The Realm of Alexa Chung: Her Top-Selling Collaboration with Madewell, Influential Style Icons, and Bold Fashion Opinions

      Enter the realm of the most innovative talents in the fashion world with our new series, My World, where readers can learn how leading stylists, designers, and trendsetters carved out their careers; uncover their favorite hidden gem restaurants and hotels, cherished deep-cut albums, and fashion discoveries; the etiquette principles they adhere to; and much more. The year was 2007. Photos of a relatively unknown British figure started appearing in online blogs and magazine spreads. She was spotted at the Glastonbury Music Festival dressed in a leather motorcycle jacket, a striped tee, denim shorts, and form-fitting over-the-knee boots. She emerged seemingly out of nowhere, capturing the cultural spirit of the mid-2000s in an extraordinary way. Her name was Alexa Chung, and her unique charm was as hard to define as it was impactful.

      For many, Chung was the first "style icon" to make an impression. Long before the influence of social media algorithms or Pinterest boards, there was a lesser-known website called Tumblr.com, where users searched for and collected fashion and cultural inspiration, with Chung reigning supreme over it.

      (Image credit: @alexachung; Madewell; Launchmetrics Spotlight/Chloé; Getty Images)Fast forward to today, Chung has become the ultimate multi-hyphenate, seamlessly navigating various creative endeavors and defying any single, rigid label. On one hand, she’s a published author, with her coffee table book, It, featuring a blend of personal writings, drawings, and photographs, released in 2014. She regularly contributes to the Financial Times, but she is also a model, having recently walked the runways for Chloé and Miu Miu. When she's not modeling, she finds herself front row at their shows. In addition to all this, she has established her own ready-to-wear label, which she led from 2017 to 2022, and is currently working with Madewell on her third capsule collection for the brand.

      In the following conversation, Chung opens up about her journey that led her to the ultimate It-girl status, her ever-popular collaboration with Madewell, her favorite spots for rare downtime in London, and much more. Welcome to Chung's world.

      You’ve worn numerous hats over the years, from your design and business endeavors to being a published author. It must be hard to choose, but if you had to concentrate on just one thing, what would it be? I would love to be a creative director since that role encompasses everything. While I enjoy design, I'm also passionate about art direction and considering how people wear their clothes in everyday life. Storytelling is significant for me, so I appreciate every aspect of that role, which includes website copywriting, influencer strategies, and campaign imagery—you’re involved in everything from the ground up.

      You’ve just released the third installment of your collection for Madewell. What were some inspirations on your mood board for this collection? I wanted to make it more personal and celebrate my own wardrobe and style. One standout image was of Fran Lebowitz, an iconic New York figure, lounging on a white sofa or chair at an Oscars party. It captured the holiday-party vibe that I aimed to create in this collection, showcasing that dressed-up feel. In the photo, she wears a tuxedo, but I interpreted that with a tuxedo jumpsuit that I adore because it's both casual and elevated.

      If you could buy only one item from this latest drop, which would it be? I would definitely choose the Ronnie Leather Fringe Jacket. I find it absolutely irresistible—it's fantastic and will only improve with age.

      (Image credit: @alexachung; Madewell; Launchmetrics Spotlight/Loewe; Getty Images; The Row)What’s currently on your shopping list? Right now, I’m obsessed with almond-toe mini heels, which offer a modern twist on ‘80s styles. I love that they can be paired with thick socks, creating a polished look even when wearing denim and a sweatshirt. An unexpectedly colored sock with those cute ‘80s shoes would be adorable.

      What would you say is the most quintessentially British element of your wardrobe? I definitely have more outerwear and coats than anything else, which poses a real space issue. Despite having a wardrobe, I keep a rolling rack just for coats due to the lack of room. My love for outerwear is definitely a sign of my British roots as I’m devoted to braving any weather and going outside—even if it means walking to the tube instead of taking a cab.

      You have donned so many iconic outfits over the years. Is there one look you fondly reflect on? One that stands out is the Loewe silk dress featuring a trompe l'oeil trench coat print. I wish I could own it. After borrowing it to wear to the 2023 British Vogue Forces for Change party, it was picked up at 9