From Onehunga to New York catwalk2 min read

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Onehunga designer and maker, Emily Mahy, is set to showcase her handmade leather bags on the runway at one of fashion’s biggest events in September – New York Fashion Week.

Emily, the creative force behind her own label, Mahy, is one of just 20 independent designers chosen to be part of Flying Solo’s Ones to Watch show. Flying Solo represents independent designers globally, selecting a small group from hundreds of applications, to show their work on the prestigious runway.

Eight of the Mahy bags will be part of the show, paired with clothing from other independent designers. All the bags come from her Eye See You collection, launched in 2024, and is inspired by ancient Egyptian art – particularly the distinctive eye motif.

“The Eye See You theme is also about how many people feel invisible in a world full of noise, especially as they become older, and the importance of being seen and acknowledged,” says Emily. “Having my work recognised by Flying Solo is a perfect fit to the theme.”

With buyers and fashion media in attendance, and a  guaranteed media interview as part of the package with Flying Solo, New York Fashion Week is a huge platform for Emily and her boutique label, which is built on the values of slow fashion, sustainable practices and being locally made.

Emily has been making leather bags for nearly 14 years, initially by repurposing preloved leather jackets before moving to sourcing her own leather through a local importer. She opened a store on Onehunga Mall in 2022, but made the difficult decision to close it at the end of 2024. However, the Mahy brand remains a local business, and Emily will continue to design at a local shared workspace, where she’ll produce her bags, and also host workshops, pop-up sales, and have a showroom.

The New York Fashion Week is self-funded, so Emily has launched a PledgeMe campaign to help cover the costs, which include a participation fee, flights, accommodation and travel insurance.

People can pledge as little as $5, with various ‘thank you’ rewards attached to donation amounts, including bag charms and discount vouchers. Emily will only receive the funds if she reaches her minimum target. To support Emily, visit the Mahy Facebook or Instagram pages, or go to pledgeme.co.nz/projects/8253-help-get-mahy-to-new-york-fashion-week