Colour and creativity flourish in Maggie Hewitt of Maggie Marilyn’s family home, inspiring her coveted fashion label.
From the polished antique gold mirrors to the silver 17th-century French candelabras, a visitor finding themselves in the Hewitts’ lounge would be forgiven for thinking they’d wandered into a sitting room in Europe. Turning their gaze skywards, to a wallpaper print of a fresco painted for the Duomo di Todi cathedral in the small hilltop town of Italy, they’d also be forgiven for thinking they were in heaven.
In this Herne Bay, Auckland, home surrounded by flowers it’s a reminder to take a moment and appreciate the finer things in life. The decorator of the home George has introduced delight and surprise in every corner and on every surface, with an eclectic mix of personality-packed homeware and vibrant art, which has inspired her oldest daughter Maggie, when creating her elegant and colourful clothing line Maggie Marilyn.
While the brand is riding a wave of success, finding a retail home in the esteemed fashion departments of Neiman Marcus and Selfridges abroad, as well as The Shelter and David Jones closer to home, Maggie has temporarily moved back to her parents’ home while she looks for a place of her own, and continues to be spurred on by her mother’s skill in interiors, especially her bright and bold colour palette.
“Mum’s always been really creative and I can see her eclectic and colourful style within how I design,” says the designer. “For us, we get energy from colour. She has had an influence for sure.”
George says Maggie is a motivation to her in turn. “Maggie’s just such a determined, driven, hard worker that it does inspire me,” she says. “She’s so passionate about doing the right thing. She tries to be as ethical as she possibly can be.”
Pick up a copy of Simply You to read the full story on the Hewitt’s colourful heritage villa, and Maggie and George’s mother-daughter style.
