Alexa Chung's Realm: Her Most Successful Collaboration with Madewell, Personal Style Influences, and Boldest Fashion Opinions

      Immerse yourself in the realm of the most stylish creatives in the fashion world with Who What Wear US's new series, My World. Readers will explore how top stylists, designers, and influencers shaped their careers, their favorite hidden gems in dining and lodging, cherished albums, and fashion discoveries, along with the etiquette principles they adhere to, and much more. The year was 2007 when a then relatively unknown British figure began popping up in online blogs and magazine spreads. She graced the Glastonbury Music Festival in a leather motorcycle jacket, striped t-shirt, denim shorts, and fitted over-the-knee boots, seemingly emerging out of nowhere and swiftly capturing the cultural moment in a way unique to the mid-2000s. Her name was Alexa Chung, and her elusive charm was both influential and hard to define.

      For many, Chung was the first "style icon" to make an impact. Long before social media algorithms or Pinterest boards existed, Tumblr.com was the go-to platform for fashion and cultural inspiration, with Chung as its reigning queen.

      Fast forward to today, Chung epitomizes the multi-hyphenate, effortlessly transitioning between various creative endeavors while resisting any singular label. She's a published author, with her coffee table book It, filled with personal writings, drawings, and photos, released in 2014, and she regularly contributes to the Financial Times. Additionally, she is a model, having recently walked runways for Chloé and Miu Miu, and when not modeling, she occupies front row seats at their shows. Moreover, she has her own design label that operated from 2017 to 2022 and is currently collaborating with Madewell on her third capsule collection for the brand. In the following sections, Chung opens up about her career progression that earned her the ultimate It-girl status, her consistently sold-out Madewell collaboration, her favorite spots for downtime in London, and more. Step into Chung's world.

      You've taken on numerous roles over the years, from design and business to authoring. If you had to choose one focus, what would it be? I would love to be a creative director since that encompasses everything. I enjoy design but also have a passion for art direction and considering how people wear clothes within their lives. Storytelling is significant to me, so I enjoy that aspect. In that role, you handle the website copy, manage gifting strategies with influencers, and oversee design, styling, and campaign imagery—you're at the forefront of creativity.

      Your third collection for Madewell has just launched. What references inspired this one? I aimed for it to be more personal, celebrating my wardrobe and style. One standout image on my mood board was of Fran Lebowitz, an iconic New York figure, lounging on a white sofa at an Oscars party. It captured the vibe I wanted to evoke in this collection—think festive holiday parties with elegant attire. She’s depicted wearing a tuxedo, inspiring me to create a tuxedo jumpsuit, which I adore for its casual yet sophisticated appeal.

      What’s currently on your shopping list? I’m really drawn to almond-toe mini heels, reminiscent of '80s styles. They pair wonderfully with thick socks, making even a casual outfit of denim and a sweatshirt feel polished. A vibrant sock combined with those chic '80s shoes would look delightful.

      What do you think is the most quintessentially British aspect of your wardrobe? I definitely own more outerwear and coats than any other type of clothing. It’s quite a challenge regarding space! I have a wardrobe but also a rolling rack specifically for coats due to lack of space. My love for outerwear is a clear sign of my British roots; I’m committed to braving the weather and still venturing outside. I prefer walking to the tube instead of taking a cab.

      Among the many iconic looks you've worn, is there one that stands out to you? The Loewe silk dress featuring a trompe l'oeil trench coat immediately comes to mind. I dream of owning that dress; after borrowing it for the 2023 British Vogue Forces for Change party, the courier came to pick it up at 9 a.m. the next day, reminiscent of Cinderella. I think about that dress often; I could see myself wearing it continuously.

      Many see you as a style icon, but who inspires your style? Fran Lebowitz for her steadfast signature look, the Parisian brand Husbands—Nicolas Gabard is incredibly chic—and Mrs. Prada, who keeps us guessing, particularly when she took a bow at the Prada spring/summer 2026 show wearing a silk shawl. I also admire vintage photos of Lee Radziwill, especially when she wore one-shoulder gowns in her 40s and 50s.

      What’s a surprising detail about your home? I enjoy placing artwork in unusual spots. For example, I love a print by Tracey Emin that I hung on my bedroom door