Madelyne Strunsee is pioneering a multimedia fashion project that highlights the narratives behind garments and promotes a sustainable approach to wardrobe choices.
Madelyne Strunsee, an accomplished writer, stylist, and fashion researcher, operates a unique multimedia project known as Point of Departure (POD). Situated exclusively online, POD was developed to illuminate the narratives behind the garments we wear and the artisans who create them. The initiative releases curated collections of both designer and vintage clothing on the first of every month, with a focus on creating compelling visuals through innovative styling. Strunsee emphasizes the importance of storytelling, encouraging consumers to invest in the emotional and historical contexts that accompany each piece.
Strunsee’s journey in the fashion industry began nearly a decade ago after she graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Initially struggling to find her niche amid the expansive fashion scene, she took a proactive approach by engaging with New York Fashion Week, volunteering in various backstage roles and coordinating test shoots with fellow design students. Her experience led her to amass a diverse wardrobe archive of vintage and designer pieces sourced from platforms like eBay and thrift stores.
With limited space in her New York apartment and the realities of being a “starving artist,” Strunsee started selling her excess pieces on Poshmark and eBay, marking the inception of her business model. Having earned a degree in Supply Chain Management and Textile Production, she recognized the considerable wastefulness prevalent in the fashion industry. This realization, coupled with her passion for creating narratives through wardrobe styling, motivated her to establish a brand centered around sustainable fashion practices. Strunsee aims to challenge overconsumption and promotes a mindset of investing in quality pieces that have the potential for longevity and personal significance.
Point of Departure operates solely online but offers private shopping appointments, allowing customers to engage directly with Strunsee regarding her unique selections. When asked about her sources of inspiration, Strunsee pointed to a robust engagement with fashion history, including study of notable designers and their signature styles. She believes that understanding the backstory of fashion items can enhance their appeal, stating, “If I can provide the ‘why,’…people are more likely to invest in that piece.” Strunsee values varied sources of inspiration, claiming that she often looks beyond digital platforms to seek creativity in museums, nature, and various forms of media.
In terms of competition, Strunsee cites the uniqueness of vintage fashion as a significant advantage. “I’d like to think that the vintage community is unique because having the same offerings or products is nearly impossible,” she said. Instead of fixating on larger brands, she focuses on nurturing personal connections with her customers and creating distinctive branding around POD.
Looking ahead, Strunsee envisions expanding POD into a comprehensive multimedia platform that includes essays, interviews, and editorials in addition to the shop. Her mission is to reconnect people with their fashion choices, fostering a sense of purpose and identity as they navigate an industry commonly criticized for promoting rapid consumerism. She asserts, “Fashion hasn’t ever been about clothing. It’s about identity, expression, desire, language, and belonging.”
Strunsee appreciates the support from other local entrepreneurs, particularly Larissa Brown of Sugar Shock Vintage, who has been an influential figure in her journey into the fashion domain. Strunsee acknowledges the challenges faced by female business owners, especially in the current economic climate, but expresses gratitude for the opportunity to pursue her passion. In addition to her main project, she operates a substack where she writes accessible content regarding fashion, catering to those wanting to learn more about the subject in a simple, approachable format.
Through her work with Point of Departure, Madelyne Strunsee is not only pioneering a distinctive brand in the ever-evolving fashion landscape but is also promoting a sustainable approach that seeks to redefine how consumers interact with their wardrobes and the stories woven into them.
Source: Noah Wire Services
