Sunday Sit-Down With… Madeleine Bowden

What do you love most about the North East?

I absolutely love the natural beauty of the North East. I’m from Northumberland and there are just so many incredibly beautiful places around there. I love visiting Alnwick and Durham, and will always make sure I visit Aidan’s Kitchen in Newcastle whenever I’m up – they do the best brunch! 

You studied Fashion Journalism at Sunderland University. How did this help prepare you for your career?

Sunderland Uni was great – they have amazing facilities and a lot of creative courses and resources on campus at your disposal. They also have established connections with world-renowned publications and a host of successful alumni, so are happy to put students in touch with industry insiders, as well as holding talks and seminars where you have the chance to meet influential members of the fashion industry.

Your career is one many would like to emulate. What advice would you give to anyone looking to work in fashion styling? 

At the beginning of your career, always say yes to everything (obviously, within reason) and try to see everything as an opportunity – no matter how small or insignificant the job may seem, you never know who you’re going to meet, who they may know or what it will lead to. Also: assist, assist, assist! Assisting established fashion stylists is invaluable when starting out. It’s an ideal way to hone your skills.

I’d also encourage people to connect with fellow creatives – photographers, hair and makeup artists – the North East is full of incredibly talented people, so get creative and plan your own test photoshoots. 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? 

In terms of succeeding? ‘It has to be someone, so why not you?’ When it comes to work ethic: ‘Always be the hardest working person in the room, but make the least fuss’. That’s still something I always look for in assistants.

Can you share any fashion insider tips with us?

I live by the mantra: ‘buy better, not more’. I will only buy something if I think I’m going to wear it for years to come, and if it will work in at least three outfits in my existing wardrobe. I’ve spent years curating my wardrobe and have a capsule of staples that I wear every season. I then add a few pieces seasonally to update it, or nod to a trend.

My top five must-haves are: 

A great black blazer

Jeans that make you feel great

A really well-made cotton t-shirt

A beautiful cashmere jumper

A crisp white shirt

Congratulations on your pregnancy! What have you found helpful when dressing a growing bump?

Thank you! I’ve found dressing while pregnant really challenging, especially as someone who is style-conscious – I’m convinced people who make maternity wear have never actually been pregnant! I found trying to stay as close to how I dress was the easiest thing for me, as I refuse to spend hundreds of pounds on cheap clothes that I’ll likely not wear again. I’m wearing oversized shirts, jumpers, cardigans, leggings and stretchy knit dresses or tops (layering has been key), so I haven’t had to buy much maternity wear. I would wear all those items postnatally, too.

Check out Madeleine’s work on her website and follow her on Instagram for more style tips, outfit inspo and a sneak peek into her styling work