Go Back

Sow to Sew Speakers' Series

Maggie MacCormick

EVENT LOCATION:
The Institute (beside the FAB) – 1871 Granville St.

Event Date & Time:
1:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 5, 2025.

Artist Statement

Maggie MacCormick, a South Shore-based clothing designer, founded the sustainable, size-inclusive brand Daytime People (maggie jayne) in 2015. Operating out of Mi’kma’ki, the design studio and seasonal shop serve as a creative hub for collections, while manufacturing takes place in Jaipur, India.

Daytime People is known for small-batch, limited-run collections made from hand-block printed organic cotton. Maggie works in close partnership with artisans in Jaipur, honouring their centuries-old techniques while adapting them for modern, wearable design.

In this talk, Maggie will discuss the path of establishing a clothing brand outside of a traditional fashion hub, exploring how this geographic and conceptual distance has both shaped and constrained the brand’s trajectory. She will share her experiences of building long-term relationships with manufacturing partners in India, their commitment to dignified labour practices, and ongoing efforts to preserve traditional craftsmanship and minimize environmental impact.

Photo credit: Brendan George Ko

The Sow to Sew Speakers’ Series is part of the Sow the Sew Project at NSCAD University, which is funded by a generous donation from The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation. 

About The Artist(s)

Maggie MacCormick is the founder of Daytime People, a clothing and textiles brand originally known as Maggie Jayne. Growing up in Unama’ki–Cape Breton Island, Maggie began taking sewing classes in a neighbour’s basement in grade 3. This was the most enjoyable experience in her life but it would be a while before fashion design felt like a logical path. She later attended the Kootenay School of the Arts in 2011, where she was introduced to design, natural dyeing, and weaving. Maggie continued her studies at NSCAD, refining her skills in pattern drafting and collection development. In 2015, a trip to India motivated by her curiosity for textiles led her to a wood block printing course and a manufacturing hub, where the idea for her brand was born. With no set plan but a passion for craftsmanship, Maggie created Daytime People, and the brand is now celebrating its 10th anniversary.