I am a Minneapolis based women’s wear designer with a deep passion for fashion history, fueled by my love of classic films, literature, and theater. I have a particular affinity for garments from the early 20th century. I strive to integrate the beauty and elegance of these decades in my designs. I approached this collection as if I were creating a paper doll book. My character is a fictional actress – Irene Donovan – from Hollywood’s Golden Age. Ms. Donovan, a French couture lover, is sailing from Europe to America aboard the Queen Mary. My collection features a few of the outfits she sports on her oceanic voyage. Each piece is inspired by popular Parisian couture designers from the 1930s.
Madeleine (Maddie) Cunningham is a Saint Paul, MN native and will
be graduating this spring from Minneapolis College. She will be
receiving her AAS Degree in Apparel Technologies. Maddie plans on
using her apparel design skills in the bridal industry or at a
costume shop. Maddie first learned to sew at her grandma’s dining
room table when she was five years old.
Recently, Maddie designed and made a wedding gown for a class assignment.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, she made the gown at her own
dining room table using a home sewing machine. The gown’s design was inspired
by her great-grandmother’s 1939 wedding dress which has also served as
inspiration for other homemade wedding gowns in the family. Despite the
challenging circumstances that Covid has presented, Maddie has persevered to
create beautiful garments to add to her family’s legacy.
Model: Gina Baertsch
I want to thank my family, especially my mom, dad, sisters, and
grandparents. A massive shoutout to Angie, Celina, Jeanne, Kati,
Mary, Susan, and many more friends for their support and prayers.
And another shoutout to my talented classmates, instructors, advisers,
my model, Gina, and hairstylist, Christine. It’s been a pleasure to
work and learn alongside you these past few years.
mcunningham.designs@gmail.com
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