Maddie Orlando: Style, Glam, And Her First Fashion Week

The first time at New York Fashion Week can be overwhelming, but for Maddie Orlando, a content creator and founder of the emerging clothing label, it was nothing short of exhilarating.

Known for her effortless mix of laid-back California cool and polished city edge, Maddie has been steadily carving out her place in the fashion space with a personal style that feels both aspirational and approachable. From early-morning glam in her Greenwich Village apartment to discovering new designers at the week’s most buzzed-about shows, she brought her signature balance of chic and ease straight to the front row. Before heading back to Los Angeles, Maddie sat down with Nylon to share her most memorable moments, her go-to beauty hacks, and what she’s bringing home from her whirlwind debut.

Before heading back to Los Angeles, Maddie reflected on her whirlwind debut at Fashion Week, sharing the moments and details that stood out most.

The week began with an early Monday call time for the show. At 7:30 a.m., the LA-based makeup artist whom Maddie had connected with on Instagram arrived at her apartment. Over matcha, they settled on a minimal, neutral eye and a glowy skin base, Maddie’s signature go-to. Even her “getting ready” outfit was a statement in itself: an unreleased jersey tank from her own brand paired with a sweat set, cozy yet intentional as the first look of her day.

When it came to styling her show outfit, Maddie wanted to strike a balance of chic, cool, elevated, and comfortable. The brand provided a navy cropped button-up, which she paired with a sheer midi skirt and black heels — the only pair she’d managed to wear all week without blisters. Accessories elevated the ensemble: her bag discovered in Mexico City, silver statement earrings, a tennis bracelet, and her everyday watch. She described aligning her look with the overall vibe of the designer’s collection as “fun and creative,” a way of pushing herself beyond her usual personal style.

Beauty staples also played their part in surviving Fashion Week. Lip liners became her obsession — “luxe, long-lasting, and essential for marathon days,” she noted. A fresh, skin-like fragrance rounded out her essentials, a small but meaningful detail that earned constant compliments as she dashed between shows.

The getting-ready vibe was equally important. Maddie’s ideal pre-show energy was calm yet buzzing with excitement. Her photographer and friend was on hand to capture behind-the-scenes moments and weigh in on last-minute outfit decisions, making the process collaborative and lively.

Looking back on her debut, Maddie described Fashion Week as both hectic and exhilarating. The city’s energy, the artistry of the runways, and the personal style expressed on the streets left her inspired. “I’m in awe of how fashionable everyone in New York is,” she reflected. The experience gave her a renewed appreciation for design and a refreshed perspective to carry back with her to LA.

Photography by Emma Howie

Makeup by Ahna Ellis

Styling by Maddie Orlando

BDG Media newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.