Since launching his namesake label in 2015, Brandon Maxwell has become a favorite of everyone from Jennifer Lawrence, Nicole Kidman, and Blake Lively to Michelle Obama, Meghan Markle, and Dr. Jill Biden—not to mention his close friend and collaborator Lady Gaga, whom he has dressed on countless occasions; his four-figure gowns have appeared on the Oscars red carpets, the storied Met Gala steps, and the Democratic National Convention. And thanks to a new partnership with Walmart, announced today, the 36-year-old Texan and former Project Runway judge’s designs will become a regular sight in the wardrobes of women across the country, too.
“Working with Walmart has long been a dream of mine. Like many people across the country who live in a small town, Walmart was the destination for everything where I grew up in Texas, including clothing,” said the newly appointed creative director who has been tasked with leading the retailer’s elevated fashion brands Free Assembly and Scoop. “This partnership allows me to bring the experience and joy of fashion to countless people who live in small towns across the country. Everyone deserves to have access to well-designed clothing at an accessible price point.”
Though Spring 2022 will be his first full season at Walmart (he will oversee four men’s, women’s, children’s, and accessory collections a year), customers can get a feel for what’s to come with today’s launch of a line of pink leopard and U.S. states-printed face masks, which is timed to Walmart’s $100,000 donation to DonorsChoose.org, a charity selected by Maxwell (whose sister is a teacher) for its dedication to helping public school teachers get the funding they need for materials and experiences that will help their students learn. “I am energized by this collaboration with Walmart, as it is not only an opportunity to make exceptional design accessible to all but with our charitable initiatives, we will work to help people improve their lives,” he continued. “That is after all the most fashionable thing we can do.”
