13 March, 2019
Based in New Zealand, Maggie Marilyn's first collection was picked up by Net-a-Porter right off the bat. A fan of frills and stripes, her eponymous label has a playful aesthetic. Yet at the heart of the brand, it's all about sustainability. Reinvigorating the manufacturing community in her native New Zealand, Maggie ensures her collections are ethical as well as beautiful.
With an energetic youthfulness (Maggie is just 25 years old) the Bay Islander shows us around her hometown, discusses next steps for her cult brand and lets us in on her local secrets.
]I am from the Bay of Islands, at the top of the North Island in New Zealand. Coming from such an idyllic place has definitely had a profound effect on my appreciation for nature.
Optimistic, feminine and empowering.
Our eighth season - our resort collection launches in November. This year I am really honing in on the lifecycle of our garments and relying on less virgin-sourced fabrics. We are working with a new denim which has 20% post-consumer waste cotton.
I travel a lot for work so I think I can't help but be subconsciously influenced by what I am surrounded by. Going back to the Bay of Islands really inspires me. There is something in the sound of the cicada's humming in the warm summer air, closing your eyes and seeing nothing but a warm yellow. These elements inspired our season four collection, which was driven by a strong sunshine palette.
Everything bar our knitwear, which is produced in Italy due to infrastructure restrictions in New Zealand. Manufacturing in New Zealand has been vital to Maggie Marilyn's mission from the beginning. We are supporting and growing the local manufacturing industry and feel like we are truly building a community. That's what our industry needs - people working together to make it better.
By asking more questions. It all starts by asking questions and starting a dialogue with suppliers. If you don't like the response, find suppliers and manufacturers whose values align with your own.
It depends on where I am going. Clothing-wise, I always pack silk pyjamas and an organic-cotton hoodie for travelling, as well as one of our blazers. Our "I lead from the heart blazer" is a signature style for us and something I rarely travel without.
On foot or by boat. We have a beautiful harbour and amazing islands close by. Go to Waiheke Island for the beaches and food, or head to Rangitoto Island if you're into hiking. You can trek to the top of New Zealand's oldest volcano - it's dormant, don't worry.
Go to Waiheke for the night. There is a ferry which leaves Auckland harbour every half an hour and the journey takes 40 minutes. Waiheke has beautiful lodges to stay at and some incredible beaches and wineries - New Zealand is known for its rosé, pinot noir and chardonnay, after all. When you're back in the city, go for dinner at Saan - they have the best cocktails and Vietnamese food. Go shopping along Ponsonby Road and scout all of New Zealand's local designers like Karen Walker, Kate Sylvester and Juliette Hogan. I think Ponsonby has some of the best food in the world.
The Boat Shed in Waiheke. I got engaged here and visit every year for my birthday.
Matakana Farmers' Market is a must. It is about a 40-minute drive out of the city and well worth it for the fresh oysters and mussel fritters. If you're an art fan, Michael Parekowhai's Auckland Art Gallery is one of my favourites.
Very casual. No one wears heels here - it's trainers and flip flops with everything.
Ponsonby Road has the best food and the best bars. Mekong Baby, Prego and Ponsonby Central are all great options if you want drinks and dinner. Mea Culpa has the best cocktails in the city - the negronis are a must.
Caretaker in Britomart. Order an espresso martini.
Odettes Eatery is charming and sophisticated, but not to fancy. The sun pours in on the front facing tables and they make the best coffee in town.
Simon James Design and Tessuti.
Alberton. Visit for the art, the architecture, the interiors and the garden - and the chickens that roam freely.
Waiheke if you don't want to go too far. Queenstown in the South Island in New Zealand is so beautiful too.
Swimming, surfing, diving and eating fresh seafood.
The Bone People by Keri Hulme or Zane Grey's The Anglers El Dorado.
Minnehaha beach on the North Shore in Auckland.
Maggie Marilyn, of course! We have a showroom in Auckland where you can come and see the full collection.
