LAUNE x Sloppy Seconds
Meet Maddie, founder and designer of Sloppy Seconds! Starting as a vintage resale venture in her apartment during graduate school, Maddie transformed her passion for sewing into a mission-driven business aimed at addressing the environmental challenges posed by the fashion industry. With a strong commitment to sustainability, Sloppy Seconds blends traditional menswear elements with feminine touches, offering one-of-a-kind, carefully curated pieces that give clothing a second life.
1. Tell me about yourself and Sloppy Seconds. How was it created?
Hi! My name is Maddie and I am the owner and designer of upcycled clothing brand, Sloppy Seconds. It began as a vintage resale side hustle out of my apartment bedroom during graduate school. Working in environmental public health, I studied the disheartening impacts that the clothing industry has, both environmentally and ethically. I decided to pivot away from vintage and began selling my own reworked pieces, which was a natural evolution given that I have been sewing my whole life and often reworked pieces for myself. It also was an opportunity to recirculate clothing, which turned out to resonate with other people too.
Sloppy Seconds is now an upcycled clothing brand based in NYC that aims to give clothing a second life. We blend elements of traditional menswear with feminine accents, creating classic wardrobe staples with elevated details. Every piece we upcycle is carefully sourced secondhand, one-of-a-kind, and reworked locally in NYC.
2. What inspired the name of Sloppy Seconds?
About a year before I started the business, the name actually came to me randomly in the middle of the night. I woke up and wrote it down in my Notes app, thinking it was a witty name for a clothing resale business one day and never really thought I would put it to use. Who knew what it would become!
3. What is the LAUNE (mood) of Sloppy Seconds?
The LAUNE (mood) of Sloppy Seconds is tailored yet relaxed, creative, and classic with a bit of edge.
4. Tell me about the upcycling process. Where does it begin?
The process of upcycling begins with an idea. Our first piece, The Kevin Top, was made from one of my dad’s dress shirts that was lying around in a donation pile during the pandemic. I had the idea to crop and tailor the top so it maintained that classic menswear look but with a feminine silhouette. After the initial idea strikes, we move to sourcing the raw materials which can of course include men’s dress shirts, as well as blazers, trenches, deadstock fabric, and our best-selling military liners. Then we clean, cut, sew and finish each piece by hand in NYC.
5. What is the ethos of Sloppy Seconds?
The ethos of Sloppy Seconds is rooted in sustainability, individuality, and reimagining fashion through an upcycled lens.
6. What inspires you?
I am inspired in many different ways: through street style, runways, art, nature - really anything and everything. I gather bits and pieces of inspiration from all of these sources over time and then infuse it with my own vision.
7. What do you love about New York?
My favorite thing about New York is the diverse energy: it is a patchwork of cultures and identities coexisting together. This energy has shaped the way I see the world, reminding me to have an open mind and be bold.
8. What’s next for Sloppy Seconds?
We just opened a showroom space in Chelsea, which has been a dream come true! Our customers can now come shop in person and see behind the scenes of the brand by appointment, which you can book here. We are also working with some incredible retailers in the upcoming year to expand access to our collection!
Rapid Fire:
1. Describe your style in three words.
Playful, chic and edgy. If I could add one more, sporty. I always have a mix!
2. Favorite brand?
Always changing, but right now I am loving all things Tibi
3. If you could only wear one designer for the rest of your life, who would it be?
Vintage Prada
4. Dream collab?
Tough one.. maybe Sandy Liang?
5. What are three staple items that every closet should have?
Our George Top, vintage Levi’s and the perfect white tee
6. Favorite place?
Sandpoint, Idaho
7. Favorite restaurant in NYC?
Emmett’s on Grove or Theodora (EM: Emmett’s Hot Girl pizza is to die for)
8. Favorite drinks spot in NYC?
Layla in Williamsburg
9. Favorite style icon?
10. Favorite movie?
Still obsessed with Princess Diaries and Aquamarine LOL.
11. What are you loving right now?
Spring weather and Thai food!
