Get all the inspiration you need to get travelling again with these dream location tees

We haven’t been able to travel, at least not easily, for the best part of two years now. Madelyn Somers was no exception to the wanderlust that came with lockdowns and restrictions, but rather than let her love of travel weigh her down during this time, she launched Made In Souvenirs. A 70s inspired, care-free, blissful summer vibe brand thats home to t-shirts, sweatshirts and accessories - each representing a different location around the world, from Paris to Waikiki.

What was the inspiration behind the brand? Made Some Souvenirs came out of my love of travel and souvenir shopping. When I wasn’t able to travel during the pandemic I decided to make my own souvenirs. As a graphic designer by trade, colour enthusiast and collector of all things 70s - it came about pretty naturally. It truly is an extension of myself - the colours, the graphics - friends are like this brand is so you and that makes me so happy. My favourite part of “souvenirs” is that it’s a truly international word and that’s the reach, to make a global brand.

Was the nod to the 70’s a conscious decision when designing? Yes! My love of the 70s really came from my parents since that’s when they were in their 20s and being carefree. My dad grew up in Venice, California and surfed the world in the 70s while my mom who also grew up in LA, was doing her art and living in Hawaii. Looking at old photos and hearing stories it was such a laidback decade, blissfully naive and living life to the fullest - something that has been sadly stripped away in recent years.

That way of life was something I wanted to infuse into Made Some Souvenirs - that youthful vacation energy - that first time exploring unseen places, unheard sounds and untasted bites. They’re a reminder that travel is more than just the moment, it’s the memory.

I also love the colour palette, graphic design and tourist photography from the 70s. Alexander Girard, Slim Aarons and Martin Parr are some of my heroes.

How did you go about selecting each location for the t-shirts? Are the places personal to you or used for idealistic reasons? When I first started selecting monuments and places for my tourist tees it was places I had travelled to and had fond memories of. Now that it’s expanded, I’m designing souvenirs with monuments I have yet to visit. It’s that mentality of wearing something aspirational. Every time someone orders from madesome.world I write them a note that says, “I hope this souvenir takes you on your next adventure.” And I really hope it does!

Who do you see wearing your brand and who do you have in mind when designing? My brand has proven to be popular with Gen Z which is definitely the generation you want on your side. Dream girls would be Hunter Schafer, Iris Law, Olivia Rodrigo, Dua Lipa, Zendaya, Bella Hadid…the list goes on! I designed my tourist tee to be effortlessly sexy and smart - it’s definitely a conversation starter.

Where do you see the brand going in the next few years? I have a lot of exciting collaborations coming up with some notable brands which I can’t wait to share. I also just got my first big order from Beaker in South Korea, so it’s going international! I’m really trying to focus on expanding my product categories. I know the men have been asking for some souvenirs - I definitely want to come out with more unisex offerings. The world of souvenirs is truly endless and I want to continue to stay in the travel realm - so working on a full Made Some Souvenirs look like pants, more sweatshirts, a nylon tote, keychains, stickers and some more playful novelty items. And maybe one day there will be an editorial, travel agency vertical of the brand - a girl can dream!

Visit madesome.world to peep the most recent collections.

Brands To Know: Made Some Souvenirs