NZ Rookie Maggie Hewitt Hits the Roof in NY
While there are some big names showing in the Big Apple (Prada, for one), New Zealander Maggie Hewitt took the leap to show her two-year-old Maggie Marilyn label at the city’s recent fashion week.
It has been a whirlwind rise for the 24-year-old designer, who was picked up by Net-a-Porter from the outset and has since racked up some other impressive international retailers including Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Selfridges and Lane Crawford, among many others. All this, with a sustainability message to share, too.
The presentation was held on the garden rooftop of the Gramercy Park Hotel, showcased on four models at a time while buyers and editors sat at tables enjoying breakfast. Hewitt then talked them through her “sustainability mission” and was able to comment on the details of each look.
“Showing in New York is a huge moment for me and for the brand, and I’ve been excited to do this since day one,” Hewitt says. “I also think it was the right time to explain just how much we do to be an ethically conscious luxury brand. It’s a challenge, but a crucial part of the business.”
While she says there is still a long way to go with regards to people’s understanding of the issues, Hewitt says she is seeing a shift. “I think it’s something anyone cares about when they hear about it. I can see glimpses of progress slowly forming. People often say that customers just don’t care, but I don’t think that should matter.”
Customers certainly will care about pieces as pretty as these, including silky dresses and pyjamas in bright pink stripes, printed cotton sundresses with ruffles and pleats, and simple tailored pieces with oversized sleeves.
“It’s not only the responsibility of the customer to buy consciously, much like it’s not only the responsibility of the brand to make consciously,” Hewitt says. “It’s everyone’s job to do their bit where they have the control to. To decide to make the right decision.”
Original article by Glynis Traill-Nash, The Australian, June 13, 2018.
