In the realm of fashion design, where creativity intertwines with personal narratives, Madi Sanderson emerges as a bold voice with a distinctive vision. Her journey into the world of fashion began at a young age, fueled by the influence of her great grandmother, who crafted clothes for her and her cousins. From childhood toy garments to designing dance costumes during over 15 years of competitive dance, Madi’s path was paved by a deep connection to the art of clothing creation.
However, it was the tumultuous events of 2022 that ignited a powerful spark in Madi’s creative soul, leading to the birth of her remarkable collection, “vulvation.” The U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade left an indelible mark on Madi, personally and creatively. Stripping away reproductive rights became a catalyst for her to channel her emotions into art, using fashion as a medium to voice her concerns and celebrate the resilience of women.
“During the summer of 2022, I felt a deep sadness for my fellow women who were losing their rights in a country that’s supposed to be progressing. I moped for a little bit, then turned my sadness into anger through my art, and vulvation was born,”
The heart of “vulvation” beats with a powerful message – a celebration of women’s bodies in all their beauty, strength, and endurance. Madi’s personal experiences, including menstruating since the tender age of 8, shape the narrative of her collection. Flesh tones symbolize the diverse spectrum of women, while red, prominently featured, serves as a potent reminder of menstruation and the bold folds of the vulva.
The choice of fabrics and colors is a deliberate effort to encapsulate the essence of the female experience. Crinkled taffeta mimics wrinkled skin, and red fabrics, ruched to represent flowing blood, boldly stand out. Madi’s incorporation of ovular shapes pays homage to the female reproductive system, providing a visual exploration of the beauty inherent in women’s bodies.
“I chose flesh tones for my collection to celebrate the entirety of all women. Red is seen throughout as a reminder for menstruation. I use crinkled taffeta to give the impression of wrinkled skin. Red fabrics that are used are ruched, to represent flowing blood. Red is also used to represent folds of the vulva. Red is more intense than pink, and I wanted to convey the boldness of this collection with red as the accent,” explains Madi.
Intriguingly, Madi’s collection incorporates hand-embroidered nipple patches and red-colored fringing to challenge societal norms. By exposing what is typically hidden beneath clothing, she confronts the unequal treatment of women’s bodies. “I wanted to show what lies underneath typical clothes that are hidden away for most of women’s lives,” she asserts.
The challenge for Madi extended beyond the creative process; external voices questioned the audacity of her work, deeming it too unconventional. However, fueled by her determination to share her story authentically, she overcame the doubts and criticisms. “I myself have a hard time not trying to please everyone, but at the end of the day, this is my art and my story that I hope reaches audiences that have ever felt the same as myself,” she asserts.
Despite facing adversity, Madi found solace in the completion of her collection, marked by a powerful photoshoot that became a testament to her resilience. “After the shoot I sent the photos after they were developed to my mom, with her not knowing what I was designing for months. We shared such a special moment after I showed her the final outcome. I’m so thankful for my mom and how much she supports me throughout everything I do,” she shares.
As “vulvation” prepares to make its mark at the Vagina Museum’s event, Vulvaplicity, Madi envisions a future where fashion becomes a bolder voice in addressing social and political issues. “It’s going to be in-your-face, unapologetic and straight to the point of the issues that we come across in our world,” she predicts.
Beyond “vulvation,” Madi’s plans include further exploration of women’s bodies as art and a commitment to amplifying women’s stories often overlooked by history. “To have my work in the Vagina Museum is a dream come true, and I can’t wait to see where else my work will go next,” she shares.
To support Madi’s vision, she invites fashion enthusiasts and advocates of women’s rights to engage in conversations, collaborations, and donations toward the cause of granting women worldwide the rights to their bodies. Her journey, encapsulated in “vulvation,” encapsulates a poignant message of resilience that she hopes will resonate with women of present and future generations.
As Madi Sanderson boldly continues to navigate the intersection of art, fashion, and social advocacy, her work stands as a testament to the transformative power of creativity in championing the rights and stories of women.
To see more of Madi’s work visit her Instagram here.
