STYLIST TO LADY GAGA, BRANDON MAXWELL TAKES THE FASHION INDUSTRY BY STORM YET AGAIN, THIS TIME AS A DESIGNER

by Mats Meyer

In recent years, we have become all-too familiar with the eccentric, show stopping, and often outrageous outfits of pop superstar Lady Gaga (we all remember her controversial choice of attire at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards: the infamous meat dress). However, to the delight of many, ever since the megastar started her Cheek to Cheek tour with jazz legend Tony Bennett in late December of 2014, there has been an almost 180 degree turn with regard to both musical inclinations (her staple pop/dance tunes giving way to a more sophisticated, retro-inspired genre) and personal style. Gaga’s over-the-top looks were traded in for a newfound take on sophistication, emerging as a rebirth of old Hollywood glam. Gone are the days of pyrotechnic bras, metallic astro-suits, and flamboyant wigs…now giving way to embrace a more classic, less cluttered take on beauty. The fashion mastermind behind Gaga’s transformation? Texasborn stylist turned designer Brandon Maxwell.

Maxwell was introduced to Gaga during his position as assistant stylist to Nicola Formichetti, the singer-turned actress’s prior stylist. However, it wasn’t long before Maxwell went from being considered as simply a chess piece on Formichetti’s board to becoming a key to Gaga’s burgeoning popularity. Not only has he become the star’s official stylist (The Hollywood Reporter listed him among the 25 most powerful stylists in the world), but has also taken a seat as art director of the her fashion label House of Gaga.

Now, Maxwell adds designer to his stylist status. His love for clothing started in his hometown of Longview, Texas. Growing up helping in his grandmother’s clothing store and dressing up his sisters in bed sheets, it comes as no surprise that designing clothes became a lifelong dream.

Maxwell officially launched his first collection at New York Fashion Week earlier this season—unquestionably his most daunting professional project to date. Without any type of formal training in design, he nurtured an understandable fear of not being taken seriously, but proved the skeptics wrong.

The unusual choice of location for this long-awaited NYFW debut (Mr. Chow, a small Chinese restaurant on the Upper West Side) was, nonetheless, a start-studded venue, with fashion veterans like Alexander Wang and the Mother Monster, Gaga herself, notable in their attendance.

Gaga played an important role as a muse for the collection—serving as the spiritual epicenter of his eponymous, ready-to wear line— but other strong female role models such as Carine Roitfeld, Jackie Onassis, Princess Diana, and even his own grandmother also inspired the New York-based designer.
Staying true to what he terms “American luxury,” Maxwell chose a combination of crepe, alligator, and suede as principal fabrics for the collection, and stunned critics with a classic yet avant-garde take on the modern woman, executed in a mostly demure palette (a range of black, ivory, and blush). His collection presented a masterful, well-balanced combination of feminine, sleek, and ultra-glamorous gowns with sharply tailored tuxedo blazers and a touch of ridged pleating—his pieces now must-haves for every woman who considers herself a modern femme fatale…or at least aspires to the role.

Maxwell’s line is available now, with prices ranging from $795 to $2,600.

Brandon Maxwell
brandonmaxwellstudio.com