News

We invite everyone to join us Saturday June 11th from 12 to 3 p.m. at our KC flagship store at 1659 Summit, KCMO.  We're hosting a special gifting themed Pop-Up featuring Kendra Scott, Ocean and Sea, Indigo Wild and of course, MADI Apparel for this month's Second Saturdaze in the Westside!

Each MADI style is named after individual women who’ve made a difference in the life of our founder and who symbolize the kind of impact MADI can make in the world! Keep reading to learn about how each style got it's name!

From Hayley, MADI’s founder:

I wanted the women buying MADI intimates to picture their mom, sister, best friend, etc. receiving the donated pair.  This was a CRUCIAL element in our development - not only is the name of our intimates line a woman's name (MADI - also spelling out Make a Difference Intimates) - but our styles are named after women as well.  I wanted the women receiving the donations to matter - to have a name.

These important women in my life even inspired the creative process behind designing the garment shapes.  I'm a woman - and I know what women wear and don't wear.  We stick to the styles we know and love - it's usually pretty black and white - but this answer certainly isn't the same across the board for every woman.  For example, some women only wear briefs. Some only wear thongs.  So, I designed clean-cut styles that women feel sexy in and feel comfortable wearing most often.  I wanted to steer clear from trendy styles and fabrics or loud colors that lose their flavor after a year or so.  MADI intimates are simple, luxurious basics that women constantly search their drawers for.  

During the design process, I pictured the loved one who inspired the style name.  I let the design flow from her personality - what makes her unique to the world?  How can an undergarment style embody the essence of her soul?

The Bonnie

First, I started with my Grandma, Bonnie.  (I call her Gaga, but that wouldn't make for a very nice panty name :) ! )

The brief reminded me of her - because it's CLASSIC.  Briefs will never go out of style - even young women find them most comfy.  When I think of my grandma I think of comfort, ever-present, and always in-style :).

About the style:

Buy The Bonnie HERE

Bonnie is well rounded in life and on your body.  High-rise fit with a retro look, flattering every womanly curve.

The Mimi

Mimi is what I call my other Grandma.  She's always around and has never let me down!  This makes me think of the bikini style.  It's modest in the back and doesn't ride - you know she will always stay with you :).

About the style:

Buy The Mimi HERE

Mimi's got your back in everyday life (literally) with full coverage bottoms and a chic, clean front. 

The Kyle

Kyle is my best friend since 4th grade.  She has a gender fluid name and is always up for anything.  The origin of the classic boyshort stemmed from boxers - a low-rise fit with a wide band.  We made it a cheekier cut though - why?  Because we're girls and want to feel sexy!

About the style:

Buy The Kyle HERE

Kyle is the girl-next-door.  Comfy coverage with a classic fit.

The Pamela

Pamela is my wonderful mom.  She is the most genuine person I know - but also is a major "boss chic" with sass.  This style is inspired by the Brazilian swimwear bikini style.  I drew this one up living in a small beach town in Florida.  It reminded me of my mom - sweet and cute all around but spicy when you least expect it!

About the style:

Buy The Pamela HERE

Pamela is sweet with a little bit of spice.  Feminine, soft and sexy with moderate bottom coverage.

The Diana

Diana is my other best friend from 4th grade.  She's outspoken and knows how to express exactly what she wants!  Her hair even inspired this style.  Her long, wavy locks remind me of the fluid, feminine floral pattern in the wide lace band.

About the style:

Buy The Diana HERE

Diana isn't afraid to be different – she radiates beauty and confidence.  Ultra cheeky bottom with a floral wide lace band

The Kaydee

The Kaydee was named after my college sorority, Kappa Delta.  I learned a lot of confidence in this life stage - I also had a lot of fun with my sisters, creating memories that will last forever.  This style (our now most popular style) was designed with confidence and flair.  This one is a guys' favorite! :)

About the style:

Buy The Kaydee HERE

The Kaydee is confident and sassy.  Cheeky bottom coverage with a flirty floral wide lace band.

The Sybil

The Sybil sleep top was named after my first cousin.  She's bold and loud, but is somehow soft and cuddly at the same time.  The design behind this top was to be a garment you never want to take off.  And this is literally a possibility as the top was designed to be worn for bed and outerwear over jeans or shorts!

About the style:

Buy The Sybil HERE

Sybil is bold and mysterious.  She's comfortable in her own skin.

Where to find this #MADIstyle:

-Dress: Shop Hearts

-Shoes: Macy's

-Earrings: Anthroplogie

-Necklace: Kendra Scott

-Ring: Ross-Simons

-Bracelets: Alex and Ani

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, so we reached out to one survivor to share a bit of her story with all of us, and here it is:

I think we all have an idea in our minds of what a perpetrator looks like; he's a scruffy, dirty, "creepy" man who hangs out in alleyways and drives a van--that, of course, has no windows. Part of this mentality is that we like to think we can tell just by looking at someone whether or not they are dangerous. We like to think if we know what to look out for, and if we know how to be safe, nothing bad will happen to us. Ahh, if only, if only...

This false image of perpetrators played a big role in keeping me quiet after I was raped on a date on November 14, 2009. After it happened, I was confused and so angry. I was embarrassed and blamed myself entirely for not having recognized a rapist even when standing face to face. When I considered coming forward, I thought to myself, "Who is going to believe a guy as successful, handsome and charming is capable of raping someone? And who is going to believe someone would rape someone on a date?" He doesn't fit the image society has of a perpetrator, or even my image of a perpetrator, and that terrified me. The fear of not being believed overshadowed my desire to be heard or validated. Never having felt more lost and alone, I kept it to myself.

My healing was full of hiccups. I made a lot of bad choices, and in between those bad choices was courage to keep pushing forward--despite all the "two steps forward- one step back" progress. The journey was painful, and trying, and beautiful--and mine. Every victim and survivor is going to heal in their own way. What they need and deserve from the people around them is patience, validation, sensitivity, and empowerment. They deserve for us as a community to stand up and say, "We believe you. It wasn't your fault." It's not a pretty subject. People don't like to think about how often it happens and they certainly don't want to talk about it. It's awkward. But survivors aren't going to feel comfortable coming forward when we as a community are terrified to talk about something that happens every day.

My story went public for the first time for MADI Apparel's #HerSuperPower campaign.

Since then, I've been public speaking all over Kansas City and making short, educational videos on YouTube to help raise awareness.

I wasn't ready to have a voice for quite some time, but now that I do, I hope I'm able to be a voice for the voiceless. I hope the world hears me and chooses to treat survivors with compassion instead of criticism. I pray my voice reaches all the men and women who have been impacted by sexual violence, either directly or indirectly, and it motivates them to keep faith. I pray they hear me when I say, "It may not seem like it now, but I promise healing is possible. You too, can feel whole again."

-Geony Rucker

geonyrucker.com