How I pack by Maggie Marilyn

“I am definitely a last-minute and often chaotic packer. I travel so much for work and I hate waiting around at the airport, so I always leave it until the very last minute to go – which probably makes me more stressed. I always pack the night before or the day of a journey, and I try my best to limit myself to a carry-on only. This has made me a very clever packer. I don’t necessarily pre-plan my outfits, but I design and dress in such a way that my closet only contains core pieces that work perfectly with each other. Wherever I am going, I find that I don’t need much more than a great blazer, a pair of jeans, a white tee and the perfect evening and day dresses. Super-easy. One thing I take with me wherever I go is a book called Heart Talk by my amazing friend Cleo Wade. It’s full of inspirational poems to help get you through life, and it never fails to pick me up when I’m bored at the airport. I am big on the power of positive thinking.”

“My ideal vacation look would probably be a feminine, floaty piece like my label’s ‘Heavenly’ dress. It doesn’t need to be ironed and it’s not precious: you can chuck it on over a swimsuit, run, jump, laugh, have fun, drink cocktails and eat whatever you want when you’re wearing it. That sort of freedom is always at the forefront of my mind when I design. I’m the same when it comes to accessories. I’d say I am maximal and minimal at the same time – I love statement pieces, but the kind that you never have to take off, like Sophie Buhai’s amazing sculptural jewelry designs. On vacation I love to wear lots of chunky gold necklaces and earrings, but the easy kind that you’d happily swim and sleep in. I think clothing and jewelry is so much more empowering if you feel comfortable in it.”

“As I don’t do swimwear, I am always on the lookout for ethically produced bikinis and one-pieces. I love Mara Hoffman; her clothing is amazing, but I also think her swimwear is so wearable and chic. It’s a typical story, but the reason I started my label was because I just couldn’t find the type of sustainably produced, design-led clothes I wanted to wear. The industry has come such a long way in the past few years and it’s really heartening to see.”

“I grew up in the water and I still find swimming in the ocean really restorative. No matter how bad my day has been, it always makes me feel better. The Bay of Islands is such a relaxed place that, when I’m there, I barely even wear shoes. The healing power of grounding yourself by going barefoot is pretty amazing. Of course, you need those exciting adventure trips, but you also need a place where you can just go and regain your energy. It’s something I’ve really noticed since starting my own business and how busy that’s made me. You have to take time for yourself. You only have one life and your health is your wealth.”