Vintage lunch box purses, sunglasses made of compostable materials or upcycled beer towel sweaters: Stitch Up! selects the most creative and eco-friendly fashion designers of the moment. Characterised by their inventiveness and ethicality, these pieces are the perfect definition of what a green fashion collection can be.
Today, we will be exploring the work of the talented designer Maggie Marilyn.
Born in a coastal region of New Zealand, Maggie Hewitt always worshipped the nature that surrounded her. After studying Fashion & Sustainability, she decided to create her own eco-friendly brand in 2016 using only recycled, organic and sustainable fabrics. Hewitt aims to make clothes that “enrich the lives of the customer” and at the same time “the lives of the people involved in garment production”.
That is why she decided to support New Zealand’s great local manufacturing industry which was decimated by the explosion of fast fashion in the 80s. And as she really values her community, she raised profits by creating for Sweet Charity, which helps New Zealand families with grief and mental illness. Lately, she created a community event branch that runs yoga courses, poetry, Pilates and quiz nights to foster like-minded consumers to come together. In addition, the young designer worked on a sustainability strategy aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which include good health, clean water, and gender equality.
A one-shoulder jersey dress, shirred avocado shirt, or scoop-neck tops with puff sleeves; Maggie’s latest collection is modern and refined. Her collections usually feature some well-made basics such as shirts, blazers or loungewear, mixed with more fashion-forward dresses, silk blouses and colourful skirts.
Some designs are also multifunctional; as easy to wear to work as to a night out clubbing. Our favourite is the Heals the Heart Dress, a full-length orange and white check silk dress. It has buttons from the collar to the feet, which can be undone to switch from a classical office dress to a sexy thigh-high one.
