Model Diaries with Madeline Brewer

Photographed by Andie Jane
Styled by Janelle Miller

For this month's issue of Modeliste, we are thrilled to feature the fiercely talented and captivating Madeline Brewer on our cover. Known for her dynamic performances and unapologetically bold presence, Madeline continues to redefine the boundaries of storytelling, seamlessly moving between roles that are as complex as they are empowering. In this exclusive interview, we dive deep into her journey, her inspirations, and the art of owning your narrative in an industry that demands authenticity. Read on as we explore the multifaceted world of Madeline Brewer, a star who radiates strength and grace, as she shares her fashion favorites, the secret to her signature glowy skin, and what’s next for her!

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
I look directly at my cell phone.

How would you describe your personal style in three words? 
Comfortable, funky, and thrifted.

How would you describe yourself in three words? 
Adventurous, generous, and hardworking.  

What’s one piece of clothing or accessory you can’t live without?
One piece of clothing or accessory that I can't live without is my homemade David Lynch hoodie with patches from all of his movies on it.

You’ve played some incredibly complex roles — what draws you to a character?
What draws me to a character is, really, I love a great story. I love great writing. I like a character with a point of view, a strong through line, and also just something fun — something I get to really sink my teeth into.

Is there a particular role that has changed you the most, either as an actress or a person? 
There's definitely a role or two that has changed me, that I've played. Obviously, Janine in The Handmaid's Tale has utterly changed my life in more ways than one. She also taught me how to be a better person, a better friend, and a better future mother. Yeah, Janine has fully shaped me.

When you’re not on set, how do you unwind and recharge?
Oh, God. When I'm not on set, the way I unwind and recharge is by taking a bath. I take a bath every single night, no matter what. Just melt the day away.

What’s your go-to beauty ritual for glowing skin?
My go-to beauty ritual is that I always have this Joanna Vargas mask on my shelf. It's an exfoliating mask. It's gold, and it makes me feel fabulous.

If you could raid anyone’s closet — past or present — whose would it be? 
Oh, boy. If I could raid anyone's closet, past or present, that would definitely be Joni Mitchell in the '70s or Paris Hilton in 2005. It's like the intersection of my fashion interests.

What’s one fashion trend you’re excited to embrace this season?
Flats. I love flat shoes, that's for sure. Okay, one fashion trend I'm excited to embrace this season is ballet flats. I'm so glad they're coming back.

How do you prepare mentally before stepping onto a red carpet?
The way I mentally prepare before stepping onto a red carpet is with this mantra I say, which is usually, "Shoulders, belly, booty." It's just like, "Keep everything nice and tucked, and show off your assets."

What’s one book, movie, or song that always inspires you?
One book, actually, that really inspires me — it's not even a particular book, but a writer, Haruki Murakami, who is my favorite author. He just writes in this metaphysical dream space that always gets my imagination going.

If you could star alongside any actor or actress, who would it be?
There are so many incredible actors and actresses out there in the world. The first person that comes to mind is the answer my 15-year-old self would give, which is Adrien Brody. But my grown-up self would say Rachel Weisz.

How has your relationship with fashion evolved throughout your career?
My relationship with fashion has evolved throughout my career, going from not really having any relationship with fashion when I first started, to now having such an appreciation for it — for the artistry, creativity, and the magic you can create with clothing.

What’s one destination on your travel bucket list?
One destination on my travel bucket list is Japan. I've been to Tokyo before, but I want to explore a lot more of Japan. I'm actually probably going to go there on my honeymoon.

If you weren’t an actress, what do you think you’d be doing?
If I weren't an actress, I would be a French teacher. I don't speak French, so don't get started. But I've always been so in love with that language. If I hadn't gone to school for musical theatre like I did, my other option was to major in acting and minor in French.

What’s a dream role you hope to play one day?
A dream role of mine is that I really want to play a real-life person. I'd love to do a biopic or play a real woman at some point in history.

Finally, what’s next for you — anything exciting we should keep an eye out for?
What's next for me? Something exciting you can keep an eye out for is this month, I will be in the final season of The Handmaid's Tale on Hulu, and the final season of You on Netflix.

Why are you excited to be our April Cover Star?
I'm so excited to be your next Modeliste cover star. I've had such an incredible time shooting here today. I think the publication is just empowering, smart, and cool. I'm honored. Thanks for having me.