Madam Malkin - Designer, Legend, Idol

Vito: Anne and I arrived at the magazine office at the same time. As I held the door open for her I told her how excited I was to be doing a horoscope for the men of Hufflepuff this month. She was telling me about the new dance recipe she had been working on, and the latest Angels adventures she was writing up. So everything seemed like a normal day.little did I know things would change in a matter of a few minutes.

Jigs: Yeah, I can even remember what I was wearing that day. It was something I got from the Malkins Fall Big Book that had arrived earlier that week. I was getting excited to get our assignments for the magazine; it'd give us an idea of what sort of outfits we'd need to buy.

Vito: We walked into Kelsey's office to get our assignments for the month. Not really paying attention, I began to scribble notes down for the horoscopes, when I felt Anne slapping me on my arm. I turned to her to see a huge smile on her face. So of course I quickly turned around thinking a handsome guy came into the room. But there was no one there.

Jigs: I think I would have said something if a cutie had walked in the door. But, anyway, we'd heard rumors that a very famous person was going to allow one of Hogwarts students to interview them. It was all rumors and hearsay though, and I didn't think much of it when I signed Fels and myself up for it. It was a long shot anyway, but we'd get to travel and traveling means new clothes.

Vito: Then I hear the words, "Fels, we got THE interview. We get to interview our idol." I turned in slow motion not believing my ears, then yelled, "WE GET TO INTERVIEW MADAM MALKIN?" Well the rest of that meeting was kind of foggy.

Jigs: Yeah I don't remember much myself, but it was the coolest day of my life up to that point.

Vito: As we left the office we couldn't wipe the grins off our faces. So of course Anne and I marked our calendars for the marvelous day, and we had to figure out what we would wear to it. I mean we were going to talk to Madam Malkin. THE Madam Malkin.you just don't go see her wearing last year's styles. So after rummaging through our closets and going on a few shopping sprees.

Jigs: With the precious of course.

Vito: Were we allowed to use the precious?

Jigs: Yes, we're always allowed to use the precious. Just hide the bill.

Vito: Right, after we picked out our outfits the big day finally arrived.

Jigs: We had marked the day on our calendar, had our train tickets weeks in advance, we put those on the precious too. We packed our bags early that morning and walked to Hogsmeade to catch the train from there. It seemed like it was the longest train ride of my life.

Vito: Yeah, but we finally got there and made our way to Diagon Alley. Well, let me tell you I don't know about Anne, but the butterflies were migrating in my stomach. We took a deep breath as we entered the Madam Malkin shop. As usual there was a crowd of students being fitted for their robes. Plus there were a number of witches looking at the latest styles that has just arrived.

Jigs: We recognized some of the robes from our latest catalogues; we had tried most of them on trying to find the right one.

Vito: We stood at the front of the store watching her scurry around the store helping each of her customers. She was really amazing to watch in action. No wonder we look up to her, she has the best prices too.

Jigs: We stood in awe, "Right," she told one student, "You're about a 32 long, I'll get the robes." She hadn't even started measuring. As she raced past the counter she spotted us and came over to greet us.

Vito: I'm not sure, but I think we were able to speak to her, I mean, we did get the interview done. "What can I get for you girls," she said with a smile, "you're in the right place, I can tell, those are two of my fall fashions aren't they? I think from my Style for Students line, getting you out of those robes for the weekend. Am I right?" Words failed us, all we could do was smile at her. She soon led us to the backroom of her shop. Let me tell you girls, the wonderful things we saw there. But we promised not to say anything, we don't want to spoil the fall and winter lineup.

Jigs: Of course, but we're getting some as soon as they're released. She led us to a quiet table in the corner, she said she liked to go there and relax during a busy day.

VITO & JIGS: Madam Malkin, we first want to tell you how much we love you. You're quite an inspiration to both of us, we wouldn't look half this good without you.
MADAM MALKIN: [chuckling softly] You're both very kind, and you both look great, might I add.
V&J: Tell us how you got started in fashion.
MM: I've always loved clothes, probably a lot like you girls. I petitioned for History of Fashion to be a regular class at Hogwarts when I studied there, but it wasn't viewed as being magical enough. So after I finished school, I started an internship with Madam Woolworth in London. At the time she was the sole supplier of robes to witches and wizards in the area. She was a great woman to study under, she had such a knack for fitting every customer that came into her shop. That's the one trait of hers that I've tried to emulate. After I'd studied under her for about ten years then decided it was time to open up my own shop.
V&J: Which was your first location?
MM: London, I stayed in an area where I knew the fashion needs of the locals. When that location was successful, I opened the shop in Diagon Alley. I felt like that move would bring me closer to the main wizarding population.
V&J: Over the years you've probably had several students and apprentices of your own right? Can you tell us about some of them?
MM: Two of my most well-known fashion students were two young men named Kenneth Troll and Calvin Kappas. You've probably heard of them. They came to me and studied with me for about 8 years. Then they decided to branch out in to more formal wear. As you can see I'm more into casual, every day robes, and the boys are working with richer fabrics, more extraordinary designs. They're two great friends, and even greater rivals. They're always threatening to petition for the Hogwarts contract, though I warn them both every day that I may change my mind and take over their business. [laughs] I really do love them both dearly, we have lunch at least once a month.
V&J: About the Hogwarts contract, it must be great to be supplying all of the robes to the school. Tell us about how you got that contract.
MM: I had been working in both shops for a while, the Diagon Alley store has succeeded beyond my wildest expectations. I was asked to make a set of robes for the Charms professor. They were beautiful and I guess word got around and the headmaster liked my work. The following year I was asked to draw up a few plans for the uniforms. And what we came up with is what you girls wear every day.
V&J: Trust us, we're grateful, they're great robes.
MM: Great, I'm glad, it's always fun to see the students come in to be fitted year after year. Off the record, I'm working on a few modifications on the current uniforms, they'll be even better than yours. [winks]
[Sorry Girls, that one was just too exciting to keep a secret.]
V&J: Just a few last questions, do you have a best and worst dressed list?
MM: I do, it usually appears in Witch Weekly every fall, and we work on that after a few of the big ministry events.
V&J: Can you give us a preview of who'll be on the list?
MM: Well as far as the best dressed, the professors at Hogwarts continue to amaze me with their fashion sense. Especially the Hufflepuff professors, they're all very elegant and trend setting at the same time. Bright colors are fabulous and they wear them great. Worst dressed would have to go to the Minister himself. That bowler hat is so outdated, I always say you can tell a man by his hat. And that's saying a lot. [laughs]
V&J: Have you got any suggestions for a group of crime fighting angels who want to look their best?
MM: You know I think I just might. Why don't we look at some of my sketches?

Jigs: So we've got new outfits, they're fabulous and fit perfectly. I can't tell you how cool it was to finally meet our idol. She was sweet, charming, caring and really had a great sense of fashion and what we should be wearing.

Vito: Yeah, I agree, she is one of the coolest people I know. I would like to thank Kelsey and Professor Twylantern for getting such a great interview for us. It was absolutely incredible spending the afternoon with Madam Malkin.

Felicia "Vito" Hartwick and Anne "Jigs" Granger