Alexa Chung On Challenging Winter Weather

At the launch of Alexa Chung’s debut collection for Madewell at the Bowery Hotel last night, it was apparent that the model turned MTV host turned designer was attending to the details. From the illustrations on the gift bags to the polka dots peeking out from the ankle of a pair of cuffed jeans, Chung’s Annie Hall-meets-Lolita sensibilities proved a perfect complement to J.Crew’s sister brand. “There’s a notebook in there for you. And this is my favorite chocolate from England,” Chung said of the canvas goody bags that were snapped up by fellow partygoers model Daisy Lowe, Pixie Geldof (who was moonlighting as a mannequin for the line), and Tennessee Thomas, drummer of the Like and resident DJ for the night.

Although Chung is no stranger to the fashion industry, the collaboration marks Chung’s first-ever design attempt. But, she says, “it wasn’t very hard: I took in drawings or pieces I wanted changed or made up differently.” Voilà—wool overcoats (the plaid’s her favorite), shrunken boy’s blazers, and Big Love-appropriate silk blouses. We had to ask—is this the stepping stone for her own line? “Maybe. I loved working with Madewell, so I’m just going to see where this goes.” Coy about business; less coy about the hazards of fashion week in February. “I look shit in cold weather,” she admitted. “I’ve always got a shit face on. But I’ve got a sheepskin coat. I guess that’s pretty good.”