Interview: Madilynn
We were in New York for Fashion Week and got the chance to talk with Madilynn, a NYC-based model and stylist, to talk about how she got into the industry, what she'd tell anyone starting out, and what's coming next.
The conversation is below, lightly edited for length.
Getting Started: From South Carolina to NYC
Interview: For those who don't know you, introduce your name and what you do.
Madilynn: Hi! My name is Madilynn. I am a model and the owner of a personal styling brand.
Interview: We're based in Toronto, pretty close to NYC. Have you ever been? Any impression of the fashion scene here vs. there?
Madilynn: I have never been to Toronto, but I absolutely need to go soon. I feel like you guys have such a great vintage scene. From an outside perspective, it seems like Toronto is very streetwear-inspired and focused more on independent brands, which is awesome. I follow a few vintage shops based in Toronto, and some of the stores are so beautifully curated.
I think New York is similar, maybe with a little more of an elevated/polished feel, because we are also such a corporate city as well as a fashion powerhouse.
Interview: Did you grow up in NYC surrounded by fashion, or did you always have an idea from young that you wanted to enter the industry?
Madilynn: I grew up in South Carolina, where the fashion scene was practically nonexistent. I was a super shy kid, so fashion was my outlet to express myself. I wouldn't speak in class, but I would be wearing a zebra print top, hot pink pants, and rainbow suspenders.
From a pretty young age, I knew I wanted to be in the industry in some shape or form.
Interview: What does a normal Tuesday look like for you when you're not shooting?
Madilynn: A Tuesday for me, if I'm not shooting, usually involves thrifting. I have some curated spots I like in the city, but my bread and butter is a super dingy mom-and-pop store.
I also live in Queens, which is one of the most diverse places in the world, so the food is incredible. I love trying new places and learning about different cultures. One of my favorite things about New York is that I get to "travel" and experience so many other cultures without leaving the city.
Interview: What was your very first modelling job, and what do you remember most about it?
Madilynn: My first modeling job was in South Carolina when I was maybe 15 or 16, and it was a presentation show. I had so many mixed emotions. Imposter syndrome for sure — like, how did I get here? Yet there was also so much joy, mainly after it was over and I realized I didn't trip and fall on stage.
I just remember thinking, I can't believe I just got paid to do something I love so much, and there is a world where I could actually make this my career.
Interview: What's something you believed about the industry before you were in it that turned out to be wrong?
Madilynn: Specifically in the modeling industry, I believed that once I was signed to a big agency, it would fully sustain me financially, which ended up not being true. It's like any business, just a unique case where you are the business. It's not going to be super profitable immediately.
It took me 3–4 years of being in New York, finding my look, finding the right agency, and building relationships with clients for modeling to fully sustain me.
Breaking Into Modelling: Agency Red Flags to Watch For
Interview: What should new models watch out for — red flags in agencies, scam castings, unpaid "exposure" work?
Madilynn: Any agency that makes you pay them is a scam. An agency's job is to get you work, and they will take their cut from the job. You should never be giving them money. For test shoots, maybe, but even then, it should be with reason and you should understand exactly what you're paying for.
Interview: If you had to do it all over again but not in NYC, where would you start from?
Madilynn: I would go to Paris. I still hope to spend some time there in the future, but I feel like that's where most of the major brands reside now.
NYFW, Runway & Editorial Shoots
Interview: How do you go about walking a show for NYFW — is it personal interest in the brand, or about the opportunity to showcase your work?
Madilynn: I'm definitely pickier now with the shows I do for NYFW. It's a lot of hustle for usually a small financial reward, but it can be good for exposure and networking.
Now I'm in a place where I choose to go to castings for a show based on my alignment with the brand. I walked for Ben Doctor this Fashion Week. He's an up-and-coming designer, not only the sweetest person, but his designs are incredible.
Interview: What's the difference between how you prepare for runway vs. an editorial shoot?
Madilynn: Runway, I'm honestly trying to gaslight myself into believing I'm not so nervous. It's always super chaotic backstage, so I just try to stay calm and centered.
Editorials, I'm usually more chill, so I feel like I can lean into a character a little bit more and just have fun being someone else for a brief amount of time.
Interview: What's the most chaotic backstage moment you've had?
Madilynn: I had my most chaotic backstage moment recently. I walked a couture show, and none of the models got to see the runway path beforehand. We just got it briefly explained to us, so of course everyone was stressed.
When it was my turn, I went the wrong way. I was so embarrassed. However, afterward, we stayed by the runway until everyone was there, and then returned backstage. So I got to see everyone come and go a slightly different way. It was so chaotic and a million degrees, but we all had a good laugh about it afterward.
Interview: Is there a show or campaign you're proudest of so far?
Madilynn: Recently, I got to shoot with Marc Jacobs Beauty, and I was so proud of that. Not only is it a major brand, but I always had this idea in my head that I could never shoot beauty — that I just wasn't conventionally attractive enough.
Being able to shut that belief down and heal that part of myself was really incredible.
The Part People Don't See: Self-Care & Comparison
Interview: How do you protect your skin and hair when they're being styled constantly by different teams?
Madilynn: On off days, I usually never wear makeup to let my skin breathe. I take my skincare routine very seriously. I love a good face mask and hair mask at least once a week.
Interview: What do you do to switch off — hobbies completely outside fashion?
Madilynn: I love yoga. It's a huge part of my grounding ritual. However, now I'm trying to build my vintage activewear collection.
Interview: How do you handle comparison and criticism, especially with your face being the product?
Madilynn: I used to care a lot more, to the point where I took a big break last year. Unfortunately, I didn't have the best people in my corner at the time, telling me I was too big or eating too much.
I was under so much pressure. Going to castings or jobs with other models, I was sick with comparison, to the point where I had to stop and reevaluate if this was even what I wanted.
I took a step back and did a lot of healing. I became more secure with myself, did a lot of self-discovery, and worked on self-love. I knew that when I returned, I was secure within myself and nobody could tell me anything.
I think that's really the reason I found so much success returning. I am so glad I'm unique. Why would I want to be a copy of anyone else?
Favourite Independent & Emerging Designers
Interview: Favourite independent or emerging designers right now?
Madilynn: Is it cheesy if I say Ben Doctor because I just walked for him? I think just being around him and his team, seeing how much hard work goes into it — and not to mention everything is sickening — was so inspiring.
When we were in lineup, I was just shopping via everyone's looks.
Interview: Veyra is a platform for independent designers to sell on a dedicated marketplace, while allowing users to discover new designers and share recent fit pics with the community. What do you think of Veyra, and have you tried it out?
Madilynn: Veyra is an amazing platform. It's so important to celebrate independent designers and give them a platform, as well as give people a space to share their creativity.
I am the most inspired by the people around me, so to now have that in app form is amazing. It not only promotes creativity but sustainability, which I am a huge advocate for.
I am a new fan and already discovering so many amazing designers.
What's Next for Madilynn
Interview: What's next for you — anything you can tease?
Madilynn: I think I'm due for some travel ;) I'm going to go on a stay soon in one of the most fashionable cities in the world, and I'm super excited.
Interview: Where can people follow you and your work?
Madilynn: You can follow me @madilynnk8 on Instagram. My styling brand is @cur8tedcloset. I also just got TikTok to share my journey: @madilynnk888.
Follow Madilynn
Instagram: @madilynnk8
Styling: @cur8tedcloset
TikTok: @madilynnk888
More From Veyra
Fashion Art Toronto SS26 Runway Recap: veyraapp.com/blog/fashion-art-toronto-ss26
How Veyra Empowers Independent Brands: veyraapp.com/blog/how-veyra-empowers-independent-brands
Spending a Day with Toronto Creators: veyraapp.com/blog/spending-a-day-with-toronto-creators
Stay Tuned
More interviews and behind-the-scenes coverage on the way.
Follow @veyra.app for more.