Styles & Profiles: KrisAnne Madaus
Name: KrisAnne Madaus
Occupation: Print and Digital Production at Vanity Fair
Age: 26
Neighborhood: East Williamsburg
On Look One:
Shania Twain tee under a white Dries Van Noten men’s button down, AG denim, Calvin Klein booties, and unbranded red leather gloves. The tee is a hand-me-down from a friend. Why anyone would give it up is beyond me. It’s a treasure. Now that I think of it, the thrifted button down could be an homage to her “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” video. I know it’s been a while since we’ve had a good hit, but don’t sleep on Shania! Jeans are thrifted from P.S. 234 Independence School’s annual fundraiser.
First style memory?
In high school, I overheard a boy I liked say something like, “KrisAnne doesn’t care–she just wears whatever she wants.” I hate that what some teenage boy may or may not have said gave me permission, but it did. I was like hell yeah I do wear what I want! This was in Wisconsin, by the way, so really I don’t know what fashion risks I was suddenly taking, but I did end up dodging the pastel poofy ball gown trend for prom, so I think I did something right.
What does style mean to you?
There’s a lot of shouting happening in the U.S. right now. For me, style can both respond to that and be a welcome respite from the noise. A silent protest, if you will. I’m not so direct with it—I’m not out here wearing a “pussy grabs back” t-shirt, but I think that the way I dress asserts my space and communicates that I’m not this docile, dutiful creature.
How would you describe your style?
I could be wrong, but I think that my makeup and hair both read girl-next-door normal, so I like to challenge people’s expectations when I unzip my coat by wearing things like this Mexican western shirt with horses on it. As a result, my style ends up being a bit performative and costumey. Other than that, the way I dress is simple and uncluttered. I’m a small person, so I can’t put too many things on my body. I do admire the maximalists out there though!
On Look 2:
Espuela de Oro Charras shirt from Goodwill. Madewell jeans. Sunglasses from ASOS. White Nikes.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
People on the train. That’s how you see fashion that actually functions.
Favorite places to shop in Brooklyn?
I don’t shop all that often, but I do love to peruse the goods at spots like Concrete + Water.
Favorite clothing/accessory? And why?
I have this kimono-ish garment that I got from a thrift store. It’s definitely meant to be an old lady cover up kind of thing, but I wear it all the time. Most often, I tie it around my waist so that it functions both as a belt and as a skirt over pants. I love it because it adds movement, and most of all because it confuses people. Every time I wear it someone asks what it is.
On Look 3:
House of Nonie dress. Mery backpack. Lele Sadoughi earrings. Meow socks that I got as a gift last Christmas. Velvet shoes from Urban Outfitters.
Biggest style mistakes?
Taking it too seriously. They’re just clothes. It’s just fabric. Don’t tell Miranda Priestly I said that.
If money were no object, what would you buy?
I’d love to channel TLC in an expensive ass set of silk pajamas. And jewelry’s really not my thing, but the addition of an oversized watch that a stranger might refer to as a “timepiece” couldn’t hurt.
What does Brooklyn mean to you?
Brooklyn is huge, so I won’t speak for the whole of it, but Bed Stuy and East Williamsburg, the two neighborhoods I’ve lived in, feel like home to me. I know that’s a ridiculous statement for a girl who’s only lived here for two years to say, but it’s true. Whether they’re Brooklyn born and raised or transplants, the people here are independent, no-nonsense types. They’re creative and driven and that attitude has influenced me in every way.
Social media handles: @krisannemadaus
