Model: Madison Johns. Photographer: MadeleneLisella.
For Madison Johns, the most revolutionary decision she ever made was simple yet profound: prioritizing herself. From her roots in Nashville to her reinvention in Los Angeles, Johns’ path to self-acceptance has shaped both her personal life and the creative vision behind MJalan, her high-end clothing brand. In this conversation with Harper’s Bazaar, Madison reflects on how music, self-care, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity fuel her innovative designs and entrepreneurial journey.
Dress, Taste of Moon.
Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam (HBZVN): Growing up in Nashville, music played a significant role in your life. How does your musical background influence your work as a designer, both creatively and emotionally?
MADISON JOHNS: Nashville wasn’t just my hometown—it was my creative education. Singing alongside my father showed me how music connects people through authenticity rather than perfection. This influences my design philosophy profoundly. I approach each garment considering how all elements—proportion, texture, silhouette—harmonize together. Just as a song needs both structure and soul, great design balances technical precision with emotional resonance.
Dress, Ivan Wang. Earrings, Debora Malouf.
HBZVN: You mentioned that prioritizing yourself was the most revolutionary decision you ever made. How has this mindset shaped your creative process in designing MJalan? How do you ensure that each piece of clothing you design reflects self-love and personal evolution?
MADISON JOHNS: My creative breakthrough came when I stopped designing for approval and started creating from personal truth. Each MJalan piece addresses a genuine need I’ve experienced—from bodysuits that maintain their position to luxurious cashmere that delivers on its promise of comfort and longevity. This shift happened when I realized my own experiences were valid design inspiration. When you trust your instincts rather than chasing trends, you naturally create something distinctive and necessary.
Dress, Rita Vinteris. Earrings, Debora Malouf.
HBZVN: Equine training and Pilates have become important parts of your lifestyle. How have these physical practices informed your approach to fashion design and entrepreneurship?
MADISON JOHNS: Horsemanship teaches immediate presence—you can’t be distracted when communicating with such a powerful animal. This mindset transfers directly to design, where I’ve learned to trust my intuition while remaining responsive to practical needs. Working with horses requires patience, confidence, and clear intention—the same qualities needed to build a brand with integrity. Both riding and Pilates have taught me that precision matters, and that excellence emerges through consistent, mindful practice.
Dress, Ivan Wang. Earrings, Debora Malouf.
HBZVN: In your experience, how can the clothing we wear affect our sense of self and confidence, especially when we’re learning to prioritize our own needs?
MADISON JOHNS: Our wardrobes reflect our relationship with ourselves in remarkably personal ways. I’ve found that clothing can be a powerful form of self-expression when it authentically aligns with who we are and how we move through the world. The pieces that make us feel most confident are often those that honor both our aesthetic vision and our physical experience. When we dress in a way that feels genuinely aligned with our identity, there’s a natural confidence that emerges. Fashion at its best amplifies our self-expression and supports our daily journey, creating harmony between our inner selves and outer presentation.
Top, Salvatore Vignola. Bottoms & gloves, Heli Kalkstein Couture. Earrings, Debora Malouf. Shoes, Ingiliz.
HBZVN: The fashion industry often glorifies hustle culture. How do you maintain a balance between work and self-care while building your brand?
MADISON JOHNS: I believe in building a life where professional ambition coexists with genuine wellbeing. This means establishing clear boundaries around work, protecting time for family connections, and nurturing my own physical and mental health through riding and other restorative practices. What’s fascinating is how this balance actually enhances my creativity rather than limiting it.
My most innovative ideas typically emerge during moments of presence with loved ones or in quiet reflection, not during exhausting work marathons. Family time isn’t separate from my success—it’s foundational to it, providing both perspective and purpose. True fulfillment comes from creating something meaningful while still being present for the relationships and experiences that make life rich.
Top, Salvatore Vignola. Bottoms & gloves, Heli Kalkstein Couture. Earrings, Debora Malouf. Shoes, Ingiliz.
HBZVN: You’ve shared that reading has been an essential part of your intellectual growth. Are there any books or authors that have significantly influenced your approach to design or life philosophy?
MADISON JOHNS: My reading gravitates toward works that explore human behavior and intentional living. Robert Greene’s ‘The Laws of Human Nature’ has been particularly transformative, offering profound insights into our psychological patterns and how awareness of these patterns can lead to more authentic decision-making. I also find myself returning to Ryan Holiday’s ‘Stillness Is the Key’ and Marcus Aurelius’s ‘Meditations’ when I need perspective. These philosophical works have reshaped my understanding of both self-development and creative direction. What resonates most is how these authors examine the deeper motivations behind our choices and relationships. Their wisdom encourages a thoughtful approach to both life and work—prioritizing lasting value over momentary trends.
Dress, Rita Vinieris. Earrings, Ariel Taub. Shoes, Ingiliz.
HBZVN: What are your favorite hobbies, films, or music that help you stay grounded and inspired while working on your brand and personal growth?
MADISON JOHNS: Music remains my most immediate connection to authenticity—especially songs I performed in Nashville years ago. When Los Angeles energy becomes overwhelming, these musical touchstones reconnect me to my roots. I also find tremendous value in film, nature, and quiet moments of reflection. What might seem like simple pleasures—a morning walk, a thoughtful conversation—often spark my most innovative design solutions. True creativity flourishes in the space between structured work and open receptivity.
Dress, Rita Vinieris. Earrings, Ariel Taub. Shoes, Ingiliz.
Photographer: MadeleneLisella @madelenelisella.
Model: Madison Johns @madison_johns1.
Hair: Olya Romaneko @o.r.hair.
Makeup: Leyla Hayauri @leyla__hayauri.
Styling: Estelle Aporongao @estella.pngwith @exclusiveartists.
Photographer Assistant: Evgeniia Bailey @evgeniiabailey.
Production: MadeleneLisella @madelenelisella.
Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam
