Designer whose fashions are loved by Kendall Jenner and Karlie Kloss is reaping the 'Meghan effect' as business booms in wake of Duchess of Sussex wearing her dress on tour

  • Maggie Marilyn is a New Zealand fashion brand recently worn by Meghan Markle
  • The label is ethical, sustainable and champions women's rights
  • It is designed by Auckland-based 24-year-old Maggie Marilyn Hewitt
  • Ms Hewitt revealed how life has changed since being worn by the Duchess   

By Alice Murphy For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 23:15 EST, 3 November 2018 | Updated: 23:15 EST, 3 November 2018

From the moment the Duke and Duchess of Sussex touched down in Sydney on October 15 for their royal tour, a fashion phenomenon dubbed 'The Meghan Effect' has been hurtling across Oceania.

From jeans and eco-friendly flats to organza ball gowns and laid back espadrilles, it seems Meghan Markle truly has the Midas touch when it comes to style as every garment she wears flies off the shelves (or rather, from online stores) faster than retailers can restock.

One of the lucky brands to reap the benefit of being worn by Meghan was Maggie Marilyn, an Auckland-based sustainable label designed by 24-year-old Maggie Marilyn Hewitt who was 'honoured' when the Duchess sported her 'Leap of Faith' dress on a visit to the Courtenay Creative in Wellington.

Speaking to FEMAIL, Ms Hewitt discussed her passion for ethical fashion and how life has changed since Maggie Marilyn was thrust into the international sartorial spotlight.

Meghan Markle wore Maggie Marilyn's Leap of Faith blazer dress (pictured) for a visit to the Courtenay Creative in Wellington during the Sussexes' royal tour

Meghan Markle wore Maggie Marilyn's Leap of Faith blazer dress (pictured) for a visit to the Courtenay Creative in Wellington during the Sussexes' royal tour

Ms Hewitt described seeing Meghan Markle wear her design as an 'honour'

Ms Hewitt described seeing Meghan Markle wear her design as an 'honour'

'Meghan's team reached out to request a selection of pieces she was interested in - I was so excited!,' Ms Hewitt said.

Maggie Marilyn is designed by Auckland-based 24-year-old Maggie Marilyn Hewitt (pictured)

Maggie Marilyn is designed by Auckland-based 24-year-old Maggie Marilyn Hewitt (pictured)

'In particular, they wanted our 'Leap of Faith' Blazer Dress to be custom made without the sleeves. Of course we dropped everything to make this happen! I'm just so honoured she chose to wear one of my designs.'

In terms of how life has changed since Meghan sported the customised piece, Ms Hewitt said the online response has been staggering. 

'I wouldn't say it's possible to see the overall effect on our business yet, but we have had an incredibly positive response on social media and a huge volume of congratulatory emails pouring in! 

'Meghan wearing our blazer dress is definitely an incredible moment for the brand. 

'Her royal tour has highlighted her commitment to supporting sustainability in fashion, I think this is truly admirable and shows the positive impact a platform like hers can have.'

Meghan's team requested the blazer dress to be custom made without sleeves

Meghan's team requested the blazer dress to be custom made without sleeves

'Meghan wearing our blazer dress is definitely an incredible moment for the brand'

'Meghan wearing our blazer dress is definitely an incredible moment for the brand'

But Meghan's endorsement was not the first time Maggie Marilyn has been worn by a global celebrity.

Kardashian matriarch Kris Jenner wore a fuschia striped dress from Maggie's most recent collection in June, while her supermodel daughter Kendall was photographed last year wearing Maggie Marilyn's $114 Game Changer jeans on an outing in New York City.

US model Karlie Kloss is another long-time fan of the brand, as well as feminist poet and activist Cleo Wade and Zosia Mamet from hit series Girls.

'I feel honoured to dress these women and call them friends of the brand,' Ms Hewitt said of Wade and Mamet. 

US supermodel Karlie Kloss pictured in 2017 wearing the Loyal Companion Slim Pants by Maggie Marilyn 
Kendall Jenner wearing Maggie Marilyn's Game Changer jeans for an outing in New York City

US supermodel Karlie Kloss (left) wearing the Loyal Companion Slim Pants by Maggie Marilyn, and Kendall Jenner (right) in the Game Changer jeans

Maggie Marilyn Hewitt (right) with poet and activist Cleo Wade (left) who is a fan of the brand

Maggie Marilyn Hewitt (right) with poet and activist Cleo Wade (left) who is a fan of the brand

Ms Hewitt is an ardent feminist and environmentalist, and based her label on these principles.

Asked about her favourite piece from the current collection, Ms Hewitt admitted she had a special fondness for the Leap of Faith dress before it was worn by the Duchess.

'It's a staple piece and something that has really resonated with our customers.

'We're running the style in other colours next season based on the incredible customer response.'

She is also extremely passionate about ensuring her brand stays true to its sustainable ethos.

'One of the fundamental problems in the fashion industry is how incredibly disconnected consumers are from where the garment comes from' - Maggie Marilyn Hewitt in her studio

'One of the fundamental problems in the fashion industry is how incredibly disconnected consumers are from where the garment comes from' - Maggie Marilyn Hewitt in her studio

Maggie Marilyn is manufactured in New Zealand using local artisans and creatives
The current collection (pictured) can be purchased directly from Maggie Marilyn's official site

'We manufacture our beautiful pieces in New Zealand and are proud to be building a community of amazing makers and artisans'

'One of the fundamental problems in the fashion industry is how incredibly disconnected consumers are from where the garment comes from, and the effects these products have on nature and the culture of our society.

'Consumers must remember that human hands have touched everything we wear. This is really where my core values stem from, bringing back the 'humanness' to fashion. 

'It wasn't negotiable when I started this label that I would have a completely transparent supply chain, to understand how every single person was impacted and are they being impacted through my brand in a positive way. 

'We manufacture our beautiful pieces in New Zealand and are proud to be building a community of amazing makers and artisans. To us knowing and building a strong bond with our manufacturers is far more rewarding and important than a larger margin for the business through manufacturing overseas.'

The current collection can be purchased directly from Maggie Marilyn's official site.

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Sustainable New Zealand fashion brand beloved by Kendall Jenner worn by Meghan Markle on royal tour

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