Melbourne designer Madeleine McInnes is a “designer and artist” who says the garments of eponymous label are “envisioned as wearable artworks”.
“Madeleine McInnes is a bespoke fashion brand. Designed, drafted, and sewn in-house by myself and my team,” Madeleine explains.
“My garments and collections are created on a foundation of curiosity and wonder, featuring elements of traditional tailoring and sculpture. We work with clients one-on-one to collaborate on individual pieces and also lend garments from the brand’s archive to stylists for events and campaigns.”
The brand has grown along with Madeleine’s own development in her fashion and artistic practice: “The brand has evolved with my own fashion career, featuring pieces from the beginning of the brand in 2021 from my university days. I would say I considered my work as a brand only from last year, 2024.”
According to Madeleine, she began her creative journey by completing a Bachelor of Visual Art at QUT.
“Towards the end of my degree I moved from sculpture to immersive installation then landed in wearable art. It was applying art to the body, seeing the body as a form, that really captured my interest,” Madeleine says.
“I then moved to Melbourne to study at RMIT, completing my Bachelors in Fashion Design, where I came to adore the technical side of tailoring and pattern construction. There are so many elements to fashion not only in construction but fabrics, internal support structure, there really are no limits.
“After working in the commercial fashion industry, I made the decision to leave and only work in fashion part-time, but that part time experience is based on working in bespoke to create one off pieces, that eventually amount to collections.
“There are so many avenues of fashion, but the bespoke, avant-garde pathway is where my brand and interest lie. I love that I can spend my time in the studio creating these outlandish one-of-a-kind pieces, and that that will be my contribution to the industry.”
AN EXTENSION OF EXPRESSION
Madeleine says that she chose to use her own name for her brand because her work is an “extension of my own expression and observations, for instance the latest collection is inspired by my sister and those of my friends who love and adore pink, those who are more commercially focused in their wardrobe”.
“It’s an all-round celebration of femininity and the joys of being girlie. There is a lot of truth in the naming of each collection, for instance my last collection was named Metanoia. It is an ancient Greek word for change of mind and body – and that’s truly where my mind was at during the creation [of the collection] and it is woven into the intention of the collection.”
As a bespoke designer, Madeleine has slowly launched her own brand via her one-on-one appointments with her clients.
“Embracing slower forms of fashion and singular design … The brand launch wasn’t necessarily a quick move, it has been something that has evolved over time; first there was my grad collection, then a client or two and now I work with stylists and produce collections as well as pieces for clients, and participate in shows.”
As a creative artist, Madeleine says that she is inspired by “anything commenting on human observation, sculpture and art”.
“Alexander McQueen and The Row have always been in the background of my inspiration. Advanced tailoring and the sculpture you can create using those techniques will always be an obsession of mine.
“Local brands like Be_Right_Back who I have worked for, are always inspiring for their success from the ground up and dedication to artisan design.
But I am also inspired by creatives like photographer Tyler Shields and visual artist Louise Bourgeois.
TAILORING AND PATTERN MAKING
The brand Madeleine McInnes is focused on sculptural, Avant-guard and performative garments” explains the designer.
“[It is] an execution of tailoring, and alternative pattern making. An outcome of beautiful, thought provoking and dramatic fashion, not meant for the everyday … Although I fully support any of my clothing being an everyday go to! How fun!
“It is really to exercise my own creativity and play in the wearable art space. And make beautiful clothes.”
The brand’s aesthetic is centred around core elements like tailoring, volume and layering, which Madeleine describes rather as “good design”, saying that the aesthetic can change but the signature elements remain.
“For instance, my most recent collection is my attempt to stretch my design skills and sensibilities. Going from my usual witchy, dramatic, collection to pink! It has been great fun and a challenge!
“Going forwards I want to play more with aesthetics. But I do think for the next one I’ll be going back to black — my comfort colour!”
As a modern designer and maker, Madeleine says that sustainability and ethical production is an important part of her brand management.
“Coming from a commercial background, it’s really important for the brand to limit waste,” explains Madeleine. “All orders are custom, one-off pieces, with the intention to be worn for many years to come and be kept for their sentimental value.
“All garments are made closely with the client with the hope that their involvement means that they will really value the outcome and cherish it, avoiding it going to waste.”
Going forward Madeleine says that wants to “continue to challenge myself as a designer and make beautiful clothing, on an accessible level”.
“I also believe custom clothing and tailoring shouldn’t be limited to special occasions, but well-fitting clothes that truly reflect who you are, should be worn everyday.
“At Madeleine McInnes I create garments that reflect ideas and people. All initial consultations are free, let’s have a chat and make something beautiful.”
You can contact Madeleine McInnes via email at [email protected] to organise an appointment. You can also follow the brand at @madeleine_mcinnes
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