Maisie Schloss On Launching Her Own Fashion Label
Kanye West’s first design incubator honoree, the up-and-coming fashion label Maisie Wilen is one to watch.
Chicago native and Parsons graduate Maisie Schloss caught the eyes of the industry with the launch of her own solo collection last June. Now, the independent, artful-yet-wearable designer has established her label, Maisie Wilen—the latter half named after her mother’s maiden name—where her individual, creative exploration flourishes remarkably. After working as a lead designer at Yeezy for three years, Schloss was honored with Kanye West’s first designer incubator grant, catapulting her career in an unexpected solo direction with the comfortable financial backing of the A-list visionaire.
After Schloss exclusively debuted her first collection to friends and family, Maisie Wilen met the world with a Pre-Spring 2020 collection in Paris on June 20. Naturally, the Kardashian-Jenner’s are expressing their support of the up-and-coming designer as Kim, Kendall, Kylie, and even six-year-old North West are now sporting the label; however, the celebrity attention does not end there. Megan Rapinoe, Camila Mendes, and Jorja Smith among many others have proudly suited the Kanye West-approved brand as well.
Looking at the energetic patterns and bold colors of each Maisie Wilen design, it’s no surprise that Schloss’s range is garnering such widespread attention from celebrities. The debut collection serves contrasting imagery of fluid line work and calculated cuts to juxtapose the themes of liberation and rigidity across each piece. Combatting color combinations are worth a double-take and contemporary silhouettes provide a youthful elegance, giving way for an expressive line of vivid supremacy. With growing anticipation and maximized hype, the label’s public admirers will finally be able to sport the celebrity-favorite designs as Maisie Wilen’s first cuts will go on sale this month.
Learn more about Maisie Schloss and her rise as an independent visionary as she speaks with V regarding her design inspirations and unequivocal passions below.
How did you first discover your passion for fashion design?
Fashion has always been a huge part of my life. I like to say I’ve been grooming myself to become a designer from a young age.
After launching your own line back in June, how have you been able to explore and grow as an independent designer?
Since launching I’ve had the opportunity to see truly every aspect of running a brand from sourcing materials to taxes and everything in between.
Where do you draw inspiration from when you’re designing?
When I begin designing I try to pull from as wide a variety of inspirations as possible—art, movies, books, fabrics, etc. I start with whatever I’m naturally responding to and as the collection develops the overall concept and focuses organically emerges.
How do you differentiate yourself and stand out among the dense competition of growing designers?
I offer clothes that are not only very wearable and flattering but also unique in aesthetic.
From conceptualization to the final product, what does your design process look like?
I start with cycling between sketching silhouettes, rendering prints, and pulling fabrics. I’ll make hundreds of designs before ultimately editing down to the final collection.
How would you describe yourself?
I have eccentric taste and robotic mannerisms.
After describing yourself, do you think your designs reflect who you are as a person?
Yes. This contrast was an inspiration point for my Pre-Spring collection where I explored other crafts that are calculated in process yet organic in effect.
From Kim Kardashian to Winnie Harlow, your designs are frequently spotted on some of pop culture’s largest icons. What is it like to work with celebrities and how have those relationships affected the growth of your brand?
I really admire the women that have worn Maisie Wilen; I’m so honored and excited every time they choose to do so! It’s really helped spread awareness of the brand, especially so early in its existence.
Having already seen major success with the launch of your own line, what plans do you have for the future of your brand?
I’m excited to expand into new categories and broaden our offering. I’m also looking forward to having more opportunities to collaborate with other artists and creatives.
