpergate and all. My God.
Liv Perez
I remember.
Maddie White
Yeah. Fashion journalists, everybody, like, covering it. If they thought that this was, like, an abomination or whether they thought that this was, like, really innovative and cool and different.
Liv Perez
Well, people thought it was alone.
Maddie White
People thought it was alone.
Liv Perez
I thought it was alone.
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
I was like.
Maddie White
Which I would never.
Liv Perez
Girl, I was like, oh. I think I showed, like, everybody I had spoken to in the span of five. Those five days. And, like, did you see this?
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
Yeah.
Maddie White
No, I would never do that to alone. And even still, like, we have asked so many brands since, like, hey, are you down for me to cut something up? And they're like, I think that was just, like, a very unique situation because I did own. Have to purchase the look because they didn't have any loans left. And so it was just like, the perfect little storm where I had this opportunity to do it. The brand were like, okay, sure, you own it. It was like. It wasn't like, yeah, this is all planned. And I planned it ahead of time. With Prada, it was more just like, you can do whatever you want. Like, it's not on us if people hate it. But, like.
Liv Perez
And you were back the next season?
Maddie White
I was back, and I was dressed.
Liv Perez
And she was dressed.
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
So jokes on you guys.
Maddie White
Exactly. But I'm honestly so glad, in hindsight that I did. I feel like it really put me on the map in terms of, like, it really got the fashion world paying attention to me as opposed to just any other influencer. And it gave me so much exposure, and I'm so grateful for that opportunity, and I'm really glad that I did it in the end. And I still have an amazing relationship with Prada, and I still am working with them.
Liv Perez
Like, so good guys.
Maddie White
Yeah. Yeah.
Liv Perez
I mean, also, I think Prada is so known for innovation.
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
And I think that they are very. They really admire creativity.
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
So I think that was the perfect fit for that moment. It made sense.
Maddie White
And, yeah.
Liv Perez
I remember seeing it being like, well, like, if any brand's going to accept it, it's Prada.
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
Yeah. Okay, Tell me how you started diying to begin with, because I know I've seen through the years so many different things that you done so obviously had a moment. I remember when you recreated Bella Hadid's dress from Khan.
Maddie White
Yeah. That was one of my first.
Liv Perez
Yeah, that was incredible. Talk to me a little bit about your beginnings in cutting shit up.
Maddie White
Yeah, I. I started. I learned how to sew when I was probably, like, 22 or 23 because I was broke. I had no money, and I needed a new bathing suit for modeling, casting, and I. To me, like, $100 for bathing suit was just, like, not gonna happen. And I'm just like, why is this so expensive? And I had my mom sews, and my mom would make my Halloween costumes when I was a kid and all that stuff. And so I was like, I bought a $30 miniature sewing machine on Amazon, and I'm like, if I can make a bathing suit to wear to this casting, and then I can keep the fabric and make more bathing suits. And I'll have like, many to wear. That's like a huge winner. I now look back, I should have just bought a real sewing machine because it would have been much easier than that. Like, feels really hard. Yeah. And now looking back, also, a bathing suits are like the hardest thing to make. Like.
Liv Perez
Yeah. It's like fit where it's placed and like, kudos.
Maddie White
Bathing suit. They were terrible. They were not good. They were falling apart. But that's how I learned to sew. And then after that, I was like, okay, again. I didn't have any money, so I was like, wanted new clothes to wear. I needed new clothes to wear the castings and stuff. So that's when I got into like thrift flipping and making things from items I bought for A$50 cents and switching it up at home. And then around the same time was when I started posting on TikTok because it was a pandemic. I lost all my income and needed something to do with my time. So I started posting on TikTok. And then within like a few weeks maybe I found my niche. And I was like, oh, people like fashion content. Because at the time it was kind of like still dancing. And it wasn't content creation the way we know it now on TikTok where everybody has. There's a niche for everything. It was just kind of like people doing the whoa and stuff.
Liv Perez
I forgot about that.
Maddie White
Yeah. So I decided to start showing my thrip flips on my TikTok and start doing like little transition videos and stuff. And that is really how I got to where I am now was just I. I learned to sew out of necessity. And I tell everyone it's such a.
Liv Perez
Useful skill to have the most.
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
I can't tell you how many times I'm home and maybe I got a new pair of jeans that I love.
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
And I'm like, I wish I could just cut the bottoms and resew the hems right now.
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
I'm. I'm too, like, light with a pair of scissors. I used to cut my clothes up all the time.
Maddie White
Yeah. Same. I'm. I'm. I love hacking away at my stuff. And then I'm like, why'd I do that?
Liv Perez
Why'd I just do that? Why did I just cut that skirt? And I think it's okay to walk out with a raw hem like that.
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
Not okay.
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
For people who want to try. D what tip do you have for, like, the first step of figuring that.
Maddie White
Out for me, I would get a nice sewing machine. I Would not start on the $30 miniature one that's like, basically a tin can. I would get, like, a beginner Singer sewing machine. Like $100. It's so worth it. The extra, like, 50 bucks. I would get, like, a basic machine and sit down with a YouTube tutorial. I learned everything on YouTube. I've never taken a sewing class. Nothing. And just, like, sit down with a very basic YouTube tutorial. Find some. A tutorial of something that you genuinely want, because you're going to be way motivated to, like, do it all the way through. If you actually want whatever shirt you're getting at the end of it or skirt or something. Or if you want to know how to hem your jeans, just, like, sit there with a youtuberial and get some, like, scrap fabric at first to figure it out, the sewing machine and everything. Because that's really the only hard part is once you know how to use a sewing machine and, like, set it up and you know how to sew, it's really easy. It's just like a puzzle. Like, you're just piecing things together on a puzzle and following directions, and just, like, it becomes really easy. You just need to have the patience to do that first thing. But I would just get a beginner machine and like, a YouTube tutorial for something you genuinely want and just don't get up until you've done it.
Liv Perez
Lock yourself in a room with a sun, actually, and figure it out.
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
I know you're doing the Audrey Hepburn dress right now, but if there was anything in the world that you could diy, what would it be?
Maddie White
My gosh, everything. Because you can just make. I. It's another reason I tell people, like, this is a really, really useful skill to have, because you can make everything exactly how you want it. You don't have to trust even a tailor to take something in the way you want it. Like, if you really want to snatch the waist and the tailor doesn't want to do it for you, like, I'll do it myself at home. And that's what I love about sewing. It's like, you can make anything exactly the way you want it. If you see a dress online that you really like. But, hey, I just wish it had some sparkles on it or anything. The world's yours to. You can truly make anything you want. And that's what I think the beauty of it is. But if I could make anything, even, like, it's.
Liv Perez
If there's a word you want to.
Maddie White
Bridesmaid dresses. I have a bridesmaid dress that I really, really, really want. Or it's like, a few. Impossible to find. It's like a vintage Elie Saab Runway look. Living rent free. And I haven't found anything remotely close. Remotely similar. I'm so scared to get just like, random seamstress online to make it because I've just heard too many horror stories. And so I'm genuinely thinking about just trying to make it myself.
Liv Perez
I mean, I was gonna ask, are you gonna DIY anything for your wedding? And I feel like that's a great.
Maddie White
Initially, I was like, hell, no. It's my. It's a day off. The same way people ask if my fiance is gonna dj, he's like, no. Yeah. The plan was to DIY absolutely nothing, but I might end up doing these bribe mad dresses at this point if I can't find them to purchase anywhere.
Liv Perez
I think that would be so special. Why not? I also think that, like, that's so intrinsic to who you are as a person. Like, weddings are about bringing all these amazing things about your life into that weekend. And I think if you can do that, that'd be really special.
Maddie White
I always tell everyone I'm like, my DIYs look really good from the outside, but the inside's a bit like.
Liv Perez
Yeah.
Maddie White
It can sometimes be a little wonky because I'm like, ah, you can't see it. I'm not gonna bother finishing that seam. My very first, like, sewing, like, really viral look was when I made Lily Rose up on the Met Gala carpet. And it was a Chanel look. I called it Versace, which, like, I remember will haunt me forever, that I called it Versace.
Liv Perez
Honestly. Let's. Let's give you a little credit. Does have the chains.
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
Of a Versace dress, but, yes, it is a Chanel Runway look.
Maddie White
Chanel look.
Liv Perez
It's okay.
Maddie White
And people always ask me, like, you should wear that on a carpet. And I'm like, babe, that fell apart 45 minutes after I finished making that video. The chains are falling off because I was rushing, like, for some reason. Again, why was I in a rush? Where was I going?
Liv Perez
I think it's more about the, like, the creativity and the storytelling.
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
I love watching you.
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
Dressed. There's narrative to it.
Maddie White
Exactly.
Liv Perez
It's your experience. It's your perspective.
Maddie White
Yeah. People always ask, like, oh, like, do you actually wear these crazy outfits out? And I'm like, most of the time, no, because my content is not for me to actually wear. It's for the entertainment and for the journey of people watching it at Home. Like those thigh high ugg boots. No, I didn't buy them because I was like, oh, my gosh, I'm so gonna wear these all over and over again. Like, this is entertainment. At the end of the day, it's the same as watching a TV show or putting Queer Eye on. Like, it's exactly in my brain, a very condensed version. And so my. My goal is to make it as entertaining as possible, not as practical as possible.
Liv Perez
I think you have a really good eye for finding things that you know will go viral or have some sort of appeal.
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
That's different than anything else.
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
If you could get anything right now in the fashion world, anything, what would you get?
Maddie White
Oh, my gosh. I will. So this is one of, like, the hardest parts of my job is finding that stuff. Like, it.
Liv Perez
Because you're like, not just going to go to Louisville every time.
Maddie White
No, that would be the easy way. But so many of the, like, really innovative things that I've posted are from, like, pretty small designers. They're just, like, hard to find. And, like, I just spend my time on my Instagram Explore page, like, refreshing over and over again and trying to get it to, like, pigeonhole me to smaller and smaller and smaller accounts.
Liv Perez
Because that's where you're like, you know me.
Maddie White
Yeah, exactly.
Liv Perez
Yeah.
Maddie White
Like, I have so many cool crochet looks saved that take, like, a long time to make. So definitely a couple of those, like, handmade crochet things that I have. People love something that looks like something else. They love anything that's like 3D and. And like textural. Yeah, anything. Anything like that is a optical illusion or like something that looks like something else. Always. People love it.
Liv Perez
Are there any Etsy shops that are your go to that you love?
Maddie White
I wouldn't say that. I have, like, specific shops. I did get this one really cool gold. It like, was very Scarborough vibes, which is why I got. It was like a leather corset top that looked like a bronze men's, like, chest statue, which was really, really sick. I got it and it was huge. It was like, for men, I think, like, for. For like bigger men to wear to. I think that the ads were like, for like, pride and stuff, but I got it to wear as like, in the Schiaparelli vibe. I did it with like, tuxedo pants and it was really, really sick. So, yeah, I just love again, looking for, like, unique pieces on Etsy and just like, I feel like there's so many creative people in the world and you just have to Find them.
Liv Perez
Take the time. Yeah. For Etsy is like vintage shopping online.
Maddie White
Yes.
Liv Perez
You have to sift.
Maddie White
Yeah, exactly. Yeah, yeah.
Liv Perez
Okay, let's talk about see you tomorrow, which I love. How did the idea come about? Talk to us about the brand the idea came about.
Maddie White
Well, I always knew I wanted my own brand because ultimately I started on fashion. I have wanted to make clothes since I was, like, three. Always knew I wanted a brand. I just needed to find kind of like what it was going to be, because also, it's kind of nobody really knows how to start a clothing brand. I didn't really know where to start. And then I thought about doing pajamas. So I realized that I was spending a lot of time. More time in pajamas on my account than I was in my actual outfits. Because I always do the makeup first. And the makeup. I'm always in my pajamas. And when we were talking about, like, the backdrop, how people know me for that, I was always scouting around for cute pajamas to wear because I needed something to wear while I get ready. And then people started knowing me. It's like, oh, she always has cute pajamas. Where are you getting your pajamas? Like, all your little sets are so cute. And so it just felt really natural for me, like, oh, this is something that I already use and integrate into my content in my daily life every single day. People know me for it. And so it just felt like a really easy. Easy thing for me to. To do. And getting the brand and starting the brand wasn't easy, but, like, in terms of made just make perfect sense and fit for me. And we're hoping to expand into more, like, ready to wear and. And expand into just, like, all kinds of stuff. But sleep felt like a really organic place to start.
Liv Perez
Those are the creative brands that I love the most.
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
Where they just naturally fit.
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
It's not like this random or, like, you know, secondary thing.
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
It fits directly into your content.
Maddie White
Exactly. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Liv Perez
I love that. Ready to wear sounds exciting.
Maddie White
I know. It's just. It's hard, man. Like, yeah, for cuts.
Liv Perez
Fits.
Maddie White
Exactly. And just. Just because you know how to make something for yourself at home doesn't mean that you know how to mass produce. And so I've had to learn all of that from scratch and. And learn as I go. And I have made so many mistakes, and I'm sure I'm gonna make so many more, but. Yeah, so I've had to learn all of that as well.
Liv Perez
What has been the biggest thing that you've learned as a founder of a fashion brand since You've started.
Maddie White
Oh, so much. Just, I would say to just like, not trust the first thing that comes along in terms of, like, just because somebody says this is the best way to make this doesn't mean it is the best. And to get second opinions and third opinions and really just like, scout around and go to different factories, get different quotes and just, like, really do the due diligence is something that if I could go back, I would do so much more of the first time around. So that's probably my number one piece of advice.
Liv Perez
Smart.
Maddie White
I love that.
Liv Perez
Yeah. Any new drops coming up or anything we can share now? Yes.
Maddie White
So we have been on pause for a little bit while we figured out some logistical things. And then we are relaunching on December 4th.
Liv Perez
Exciting.
Maddie White
December 1st, we relaunch. December 4th, we go on sale.
Liv Perez
Amazing.
Maddie White
So we're in the middle of shooting. Campaign for that, shooting everything. So we're going to be back up and running in December. And then we will be monthly drops from then on until. I mean, we have everything already done until next summer. So we have bridal coming. We have, like a full bridal collection. Obviously.
Liv Perez
Of course. I'm expecting to see you tomorrow on all the bridesmaids while we're getting ready.
Maddie White
Yeah, exactly. So, yeah, we have loads coming up.
Liv Perez
Amazing. That's so exciting. Whenever we close the show, we always like to ask one question. If there was anything that you can change about fashion right now, what would it be?
Maddie White
Anything I could change about fashion, I would say just slow down with the trend cycle, turnover. Just appreciate what you have in the closet. Find new ways to wear it instead of just like, oh, my gosh, brown's in. I need to buy tons of brown. You know, like, just take a beat. You don't need to buy into every single trend because ultimately, fashion editors and writers need something to talk about. And so there's always going to be new trends, but I would just say, like, it. You don't necessarily need to buy something for it every single time. Just look at what you have, think about whether you're still going to be wearing it next year or the year after, and just like, enjoy what we already have and not necessarily feed into the. Into the consumerism that's happening at the moment.
Liv Perez
Invite a friend over, figure out how you look. Clean out your closet.
Maddie White
Yeah, exactly.
Liv Perez
All of those things.
Maddie White
Yes.
Liv Perez
I love that.
Maddie White
Yeah.
Liv Perez
This was so fun. Thank you for coming on. I'm so glad we got to do this.
Maddie White
Yes.
Liv Perez
You've been a guest. I've wanted on for a while. Yeah, this was fun.
Maddie White
Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.
Podcast Summary: Let’s Get Dressed – Madeleine White on DIYing Her Dress for the CFDAs, Viral Fashion, and Relaunching Her Brand 'See You Tomorrow'
Introduction
In this episode of Let’s Get Dressed, hosted by Liv Perez from Dear Media, fashion enthusiast and DIY queen Madeleine White joins the show to discuss her journey in the fashion world. From her viral Prada jumpsuit transformation to relaunching her own fashion brand, Madeleine shares invaluable insights, tips for budding fashion DIYers, and her experiences navigating high-profile fashion events.
1. Madeleine’s Journey with DIY Fashion
Madeleine White has carved a niche for herself in the fashion industry through her innovative DIY projects. Liv Perez kicks off the conversation by reminiscing about a viral moment where Madeleine transformed a $2,000 Prada jumpsuit into a unique ensemble, sparking her rise to fame as the DIY queen of TikTok.
Madeleine White [02:30]: "I’ve never made anything more than a thrift flip before, so deciding to DIY a dress from scratch was a huge step for me."
She elaborates on the meticulous process of transforming high-end garments, emphasizing the importance of quality and creativity over mere cost-cutting hacks.
2. Experience at the CFDA Awards
A significant highlight of the episode is Madeleine’s recent appearance at the CFDA Awards, a prestigious event celebrating American designers. Madeleine discusses the challenges and triumphs of showcasing her self-made dress on such a prominent platform.
Madeleine White [04:44]: "Walking the CFDA red carpet was nerve-wracking but incredibly rewarding. It was essential to create something unique that stood out amidst so many talented designers."
Madeleine shares her strategy of painting her dress with a floral motif, drawing inspiration from classic designs while infusing her personal touch. She candidly talks about the technical challenges she faced, such as preventing paint spillage and ensuring the durability of her artwork.
Madeleine White [05:38]: "Hand painting the dress was daunting. Testing different techniques on swatches was crucial to ensure the paint wouldn't bleed through or cause wrinkles."
Her innovative approach not only garnered attention but also cemented her reputation as a creative force within the fashion community.
3. DIY Fashion Tips and Insights
Throughout the episode, Madeleine offers practical advice for listeners interested in embarking on their own DIY fashion projects. She emphasizes the importance of starting with the right tools and learning the basics of sewing.
Madeleine White [27:31]: "Get a nice sewing machine, preferably a beginner Singer. Invest in quality tools because they make the process much easier."
Madeleine advocates for utilizing online resources, such as YouTube tutorials, to gain foundational skills. She encourages aspiring DIYers to begin with projects they are passionate about to maintain motivation and achieve satisfying results.
Madeleine White [28:00]: "Find a tutorial for something you genuinely want to create. Whether it's a shirt, skirt, or hemming jeans, having a clear goal keeps you motivated."
4. Relating to the Audience and Collaborations
A standout segment of the podcast delves into Madeleine’s collaboration with Amazon. She discusses how partnering with a major retailer allowed her to creatively engage her audience by integrating DIY fashion into accessible platforms.
Madeleine White [06:32]: "I wanted to create something relatable for my audience. Most of them aren't purchasing $15,000 dresses, so using Amazon's tools to DIY a moment made sense."
This collaboration highlights Madeleine’s ability to merge high fashion with everyday accessibility, making fashion creativity attainable for a broader audience.
5. Wedding Dress Hunt and Personal Insights
Madeleine opens up about her personal experience searching for the perfect wedding dress, offering relatable tips for listeners navigating the same journey. She shares the emotional challenges of receiving overwhelming opinions and the relief of trusting her mother’s judgment.
Madeleine White [08:27]: "I ended up trusting my mom to choose my dress because everyone's opinions were clouding my judgment. It’s important to rely on someone you trust."
Liv Perez reciprocates by sharing her own wedding dress experience, reinforcing the value of having a decisive and honest person to assist in such significant decisions.
6. Daily Fashion Routine and Closet Organization
The conversation transitions to Madeleine’s daily approach to dressing and her struggles with closet organization. She candidly discusses the chaos within her closet and offers humorous anecdotes about her attempts to manage it.
Madeleine White [16:19]: "My closet is a disaster. I've tried organizing it with IKEA stuff, and it was the biggest mistake of my life."
Madeleine provides actionable advice for maintaining an organized wardrobe, emphasizing the mental health benefits of a well-structured closet and offering tips to make the process enjoyable.
7. Starting Her Own Brand: 'See You Tomorrow'
One of the most exciting segments covers Madeleine’s venture into entrepreneurship with her brand See You Tomorrow. She explains how her passion for pajamas, a staple in her daily content, naturally evolved into a fashion line.
Madeleine White [34:18]: "People always asked about my cute pajamas, and it felt natural to start my own brand focused on sleepwear. It's something I use daily and integrate seamlessly into my content."
Madeleine outlines her plans for relaunching the brand, including upcoming monthly drops and a bridal collection scheduled for December.
Madeleine White [36:49]: "We are relaunching on December 4th, with monthly drops until next summer. We’re excited to introduce our bridal collection as well."
She shares the challenges of scaling from DIY to mass production, highlighting the importance of due diligence and learning from past mistakes.
Madeleine White [36:13]: "Learn not to trust the first quote you get. Always get second and third opinions and thoroughly scout different factories."
8. Thoughts on the Fashion Industry
Towards the end of the episode, Madeleine offers her perspective on the fast-paced nature of the fashion industry. She advocates for a slower trend cycle, encouraging consumers to value and creatively wear existing wardrobe pieces.
Madeleine White [37:31]: "I would slow down the trend cycle and appreciate what you already have. Find new ways to wear your existing clothes instead of constantly buying into every new trend."
This philosophy aligns with sustainable fashion practices, promoting mindful consumption and creativity over impulsive purchasing.
Conclusion
In this insightful episode of Let’s Get Dressed, Madeleine White provides a compelling look into the world of DIY fashion, the challenges and triumphs of high-profile events like the CFDA Awards, and the journey of launching her own fashion brand. Her practical advice, combined with personal anecdotes, offers valuable lessons for both fashion enthusiasts and aspiring entrepreneurs. Madeleine’s passion for creativity and her commitment to making fashion accessible shine throughout the conversation, inspiring listeners to embrace their unique style and pursue their fashion dreams.
Notable Quotes