Alexa Chung's Universe: Her Best-Selling Collaboration with Madewell, Influential Style Icons, and Bold Fashion Opinions

      Enter the realm of the most stylish creatives in the fashion world with our new series, My World, where readers will learn how leading stylists, designers, and trendsetters crafted their careers; their favorite hidden gem restaurants and hotels; cherished lesser-known albums and fashion discoveries; the etiquette principles they adhere to; and so much more. The year was 2007. Pictures of a largely unknown Brit began surfacing in online blog posts and magazine pages. She attended the Glastonbury Music Festival dressed in a leather motorcycle jacket, a striped T-shirt, denim shorts, and fitted over-the-knee boots. She seemingly burst onto the scene and quickly captured the cultural zeitgeist in a manner only possible in the mid-2000s. Her name was Alexa Chung, and her unique charm was both influential and hard to define.

      For many, Chung was the first "style icon" who truly resonated with them. Before social media algorithms or Pinterest boards, there was Tumblr.com, a platform where users collected fashion and cultural inspiration, and Chung reigned as its queen.

      Fast forward to today, and Chung is a multi-talented force, seamlessly navigating various creative fields while defying any singular label. On one side, she is a published author, with her coffee table book, It, featuring her writings, drawings, and photographs released in 2014, alongside her regular contributions to the Financial Times. On the other hand, she is also a model, having recently graced the runways of Chloé and Miu Miu, and when not modeling, she's often found in the front row at their shows. Let's not forget her role as a designer; she led her own ready-to-wear label from 2017 to 2022 and is currently working with Madewell on her third capsule collection for the brand. Ahead, Chung opens up about her career path that earned her the title of ultimate It-girl, her constantly sold-out Madewell collaboration, her preferred spots to unwind in London, and much more. Step into Chung's world.

      You’ve taken on many roles over the years, from design to writing. If you had to choose just one focus, what would it be? I would love to be a creative director because that role encompasses everything I enjoy. While I appreciate design, I am also passionate about art direction and the way people wear clothes and the lives they lead. Storytelling is crucial to me, so I find joy in that entire process. You get to compose website copy, manage gifting, and strategize with influencers. Plus, you engage in design, styling, and campaign imagery—it's a top-tier role.

      You just unveiled the third part of your collection for Madewell. Can you share what inspired your mood board for this one? I aimed for this collection to be more personal, celebrating my own wardrobe and style. I included a fantastic image of Fran Lebowitz, an iconic figure from New York, on my mood board. In it, she’s seated on a white sofa or armchair at an Oscars party, and it encapsulated the festive atmosphere I wanted to convey in this collection—a party vibe where you’re dressed to impress. In that photo, she wears a tuxedo, which inspired me to create a tuxedo jumpsuit that I adore—it strikes a balance between casual and formal.

      If you could choose only one piece from this latest drop, which would it be? I would go for the Ronnie Leather Fringe Jacket; I find it absolutely irresistible. It’s fantastic and will only improve with time.

      What’s an item on your current shopping list? Right now, I love almond-toe mini heels that offer a modern twist on an '80s design. I appreciate that they can be styled with thick socks while still looking polished, even with denim and a sweatshirt. Pairing them with unexpectedly colored socks would be a cute look.

      What would you say is the most characteristically British aspect of your wardrobe? I have more outerwear and coats than anything else. It’s truly a space challenge. Despite having a wardrobe, I also have a rolling rack solely for coats because of lack of space. My passion for outerwear is a clear indication of my Britishness, as I’m dedicated to braving all types of weather and being outdoors. I prefer walking to taking a cab, even if it’s to the tube.

      You've donned many iconic outfits over the years. Is there one that stands out fondly in your memory? The first look that comes to mind is the Loewe silk dress featuring a trompe l'oeil trench coat print. I dream of owning it; after wearing it to the 2023 British Vogue Forces for Change party, I had to return it the next morning, like Cinderella. I think about it often; I’d wear it all the time.

      Many view you as a style icon, but who would you identify as your style icons? Fran Leb