Ambassador Spotlight Series

with Maddy

Maddy is one of the Ambassadors in our program, the Worn Well Collective. We are so thrilled and honored to be working with her and so many other talented creators in the slow fashion niche. Shop Maddy's looks and enjoy her story!

Name: Maddy Churm

Intro: Hey y’all! My name is Maddy and I live in Portland, Oregon with my house plant babies. When I’m not working, I love going and seeing movies, going for strolls, and browsing for fun vinyls at one of the many record stores here in Portland! Fashion is one of my favorite ways to express myself, and I adore this community of fellow fashion enthusiasts that I’ve found on IG and TikTok. And it’s a pleasure to meet you, friend!

City: Portland, Oregon

IG Handle: @maddychurm

TikTok Handle : @maddychurm

How would you describe your personal style?

My style has gone through so many changes and evolutions over the years, but the one thing I want to carry with me style-wise always is just having fun with clothes! I grew up seeing a lot of folks with my body type being told to only wear colors and shapes that were “flattering” and didn’t draw attention to the true and glorious shape of curvy bodies, and it wasn’t until the last few years that I broke out of that mentality.

I positively adore playing with shapes and patterns and I would absolutely consider it a creative practice! I get dressed as a way of expressing to the world what I’m about, and that’ll look different on different days. And how cool is that! If I want to dress a little more cowboy one day, I can do that. But if I want to play with feminine vibes the next? I can do that too! There aren’t rules when it comes to personal style, and I find that to be so invigorating.

How would you describe your personal style?

What are your current hobbies, projects, or things you're learning?

I’m a big homebody, so I love spending hours reading a great book, working on a baking project (yes, I bake sourdough!), drawing or painting. Anything that allows me to be cozy and also present with myself. But in the spring and the fall, I love being out and about in Portland! All of the colors, the blooming, the changing of the seasons? Absolute magic.

What is your favorite Tradlands piece and why?

My favorite pieces are definitely the Shelter Cardigan, the Monty Turtleneck and the Chalet Dress! What I love about all three of those pieces is that they are so dynamic. Something that I find to be so fun about getting dressed and being creative with clothing is finding unexpected combinations and pieces like the three I listed allow me to play!

What is your favorite Tradlands piece and why?

What advice would you give to someone looking to join or learn more about the slow/ethical/responsible fashion niche as motivation or reassurance?

I firmly believe that slow fashion is not black and white! I think there’s something to be said about accessibility for all, whether that’s size inclusivity, budget restraints, or both, and at the end of the day, it’s about being a conscious consumer. Wearing your favorite sweater constantly IS slow fashion. Mending when you can IS slow fashion. Repurposing an item? Yep, that’s slow fashion too!

I think we would do well to focus on the invitation for creative and joyful dressing as opposed to shaming people for buying what’s within their means. Nothing good can come from shame! Inviting folks to figure out what sustainable fashion looks like for them personally? That’s what makes me excited!