A love letter to New Zealand fashion. As the past few months have been a challenging time for all in many ways, this is especially prevalent for business owners along with the fashion and creative industries alike. As Australia and New Zealand begin to ease restrictions, this means many are now able to get back to creating and collaborating. To celebrate this positive step forward, we wanted to shine a light on our friends and neighbours in New Zealand fashion as part of an ongoing series shot by Auckland based photographer and creative Robert Tennent.

Next up in the series we have incredible eco warrior Maggie Marilyn. Her mission since creating her label in 2016 has been simple - To make a difference in an industry that was ready for change. This means championing transparency and sustainability, using ethically sourced and recycled textiles and creating clothing and special pieces for people to cherish for the years to come. See our full shoot and interview with Maggie below.

Tell us about your brand…

At Maggie Marilyn our purpose is to use fashion to create a better world. To transform the fashion industry to one that is transparent, circular, regenerative and inclusive. The core of all design is problem solving, so it is time to problem solve our way to an industry we are proud to be a part of. I hope that through forging a new path of how business should be done, we can encourage others to join us. We are endlessly optimistic about the future, fiercely determined to create change and believe everyone has the power to change the world.

A part of my work I love the most is…

Our mission. I love clothing and I will always be inspired by the way a beautiful garment can make you feel, however what gets me out of bed everyday is the drive and determination to build a business for the future, one in which we have a healthy planet, empowered people and an economy that puts these things first.

What are your most cherished rituals?

Taking Honey, my miniature dachshund, to the beach every weekend. I think growing up rurally and by the ocean has had such a profound effect on my wanting to protect the environment. Even on a cold winter's day I love going to the beach. The sea air is charged with ions that build our body's capacity to absorb more oxygen which is why being by the sea truly makes you feel alive! Even walking barefoot on the sand neutralises the impact of free radicals on our body. Whenever I am feeling stressed or even a little lost, I can rely on the ocean to centre me again.

What are you reading / watching / listening to?

I am reading Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge, I just watched American Son which was incredibly confronting but a very important watch and listening to the Work in Progress podcast by Sophia Bush, I LOVE the episode with Dr Ayana Elizibeth Johnson.

How do you stay healthy (mentally and / or physically)?

I have to admit, I am not the greatest at having work life balance. I really live and breathe Maggie Marilyn but I do love Pilates, it allows my mind to rest and be present in the moment (something I am continually trying to work on). I also rely on my 3 sisters as well as my mum and dad to lift me up, they are such guiding lights in my life that I feel incredibly blessed to have them.

My current state of mind is…

Optimistic…

My current project is…

We are working through quite a big strategic shift as to how our clothing is sold, so I am excited to see this actioned out in 2021, stay tuned...

My hopes and dreams for the future are…

To see Maggie Marilyn be a leader in a manufacturing revolution that is both regenerative and circular.

What do you appreciate the most right now?

Feeling grateful to be a Kiwi.

I miss… 

Travelling, I love seeing new places and meeting new people.

As part of the series, you can also view our shoot and interview with Yu Mei here.