MAD-X started less than a year ago. With an array of tie-dyed sweatsuits and stickers, designer and owner, Madeline Hixon has sold her works of art to profit all those who have been impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19).

The 26 year old studied fashion and production out of Lasell University. The tie-dyed loungewear was actually an accident by Hixon during her quarantine hobbies. “When you go to fashion school you learn how to make a brand,” Hixon said. There’s a specific niche she wanted to make; Scott Disick matching, acid-wash sweat suits sold by his company, “Talentless,” sparked her eye the most. However, the personal tag on her clothing is what makes it different from everyone else.

She purposely prints the tag of her clothing on the front, for all to see exactly what her company represents. “Made in the USA. A portion of the proceeds going towards families & businesses affected by COVID-19,” MAD-X apparel reads. Hixon is hoping that if people know that the clothing gives to those struggling with COVID-19, it will encourage them to be kinder.

In her graduating year, Hixon left Lasell University with a bang. Her final project was circulated around “disorders and diseases” that are not seen as beautiful to the eye. By taking the cell mutations of said diseases and disorders and putting them on the outside, she was able to make beautiful garments to be displayed. This was Hixon’s first inclination that she wanted to do something more than just making clothes.

Hixon was working in New York City when COVID-19 hit and she had to move back home. With rent and other necessities to pay, Hixon knew she had to come up with some extra cash to help herself out. She had played around with a bleach dye set over quarantine and her manager suggested she sell them. As an avid traveler and YouTuber, Hixon’s following on social media was strong enough for her to put her work out there and get something out of it. After posting a few pictures and collaborating with influencer Alisha Marie, her company, MAD-X, took flight.

MAD-X stars Hixon as the CEO, a manager to handle inquiries and take photos, an intern to market on social media and a few models. Their collaborations work together perfectly to make the magic that is MAD-X.

“I’ve always wanted to give back to something beyond clothing; fashion has this wrap of being very superficial,” Hixon said. Her empathy and drive to develop something that represents more than looks is incredibly progressive for the fashion industry.

From mass production to greenhouse gases from factory functions, big fashion industries are becoming more corrupt, according to Sustain your Style. You never really know where your money is going. “I think people are starting to realize how cool it can feel to promote a small business,” Hixon said.

All of MAD-X packaging and thank you notes are 100% recyclable, while their stickers are 100% compostable. They work incredibly hard to be environmentally friendly. “We care a lot about the environment and are trying to not turn into those brands that are adding to all the plastic and waste because we don’t have that much longer,” Hixon said.

Between The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to a Black southern women’s consortium, MAD-X works with a variety of beneficiaries in order to give back to a broad spectrum of people directly affected. There are even individuals who would reach out to Hixon personally about their struggles during the pandemic and she would help them out.

Hixon has even given back using her own money. In 2019, she visited Ghana and bought the children paper and pens so they didn’t have to write with chalk anymore. “When you see it first hand, the actual impact a little thing can make… it drove home my need to be more philanthropic and to see my life out of my own privilege,” Hixon said.

Once the pandemic dims, Hixon hopes to keep the same philanthropic ideology. She would love to create a lifestyle brand through collaborating with local companies, showcasing small businesses to make something more than loungewear.

There’s still a lot to learn for a company that is less than a year old, but Hixon has managed to donate $3000 so far. “We hope to get to 10K by the end of 2021,” Hixon said.

MAD-X is a reformative and forward-looking company that is focused on granting the impaired parts of society. A trendsetter and inspiring designer, Hixon sets new standards for the future of American fashion.

Photos courtesy of MAD-X.