Maisie Wilen is Bringing Back the Quirky Dresser

#Interview – If ever there was a young designer on the ascent that celebrities can’t stop wearing from Winnie Harlow to Kylie Jenner, its Maisie Wilen. Her kaleidoscope of dizzy animal prints to kitschy key pieces are easy to lift any pre-existing wardrobe. Since dropping her debut collection last fall, Maisie Schloss, the designer behind the emerging label, will make you love prints, colours and everything that makes fashion fun all over again.

@maisie_wilen // maisiewilen.com
Interview by @annoula_b

Chicago born, Parsons educated, Schloss is now based in L.A. and while she got many editors’ attention in Paris with her intimate presentation back in January at a hotel suite where guests sipped cocktails alongside models lounged around, she didn’t just appear out of thin air as the new kid on the block. She first made the cut working at Yeezy before finding her own label and was the first designer to receive funding as part of Kanye West’s creative incubator for her debut collection. But like many young designers, she has entered the market during a time of change that has seen the industry doing somersaults in a matter of weeks. Intimate and fun might not just describe her work, but might also be the future of fashion set against a new unmapped future.

KB: Hi Maisie! Thanks for speaking with us. I first became familiar with your label on the suggestion of other editors last summer during Paris Fashion Week. I was expecting menswear since you presented during men’s week. What made you decide to show during men’s and what was the reaction?

Maisie: That week is also pre-fall for women’s! I realized a lot of the community I had from working at Yeezy would be at men’s week.  Also, the timing just worked best with the schedule the brand was on.

KB: You already broke the cycle a bit showing before NYFW and women’s in Paris. With the current climate affected by Covid-19, how do you expect the industry to progress?

Maisie: I think the industry will start to reassess the pace at which they were churning out product and content and start to make work at a slower, more meaningful pace.

KB: What role is technology playing for you in this new era of social distancing?

Maisie: It’s my entire lifeline for communication. Creatively, however, I’ve been stepping away from the computer more. In the past the majority of my creative work, whether it be research or print development was digital. Since quarantine, I’ve been exploring print development through painting and crafts.   

KB: Fast fashion has really been an enemy of the planet, and many of the fast fashion trends come directly from the runway. Is it possible that post-pandemic could also bring the end of fast fashion? Is that something you would like to see?

Maisie: Unfortunately, I doubt the pandemic will bring the end of fast fashion. People are struggling financially which will lead to consumers seeking the cheapest possible prices. The best alternative for fast fashion’s affordability is vintage and thrifted clothes, but I expect fear of the clothes being unsanitary will drive customers away. 

KB: What’s your biggest threat as a young designer today?

Maisie: Standing out in a very saturated market.

KB: Do you have a favourite pair of Yeezy kicks?

Maisie: I love my Wave Runners. I’m also so excited to finally get my hands on a pair of Foam Runners!

KB: What’s your favourite piece from pre-fall? What do you consider to be your signature piece?

Maisie: My favourite (today – it’s constantly changing) is the YS407 Galaxy Dress. I love how the silhouette mixes the terry and lightweight jersey textures. 

KB: How do you support the subject of sustainability and do you try to keep your supply chain transparent?

Maisie: All of my production is done locally in LA in small quantities.

KB: Let’s talk about styling. You aren’t afraid of prints, mix-matching or accessorising with leggings. What tips can you give us to achieve that “Maisie Wilen” look?

Maisie: The more the better! I design with mix-and-match layering in mind. Everything is a statement but also harmonious.

Photography: Maisie Wilen PF2020