Maggie Marylin is 23 years old. Her first collection for Cruise 2017 was snapped up by Net-a-Porter, an unprecedented move by the online retail giant. So what makes the New Zealand’s latest success story so desirable?

Describing her garments as ‘liveable luxury’, Marilyn’s designs are pieces to last a lifetime, ones that get better with age, such as the George denim jacket (adorably named after her mum), which she describes as loyal, dependable and strong. Hers are clothes suitable for every day and every possible occasion, you can literally live in them 24/7. But there is more than meets the eye. Her liveable luxury approach also addresses the need for sustainable fashion, affordable price point and ethical process within the industry. Her appreciation and passion for the beauty of nature, which is not so difficult to do considering she spends her time sketching whilst lying on a hammock by the ocean in her family home in Bay of Islands, is reflected in a stunning fabric technique – laser cut circles sewn together to create a floral appliqué – which utilises all offcuts and therefore eliminates waste. When asked who the Maggie Marylin customer is, she described a woman who cares about the little things and fights for the underdog. While the environment is certainly not a little thing, sadly, fashion has not caught up with its immense importance yet. How refreshing and reassuring that new designers are putting it at the forefront of their work.

How encouraging, also, that Net-a-Porter are on board, and launched Maggie Marylin Cruise 2017 globally on their site just in time for London Fashion Week. The Kiwi designer’s first line is sure to be a huge success. Inspired by Amy Judd’s breathtaking paintings (Marilyn studied fine art at university, so expect more art references in the future) the collection is subdued in colour, creams, whites and blush pinks, with a few edgier looks in black, but it packs a punch in its silhouettes and fabrications. Opulent silks are ruffled, pleated and tied, threads left exposed, denims adorned with ruching, a pleated skirt resembles the feathers of Judd’s birds, there are bell sleeves on shirts and hoodies which look like wings when you move, neck ruffs and ribbons holding things together. A distressed trench coat is set to be a favourite, while a pair of flares is spliced at the back for a teasing show of skin. The whole collection has a slight boudoir feel, all silky and sumptuous, but with some serious, New Zealand cool girl attitude. Romantic but not sickly sweet. Wear and instantly feel the warming sun on your skin and hear the ocean in your ears.