It has been a busy year of change for Maggie Hewitt, the future focused founder and designer of Maggie Marilyn. In November she opened the doors to her brand’s first boutique, in Auckland’s Britomart, following the announcement that she was purposefully moving away from fashion’s traditional seasonally and globally focused wholesale model - a big call given the success of her brand in overseas markets especially, having been stocked by the likes of Net-a-Porter, Selfridges and Moda Operandi.
Now ‘MM’, as it’s affectionately known, is only available to buy direct from the Britomart store or the brand’s website, and is less about the thrill of the new and more about a forever piece you really love and care for. Her best shopping secret? “Buy for forever, buy what makes your heart truly sing.”
It’s an ethos that Maggie has always vocally championed (I remember being blown away by her sustainably focused university collection in 2015), alongside other NZ brands like Kowtow and the now defunct (but way before its time) Starfish.
The designer recently announced a partnership with Mercedes-Benz New Zealand, during which she will fittingly drive cars from the brand’s EQ range and host events that reflect the two brands’ shared community focus. The pairing, they say, is a partnership of mindful and sustainable business practices.
A bastion of impeccable taste, Maggie shares a few of the favourite spots where she genuinely likes to spend her money, and time, in Auckland and the Far North.
Where do you live?
I live in Ponsonby. It’s my first time living on my own which has been a bit of an adjustment, but now I absolutely love it!
Favourite place for a drink?
The Duke of Marlborough in Russell; a 10-minute trip from my family’s place in the Far North. The most beautiful setting right on the water and they do an incredibly good spicy margarita.
Best place for breakfast?
Orphans Kitchen’s avo on toast. There is something so comforting about the space of Orphans Kitchen, it kind of feels like you are at home… With better food and coffee.
Where do you get your morning coffee - and what’s your order?
Five Loaves. I get a latte every morning when I walk my dog Honey. I am a bit of a coffee addict! Trying to work on that…
The restaurant you’ve been going to for years?
It’s got to be either Prego or Coco’s Cantina – they never disappoint. The people are divine and the food feels so wholesome. Prego also does a great spicy margarita and my go to at Coco’s is a negroni.
Favourite restaurant to visit with friends?
For something fancy?
Best ‘cheap eat’?
FishSmith or Shahi, both on Jervois Road. I think Shahi is the best Indian in town.
Brunch on a Sunday: where would we find you?
Orphans Kitchen or Amano. Brunch is one of my favourite things to do, and I tend to always do it on a Sunday with girlfriends – we laugh, cry... Sometimes both and of course, drink loads of coffee.
Your local/bar?
Wouldn’t say it’s my local necessarily but Deadshot and Caretaker do the best cocktails! It is my favourite place to go after you have finished dinner and you’re not quite ready for the night to end.
Favourite place for date night?
I haven’t been there yet, but I hear the most amazing things about Pici and it is what I dream the perfect date night would look like.
Favourite place for live music
Terrible but… not sure? I would love some recommendations!
Favourite gallery or museum?
Michael Lett, Fox Jensen. Len Lye in New Plymouth is also incredible. And I don’t think you can go past the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, the building itself is incredible.
Where do you go for some relaxation or a beauty treatment?
Hana. The red light pods are incredible!
Favourite spot for beauty products?
Ines Store online.
Favourite clothing store that never lets you down?
Definitely Maggie Marilyn… 😉
Where do you go for a workout?
Where do you go when you’re after local art or design?
You can’t go past Simon James. Their taste is impeccable.
If someone was visiting your neighbourhood or city for the first time, what’s the one place you would recommend they visit?
I would say I’m more of an outdoors girl. Go to the western beaches, I think they are truly magic. Piha, Bethells, Muriwai.
