It’s officially August, and aside from freaking out that we’re well over half way through the year, it’s also time to freak out about New Zealand Fashion Week being just 3 weeks away from kicking off!

This year the theme is: SUSTAINABILITY.

As a sustainable fashion blogger and advocate for a sustainable fashion industry, witnessing New Zealand’s main fashion event hold sustainability at it’s core is a complete ‘pinch-me-moment’. I’m buzzing to see how it all pans out.

To lead us up to the big event (26th August - 1st September), I’ve asked a few of my favourite designers to share their thoughts on the theme, and how they fit into ‘sustainable fashion’.

First up, a brand I’ve admired for their consistent sustainable focus from day one: Maggie Marilyn.

When you first heard Sustainability was the main focus of NZFW, what popped into your mind?

The more we can bring sustainability to the forefront of people’s minds and educate them, the better. The only road forward for this industry a sustainable one, so NZFW recognising this and highlighting the conversation is wonderful.

Do you think we’ll ever reach a point where sustainable fashion is just fashion?

I believe this is the only option. Sustainability shouldn’t be a championed value but a value that every company is built upon. 

Sustainability is already at the heart of your business, why did you make this decision?

For me there was no question, if I started a brand it would be one that placed people and planet at the forefront of every decision. I believed that the industry and the customers were ready for change, so I wanted to build a brand that championed transparency and made a positive impact on everyone involved. I wanted to make beautiful clothes from an equally beautiful supply chain that positively affect local communities and the planet. I strongly believe that style and sustainability can and should co-exist.  

Can you give us any insider goss on what sustainable elements we should expect in your collection that may WOW us?

Without giving too much away, we are most excited about two fibres for Season 9. One is a PCW, which stands for post-consumer waste. This is an extremely exciting fabric in terms of development, finish and quality. It is also a new fibre for us. For S9 we are also using an organic cotton which is not just a t-shirting. It has a beautiful and textual finish which we think adds a new luxe finish to our entry price point garments.

HUGE thank you to Maggie for answering these questions amidst the busy lead up to NZFW.