“I’m a walking dichotomy!” is the first thing Donnie Madden exclaimed when we got on the phone. Indeed he is, from his eccentric upbringing to his fashion sense, Mr. Madden mixes it up. Growing up in Northern California in a tiny town called Ukiah where the number one cash crop is marijuana, he has since relocated to Los Angeles and is establishing himself as a photographer to watch.
His father was a photographer and when he passed away in 2006, Donnie bought a camera in his memory and started shooting. When he and his partner moved to downtown L.A. he started a blog called Downtown Don and his street style shots began getting noticed. He still has the blog but is focusing more on his book of editorial shots (GQ, are you listening?).
Here is what we learned about the many facets of Donnie Madden’s style.
When my partner and I moved to downtown L.A. it really influenced my style. Since I came from a conservative background (college at Oral Roberts!) I have all my chinos, button downs and tees from Banana Republic and J. Crew. Cole Haans are my go to shoes since they have so many great looking styles these days.
But when I am shooting I often get down and dirty, up in trees, wading through water, lying on the street, anywhere to get the best shot. So I wear vintage camo cargo shorts, G-Star denim and great pieces from a skate brand called Kr3w. Lulu Lemon does comfortable tanks that I can move around freely in. I wear high tops from Converse and I really like the new cross fit from Reebok.
As my dad used to say, “You have champagne taste on a beer bottle budget!” It’s true.
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