It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a fashion show is hardly ever accompanied by food. However, Maggie Hewitt, designer of New Zealand label Maggie Marilyn bucked the trend for her Afterpay Australian Fashion Week (AAFW) presentation. Twice in fact. Eschewing a traditional runway, guests gathered in the picturesque Centennial Homestead, located in the verdant grounds of Sydney’s Centennial Park, to watch a short film, titled A Brave New World. Oh, and there was food.
The element of community has long served as a touchstone for Maggie Marilyn, with the previous year reaffirming the sentiment. According to Hewitt, A Brave New World was inspired by the oh so simple, yet currently elusive concept of “breaking bread, laughing, storytelling and enjoying each other’s company.”
Directed by Duc Thinh Dong and shot across the sprawling Australian countryside at The Range in Byron Bay, A Brave New World depicts a group of models – including the likes of Shimma Marie, Anjali Torvi, Mahlia Handley, and Manahou Mackay – dressed in the latest additions to the Maggie Marilyn Forever capsule. Adorned in azure blues, warm chocolate browns, golden gingham, and buttery creams, models plant trees, frolic barefoot on the grass, and plunge into swimming pools, before gathering to enjoy a shared feast.
Guests at the AAFW presentation were able to take part in a lucullan respite too; long wooden grazing tables held cheese, garden vegetables, olive oil, bread, and cheese to nibble on (or dive into) as we watched A Brave New World. As for the clothes themselves, the pieces comprise part of the Forever capsule, designed to be worn and loved for a lifetime.
Slinky azure dresses, silk pieces with puffy sleeves, and feminine golden gingham that glistens in the sun are delightful, if expected, tapping into the romantic, flirty take on dressing Maggie Marilyn has become known for. Meanwhile, the addition of more tailored pieces adds an unexpected, yet very welcome touch; loose pleated chocolate pants sit low on the waist in a traditionally more masculine style, while a cream trouser and waistcoat set accentuate and flatter the form. Even the heaviest of outerwear takes on a distinctly optimistic tone, with double-breasted coats and shackets cut from plaid, effortlessly complementing their slinkier counterparts.
Words by T. Angel
