Maggie Marilyn
'THIS IS NICE’ CAUGHT UP WITH MAGGIE HEWITT OF Maggie Marilyn TO DISCUSs her latest forever capsule, a few of her favourite things and what it means to be taking part in afterpay australian fashion week in 2021.
Photography provided by Maggie Marilyn.
‘this is nice’: We have been long time lovers of everything Maggie Marilyn, can you give our community a bit of background on you and why you started Maggie Marilyn?
Maggie Hewitt: Thank you! The feeling is mutual. I think growing up in the rural, coastal region of Kerikeri in New Zealand is where my appreciation and desire to protect the natural world what first engrained. My love of fashion led me to study Fine Arts, majoring in Fashion Design at a University in Auckland. Only through being at university was this very unglamorous curtain pulled back on what the fashion industry was truly responsible for. I realized that our industry need fixing.. and fast.
At the time of founding Maggie Marilyn, sustainability certainly wasn’t the buzzword it is now. There were brands working in this space, but at more of luxury price point. I wanted to build a brand that felt inclusive to all. I set out to build a business that championed transparency, empowered people and ensured the health of our planet was at the forefront of every decision.
‘tIN’: Afterpay Australian Fashion Week is the first fashion week that is happening live and in person in 2021, what does this mean to you as a member of the fashion community to take part in a week that we have all been so eager to see return?
MH: Firstly its an honour to have the opportunity to tell our story and share our latest Forever capsule with our Australian community. I think the events of the past year have really reaffirmed the importance of community, our decision to showcase at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week, was an extension of our commitment to being a conduit for connection, our clothes, while important, are in reality a byproduct of a greater mission, one that aims to cultivate a community with the shared vision of creating a better world.
‘tin’: Sustainability is one of the first words that comes to mind when we think of Maggie Marilyn, is this something you have always been passionate about? How do you incorporate sustainability into your personal life?
MH: I am concious to use the word sustainability…
Four years on from our launch, with four years of learning and four years of ageing, we have learned that sustainability is not enough.
Our planet is so sick, and our economic system so broken that it is not enough to just sustain.
We have to redesign, redistribute, and regenerate.
We have to make this planet healthier than what was passed to us and we have to evolve our economic system from what was designed decades ago to one that will take us to a far better future.
I certainly am not perfect but I try to be very conscious with how I live and consume. I challenged myself but also challenge and ask questions of the organizations/ business ‘sand brands I support.
‘TIN’: We love that you design pieces that encourage your community to love and wear them forever, assuming this is the thought behind your Forever Collection, can you share more about why this is so important to you and for the world around you?
MH: At Maggie Marilyn we are in business to create a better world, this mission is not something that just happens overnight, instead it requires focus on designing for the long term, not cutting corners but instead building something that is made to last, something that is forever. With this in mind, our Forever capsules are meant to be just that, forever. Pieces you love and cherish for years to come that remind you of where you’ve been, and inspire you for where to go next.
FAST FAVOURITES
‘TIN’: Place?
MH: Somewhere.. My family home in the Far North, New Zealand.
‘TIN’: Person?
MH: My family.. I can’t choose one I’d be in too much trouble.
‘TIN’: Piece you’ve designed?
MH: I Lead From The Heart Blazer
‘TIN’: Song?
MH: Right now? Sweetest Thing Van Morrison
‘TIN’:Restaurant?
MH: in Sydney, Seans Panaroma, Bondi
‘TIN’: Colour?
MH: Always changing! But at the moment,, Green
‘TIN’: Muse?
MH: My 3 sisters
‘TIN’: Designer?
MH: Madeleine Vionnet
‘TIN’: Quote?
MH: “We’ve got this” – Something my dad always says to me when I’m having a tough day at work.
Maggie’s favourite piece she’s designed, the I Lead From The Heart Blazer
‘tin’: Is there any advice you would give to aspiring designers?
MH: Find your purpose, have courage, dream big and always be kind.
‘this is nice’: There are little touches that always say Maggie Marilyn to us throughout your collections, a detail on the sleeve, a gold button at the back, or the perfect hint of colour for those, like myself, that usually stick to black. What is your favourite signature piece or touch that you’ve become known for over the years?
MH: One of my favorite pieces is our ‘I Lead From The Heart’ Blazer With its signature frill detailing it is quintessentially a MM piece. I design for dreamers… I guess that is why there is a playfulness and whimsical feeling to our Forever pieces. I think you have to be a dreamer to take on trying to change the world. The MM customer believes anything is possible.
‘tin’: Finally, we are always curious to know what’s next for our favourite creatives, can you give us a little hint of something you’re working on?
MH: We are excited to be venturing into new product categories… stay tuned for some exciting releases at our AAFW presentation.