Meet the Founder
The New Standard NY was born from a belief that confidence is not worn, it’s embodied.
I'm Maxine Cesar, a first-generation Haitian-American, born and raised in New York. My culture has deeply influenced who I am, from my values and work ethic to my resilience and personal style. Fashion has always been my language, and service my foundation. I began my professional journey in nursing over eight years ago, a career I continue to practice, guided by care, discipline, and purpose.
Creativity, however, was always present, just waiting for its moment to take up space.
In 2018, I created The New Standard NY as a fashion blog spotlighting emerging creatives and artists. Although inspiration faded, the vision never did. I held onto the knowing that this brand was destined to be more: bigger, deeper, and truly transformative.
That clarity began to unfold in 2021 when I entered the world of pageantry. Competing in some of the most prestigious and competitive systems, including Miss New York USA and Miss Grand USA, where I placed Top 20 and Top 10 among hundreds of women, marked a defining shift. Pageantry changed everything, gifting me confidence, poise and an unwavering trust in my purpose.
As opportunities began to unfold, I realized I was no longer confined to a single title or career. Invitations to New York Fashion Week and leading industry events followed, where I began building meaningful connections with influential creatives, designers, and brands. My work expanded into hosting and correspondent roles, including red carpet interviews with artists and talent such as Ciara, Serayah, and Priah Ferguson, at events hosted by NYLON and House of ESPN, reaching audiences across New York, Miami, and Los Angeles.
All while still nursing. All while still competing. All while learning myself on a deeper level.
My personal style evolved into something unmistakable, refined, powerful, intentional. It began to turn heads and open doors. More importantly, women began asking how to cultivate that same presence.
That is where The New Standard NY truly came to life.
This brand is a luxury style and image consulting experience designed to help women own every room they walk into without sacrificing authenticity. I don’t believe in fitting into a mold. I believe in refining who you already are and elevating it with clarity, confidence, and strategy.
The New Standard NY is not about trends.
It’s about presence.
It’s about alignment.
It’s about becoming unforgettable on your own terms.
Welcome to The New Standard.
