MAAD a la mode

Maude Raymond is one of the leading ladies of the freestyle community. A stylish and fluid skier, a natural beauty, a polished diver, a badass skater, a preacher of love; and now, you can add designer to the list. The 15/16 season marks the first collaboration of O'Neill and MAAD Maude Raymond, so I decided to get the inside scoop.



MJ- This is your first jacket with O'Neill, tell us a bit about the experience of working with them.

MR- It's a great experience. O'Neill is well rooted and an authentic brand, first created based on passion and technicality. Jack O'Neill/O'Neill inspire me.

MJ- Where did you draw inspiration for this jacket?

MR- Since I was really young, I always imagined the perfect 'Maude' style clothing. It is stronger than me, my mind goes for it. I have a strong feeling and vision on what I want to create, what I want to wear, what we need and what women should get into. So, where did i find inspiration for this jacket? By living, within me and women. Does that make sense?



MJ- Jake Schindler (US sales rep for O'Neill) said that you nailed the design for your jacket so well that aspects of your designs can be seen throughout the women's range and even the men's. What do you think made this such a successful design?

MR- Well, I feel the brand. I usually see the potential and the directions where a brand can go. Also, working with a great and understanding team is key. So from there, it is all fun and it is what I love to do.


MJ- You study fashion at college, how easy has it been to combine schooling with the ski industry?

MR- I actually study Business- marketing/ brand management. So if i combine both it's easy. I love what I am learning and I actually combine knowledge (experiences), school and life all together. I always did that. It is an everyday thing. Despite the love and passion that I express and live, I always try to see the business side of things. Also what I would do to make things, brands, people etc. perform the best way they could and in every way possible. I like to understand all of the above and then find ways to help. I do it in my head all the time, with everything and it happens that I always loved clothing and that right now I am a pro skier.


MJ- What skiers inspire you in terms of style?

MR- My brother Frank Raymond and I'd say anyone who loves it and is happy to ski.

MJ- How does designing apparel challenge and excite you in comparison to skiing?

MR- To tell you the truth, since I started skiing, they are two things that go hand in hand for me.


MJ- Where would you like to see your design career take you?

MR- Well, as you know now, I study business. I want to combine business, designing and 'sports' together. With that information… we will see.

MJ- Is there anything else you could tell us about the new MAAD jacket?

MR- www.mauderaymond.com I will talk about it soon on my website!