Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Maddox.
Hi Taylor, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Even before I could dress, I had always been passionate about fashion. Growing up in Miami, I spent most of my time sketching things, whether redesigning a room, trying to recreate the things I saw, an outfit, etc. We were financially poor in my early years, so I mainly dressed and created with what I had. I’d sketch it out if I needed to have what I wanted. When I told my mom I wanted to be a fashion designer, she excitedly proceeded to teach me all the basics she knew, buying patterns, and take me to vacant stores to show me a dream I didn’t believe I could achieve as a child. Honestly, sometimes I wish I had pushed myself harder back then.
Fast forward to college, I moved to Chatt and had still been designing outfits though only approaching the route of constructing them once I went to study in Italy for a year. The university I attended had a Fashion and Tailoring course that I immersed myself in. I relearned skills and picked up new ones; I also realized I had a big thing for sustainability and was good at being resourceful.
When I graduated from college, during the pandemic, I launched Madd.apparel. I’m happy to have made it to 2 years of officially being in the fashion business. Currently, I do everything from video and photoshoots to packaging and website designs. Even though it’s a lot and impacts consistency, I love every moment.
Fashion has always been a saving grace for me; I found myself and the will to get out of bed most days. I suffered from depression and anxiety since 5th grade, and even after college was searching for ways to ground myself. That’s what Madd.apparel is for me: I express myself, talk about topics that move me, and try to reach out to those who can relate to anything I offer. In all my art mediums, I aim to connect with everyone by putting things out that may find someone’s heart. However, with Madd.apparel, I put my life into a fashion art form. I put healing intentions into my clothes because of what I’ve experienced. Life can be a lot, but fashion has always helped me. I can only pray my clothes can help someone else walk through theirs.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been fairly smooth?
It definitely could be a smoother road. Besides the people telling you you’re not good enough and not having the finances to do everything you want to achieve, balancing a whole company out on your own is a lot. I have the skills to run a business but not the experience. Every season I discover more tasks and requirements needed to be a legally established business. It can be overstimulating because I like to live on the creative side and only be aware of the logistics. My biggest competitor is myself, and I’m still trying to conquer her. I quit my job to focus solely on Madd.apparel. Now, meeting rent is another added struggle, though I use it as fuel to push myself out of the way. I’d instead stress about my job than be in an office for a company that doesn’t see my full potential.
Thanks for sharing that. Can you tell us more about your work next?
I’m mostly known for a sustainable outfit I created for Chattanooga Fashion Expo 2021. I call it “Rush Hour,” but everyone calls it “Five Guys.” The outfit calls out consumerism, specifically in the agricultural department, but is still applied throughout the entire spectrum. It’s made of Five Guys potato sacks for the pants and Target/KFC plastic bags for the corset and balloon sleeves. I’m working on a video explaining the matter, so stay tuned for that! Outside of that, I mainly work within the borders of sustainability and resourcefulness. Fashion is one of the biggest contributors to pollution, so I have a personal goal of making a significant change in my town, region, country, or world, whatever may happen.
I started Madd.apparel by releasing collections but found that I enjoy making one-of-a-kind and custom outfits. I enjoy making custom outfits the most because Im very detail oriented: from tying stories into the looks, using intentional fabrics, and putting meaning down to the very stitch! These projects make me feel alive. I get the most satisfaction from them. Whether the job is for someone who wants to treat themselves to their birthday or a musical artist needing an outfit for the stage, even wedding dresses, I do it all. In 2021 I was involved in a couple of shows. However, towards the end of the year, I co-launched a company, Sii, with my friend and CEO, Venita Rhodes. We produce runway shows that individually highlight fashion designers who deserve exposure but need help to fund their events. Since then, I’ve been taking a hiatus to reimagine Madd.apparel’s overall aesthetic and approach.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
If it wasn’t for the things that happened in my life, I’m not sure where I would be. I would say being resourceful, driven, inspired, and honestly traumatized. Support is now something I value in my environment; it’s lovely knowing that I don’t have to push alone anymore.
Pricing:
- Custom Outfits $100+
- Alterations start at $25 – $300
- Existing Clothes $65 – $120
- Everything varies, so it depends on what’s being inquired
Contact Info:
- Website: Maddapparel.us
- Instagram: Tailesmaddox
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@tailesmaddox
- Other: Siius.cow
Image Credits
Venita Rhodes, Bryant Oei, Amber Maddox, Millicent Garland
