MAX BY MAX MCGUIRE
Over the past few months The Point has had the pleasure to work with Max McGuire, a junior here at Fairfield University. We shot some of his pieces, helped him with rebranding, and got a glimpse into the creative guiness that is- Max. Max is, in every way an individual. What he is doing is unique and in today’s world, that is so rare. We can’t wait to see what he does next (we have a feeling he’ll end up as the creative director of Balenciaga or Off White or maybe his own line). Keep an eye on him, he is fearless and his can-do attitude will take him places. Keep reading for an exclusive interview with him.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
MAX: My name is Max McGuire, I’m from Delmar California and I’m on the lacrosse team here at Fairfield. I’m a marketing major with a minor in graphic design. I want to end up doing something with fashion or media in some way, and I like making clothes.
When did you realize that making clothes/fashion was something you wanted to explore?
MAX: Last winter break I was home and my grandma was visiting and I asked her to teach me how to use a sewing machine. I would see cool pieces online and always thought to myself that I could make that if I wanted to. I cut up an old Louis bag my mom had to make a lighter case. I also took the inside liner of the bag and sewed it into the holes on my ripped jeans. The pocket of the bag fit perfectly into the pocket of a hoodie so I sewed it on and it looked cool so I stuck with it. I’ve always been a creative person, I like art and I’m very hands on. I’ve always been able to figure out how to make things if I really want to so when I started to get more into fashion and designers I got really interested in the actual design process that they take. It’s become something that I want to do now, it’s kind of a combination of everything I love.
What do your parents think of what you’re doing?
MAX: My parents are great people. My Dad is very into clothes- at least half of my closet I’ve just kind of taken from him. My Mom’s the same way but I definitely get more of my inspiration from my Dad. They think what I’m doing is cool, my Mom was happy because it’s something I can bond over with my grandma.
What obstacles have you faced?
MAX: The sweatshirts are expensive to make, and it’s hard to charge college students a lot. Besides that not really, I’m not doing this to make money, I’m doing it for fun and because I enjoy it. My friends think it’s cool, a lot of them have gotten pieces from me. My roommate last year would always laugh at me because our room was constantly covered in clothes and fabric.
Were you nervous about straying from the norm?
MAX: Ya a little bit, I didn’t know what people would say when I came back with a sewing machine. It ended up being fine but I was nervous.
Who are your favorite designers?
MAX: Ian Connor, Virgil Abloh, Etai Drori, Rav Simmons.
What do you want to do after school?
MAX: I want to be involved in fashion. Whether it’s designing- manufacturing or working in house somewhere. I just want to keep making unique pieces that people like.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
MAX: I want to be doing something I enjoy, I have zero desire to sit in an office and have a desk job.
Check out Max on Instagram and follow his journey as he takes the fashion world by storm.
Interview by Eleanor Davis