St. Edward's Alumnus Brandon Maxwell Rocks Runways And Red Carpets
For any art or photo communications student at St. Edward’s University, Brandon Maxwell is an aspiring role model in the fashion and photography world. Quickly becoming an established name, Maxwell has had some great opportunities that are not given to many.
The 2008 graduate has redefined what success means on campus. For those who don’t know his name yet, they will very soon.
“In just six years, Brandon Maxwell ’08 has gone from Photocommunications student to stylist to the stars.”
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The Early Days
Brandon Maxwell grew up in Longview, Texas and drew early fashion inspiration from his grandmother, mother, and sister. He transferred to St. Edward’s University after two years at Marymount Manhattan College in New York.
After transferring, he was greatly persuaded and mentored by Professor of Photocommunications Bill Kennedy to focus on his studies. Maxwell honed into his potential and learned technical skills such as how to work a camera lens, as well as personal skills like time management and discipline. After graduating, he and a group of friends took a shot at the New York life again.
The longing to succeed and skills acquired in Austin helped him land a job as an assistant for a well-connected Deborah Afshani. After many challenges and a growing network, Maxwell went from assistant to director of fashion shoots for Elle and Harper’s Bazaar, and worked with celebrities like Orlando Bloom and Charlize Theron. The celebrity list has only increased since and continues to take on important faces of the on-screen world.
From Assistant to Best Friend
Maxwell has gained some recognition for his work through stars like Gwyneth Paltrow, Zendaya, and Uma Thurman. He first worked under Nicola Formichetti on Lady Gaga’s looks at the height of the “meat dress” fame. He then took the lead position as her personal stylist after Formichetti was named creative director at Diesel in ‘13.
Their relationship in the fashion business quickly led to a strong friendship. Gaga continuously supports her advisor and confidant by attending his runway shows, donning his styled looks, and co-working on personalized designs for important events.
Most recently, Gaga wore one of Maxwell’s creations for the 2016 Oscars red carpet: an elegant, white jumpsuit from his Fall 2016 collection.
On the Front Page
Lady Gaga alone has brought much attention to Maxwell’s vision that he even has a cover on Vogue with the singer/actress. The coolest part? It was shot by the KARL LAGERFELD himself. The feature focuses on Power Stylists with a list of the Top 25 Stylists of 2015 and, to no one’s surprise, features Brandon Maxwell on the list. Here is the full list of stylists.
Other magazines such as Women’s Wear Daily, W Magazine, Vogue, and Billboard have written about the stylist’s accomplishments over the past year.
Past looks styled by Maxwell for shoots are: America Ferrera on the September 2015 feature for Elle, Kylie Jenner on the May 2015 front cover of Teen Vogue, and Taylor Swift on the November 2014 cover shoot of German Harper’s Bazaar.
Perhaps next, we can expect to see his name as the stylist for a front cover of Elle or debuting on live television to talk about his rise to fashion fame.
On the Red Carpet
Maxwell’s vision is on the rise for the sophisticated, empowered women’s look. His designs have been walked down the runway by beautiful, diverse, and extraordinary models today.
However, Maxwell and his team are also turning heads with extravagant looks on red carpets. It is just so like his muse to try avant-garde and experimental. The late David Bowie inspired Lady Gaga and her Haus of Gaga team to recreate an iconic look for the 58th Grammy’s last month, which shows how versatile the gang can be.
Greatness Awaits
No doubt, Maxwell’s vision and creativity in fashion and style can only gain more recognition and grandeur from here. His most recent works have been styling Amber Valetta for the Conde Nast Traveler March 2016 Cover and having his own editorial in Vanity Fair France for his clothing line debut worn by Canadian model Herieth Paul.
Keep up with Maxwell’s activity by following him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, or visiting his website.