HUMANS WE HEART: MADELYN SOMERS, FOUNDER OF MADE SOME SOUVENIRS

Got vacay plans on the brain? Then you’ll love designer Madelyn Somers and her brand, Made Some Souvenirs. Inspired by vintage tourist tees and other old-school travel finds, it has the most fun, nostalgic vibe, so we’re extra excited to release an exclusive collection just in time for summer getaways. We popped by Madelyn’s sunny space in LA to chat about the collab, her favorite cities to visit and a longtime connection to Madewell, plus more.

Hi Madelyn! Mind if we start with a few quick getting-to-know-you Qs?
Coffee order?

Cold brew with oat milk (whole milk if I’m feeling wild).

Go-to outfit?

Vintage jeans, a ribbed white tank paired with an oversized button-down, some silver chain necklaces, my pinky ring and grandma’s class ring from 1934, my glasses (I’m very blind) and either a sneaker or a heel.

Most-used emojis?

Oh, that’s a tough one— I’d say the googly eyes with the tongue out face (🤪), the uneasy face (🥴) and the laughing crying face (😂).

Books on your nightstand?

A lot of my books live on Audible these days. My recent listens are Educated, Such a Fun Age and Beautiful World, Where Are You.
In terms of physical books, I have a large collection of art, photography, fashion and design books. My most recent purchase was an Issey Miyake coffee table book (too large to fit on my nightstand).

Let’s talk about the collab! We’re big fans of the nostalgic, travel-focused Made Some aesthetic. What made you first want to start the line, and how did the collab come about?

Made Some Souvenirs came out of my love of travel and souvenir shopping. When I wasn’t able to travel during the pandemic, I decided to make my own souvenirs. As a graphic designer by trade, color enthusiast and collector of all things ’70s, it came together naturally. I started with the tourist tee and then expanded with bucket hats, sweatshirts, scrunchies and much more in the works.
I have to pinch myself that this collaboration is finally here. I’ve had a long history with Madewell; it was my first retail job at 18 and then I had a summer internship at their NYC HQ, so this feels like a long time in the making.
It started because one day I sent my linesheet to the Madewell partnerships team, thinking it would be a shot in the dark, but now here we are on launch day. It’s pretty surreal and just goes to show that you should dream big, because you never know what could happen!

We love that so much! And speaking of travel, what’s your favorite destination to return to over and over again?

I have so many favorite places. I lived in New York for seven years, so that’s always been a favorite, but probably Paris or Mexico City. All these places are so walkable, have incredible food and a thriving art scene. I could walk for hours exploring different shops, galleries or cafes. I love a long stroll and finding new discoveries along the way (it’s how I get the best souvenirs).

And what are some places you’ve always dreamed of visiting but haven’t yet?

The top countries on my list that I have yet to go to are Brazil, Istanbul and South Korea. They’re all very different and have their own distinct cultures.

We love that there’s a beachy theme running through the collection. What are some essentials you keep in your beach bag?

I’m big on LANEIGE lip balm (I probably have three in my bag at all times), Vacation® sunscreen, my prescription sunglasses, a Made Some Souvenirs scrunchie and/or bucket hat, a vintage striped beach towel and Aesop’s rose petal-infused misting hydrator, which is so refreshing!

And finally, since this is our Humans We Heart series, we like to let our guests pass on the torch. Who’s a human you especially heart these days?

Ah, there’s so many, it’s hard to pick just one! Ziwe! She’s having uncomfortable conversations about social issues that people often avoid, but in a funny, smart and satirical way. I love it. Wales Bonner and Emily Bode have an incredible vision and I love watching it come to life from fashion shows, collabs and retail spaces—and Zendaya is an American treasure.

Thanks so much, Madelyn (!). Check out the full Madewell x Made Some Souvenirs collab right here.