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From the mothers that shaped them to their own parenting journey, designers such as Anine Bing and Stine Goya alongsid brand founders including fragrance house Ormonde Jayne share their thoughts for Mother’s Day.
ANINE BING
Based in Los Angeles, Anine Bing started her brand in 2012 and since then captured the wardrobes of those drawn to her use of Scandinavian simplicity and American energy. Her global fashion house has become a go-to for elevated everyday wardrobe essentials and investment pieces for modern women seeking a timeless yet rebellious approach to style.
How has motherhood shaped you?
Being a mum has shaped me into a more patient and understanding person. Witnessing life through my children's eyes has taught me to appreciate the simple joys and find beauty in everyday moments. It's a journey of continuous growth, and I am so very grateful for them and everything they have taught me.
What lessons from your mother do you always keep in mind?
From my mother, I learned that it's better to be unique than like everyone else. She encouraged me to be true to myself and celebrate my uniqueness. This lesson has shaped my confidence and influenced the way I approach both personal and professional aspects of life. And something I always say is, Be true, be you!
STINE GOYA
One of the most beloved brands amongst the Scandi set and beyond, Stine is a master of fascinating colour use and an eye-catching approach to print. Always delivers fun and a sense of collective love for clothing to her designs.
Motherhood has profoundly shaped who I am today, instilling in me a deeper sense of empathy, compassion, and balance. It has taught me to prioritise efficiently and to draw inspiration from the everyday wonders of life, particularly the innocence and creativity of my sons. It has not only influenced my personal life but also deeply impacted my approach to design, leading me to create pieces that resonate with women's experiences across different life stages. When I first became a mother, it sparked a new version of creativity within me, challenging me to evolve both personally and professionally, and I am so grateful for the enrichment it has brought me.
Trust your gut and don’t be afraid to be your true self. It’s what I aspire to achieve in my personal life as well as work. Our brand messaging and ethos aren’t too dissimilar either so you could say I’ve certainly been influenced by my Mom in that respect.
Creative Director, Christina Exsteen
The best thing I like about being a mother is that I become a better person from being one. With the greatest obviousness and in the most natural way, you show love, care, patience and understanding every day.
That being a mother is an attitude not a biological relation. And that we mothers have to remember that there is no perfect way to be a mother - there are millions good ways.
Founded in 2012 by siblings Susanne and Andreas Holzweiler, the Norwegian fashion house offers effortless functionality with a dose of contemporary cool that has captured the social media feeds of the fashion savvy who are drawn to their playful aesthetic. Below Susanne says:
How has motherhood shaped you? My children are now at the centre of my life, and in our hectic society, this is truly a gift.
Becoming a mother for the third time after more than ten years since my first two has also taught me to be much more present. I’m inspired by my youngest son, who’s always so present in the moment no matter what.
What lessons from your mother do you always keep in mind? My mother was the first person to teach me about unconditional love. I remember when I gave birth to my first daughter, and feeling this unconditional love I hadn’t experienced before. I called my mum and said, ‘So, this is how much you love me!’
My mum always taught me practical advice like ‘You never go to bed angry’. She’s always supported me no matter what I’ve done, even during my ‘crazy years’ as a teenager and young adult. As my girls are now moving towards this stage, I follow what my mother taught me and try to support them on their own unique journeys.
Instantly recognisable for its one-size-fits-all seersucker design in various silhouettes and colourways. Hunza G journey began back in 1984 when it was known as Hunza. Overseen by Peter Meadows who created its signature, unique crinkle-stretch fabrication and high-cut leggy cut. In 2015, Hunza added the G when Georgiana Huddart relaunched the brand and became creative director after having an obsession with the fabrics throughout her 20s.
How has motherhood shaped you? I guess it just makes one less conscious or worried about the small stuff as you are literally trying to keep humans alive and make them into little people- so there is less time or energy to worry about oneself – sometimes this is amazing and sometimes one really wants to spend maybe 30 minutes deliberating over nail varnish colours.
What lessons from your mother do you always keep in mind? My mum was super relaxed and very present – in a way that sometimes made her hours late for things. She would get stuck playing a game with you or doing painting etc. and totally lose track of time – and I don’t have that at all – I am super on time and very organized and hardly ever get lost in time – but I do take away from it that she really is a present person and I often try and focus on the thing I am doing with my kids and not think about what’s next.
Founded by Lucy Macnamara, Aspiga creates ethical and sustainable pieces with comfort in mind.
My mother took looking after the environment to the next level, she wouldn't throw away anything. She would wash plastic bags to use again, use eggshells for slug bait, and film canisters to store seeds, everything had a second life. She would darn our tights, and repair all our clothes. She was a big gardener and was lucky to have a big walled veg garden, so all our food was grown and then frozen for the winter months. So I learnt from an early age not to be wasteful and to re-wear, repair and look after things.
Founded in 2014, by Anna Lahey, Vida Glow is an ingestible beauty brand that was made famous by its Natural Marine Collagen range – a clinically proven peptide powder that stimulates collagen production.
When I wanted to become a mother, I underestimated just how much I would change as a person. The entire process – from conceiving to pregnancy and post-partum – is so transformative for women.
I’ve learnt that motherhood doesn’t get any harder or easier, it just changes constantly.
Being a mother has also changed my outlook and priorities. I think children learn from observation, so I’m aware of the enormous responsibility it is to set a good example and raise good people. I have four very different children – so I’m constantly learning. They’ve taught me more about myself than I will ever teach them.
When I was becoming a mother, my mum told me to relish the small moments – even when you’re in the trenches of parenthood and it feels really tough. She said it all changes so fast and one day you will look back and want for those moments. And it’s true – I do.
Masterminded by mother and daughter, Donna and Kim, West Barn Co.® is a pioneering brand renowned for its premium brow products. Based in the heart of Durham, the duo is driven by innovation and a deep-rooted passion for beauty.
Kim:
How has motherhood shaped you? Motherhood has shaped me to become the best version of myself and to be the best role model I can.
What lessons from your mother do you always keep in mind? You are capable of more than you think.
Donna:
How has motherhood shaped you? Being a mam has tested me in different ways, it has given me a strength that I didn't know I had and an unconditional love that I didn't know was possible.
What lessons from your mother do you always keep in mind? Family is everything.
Amanda Caroline is a luxury Beauty brand founded by Amanda Caroline Cronin. Developing new and cutting-edge formulations with high levels of efficacy, they target multiple skin concerns, promote inner confidence and encourage a happy healthy glow inside and out.
Motherhood is such an incredible gift it taught me responsibility, selflessness, drive and relentless determination, warmth, softness, fortitude and courage.
My mother is 87 in May and a great force of strength, high culture, a rock, a calm port in a storm. My mother taught me how to be a lioness for my kids, and show no fear. Children need to have an unfaltering sense of being able to rely on a parent, a sense of protection, a source of security, unconditional love, support, a place of safety, comfort and love.’
My mother is an elegant woman, demure, discerning, chic , honest, authentic, straightforward and kind. I have inherited a lot of these character traits.
My mother told me there are no glass ceilings in life, life is for living, there are no boundaries, no restrictions, no judgment, reach for your dreams be free and go for it.
Ormonde Jayne is a London-based niche perfume house founded by Linda Pilkington in 2000. Employing the “quality of English craftsmanship, the art of French perfumery and the sensuality and natural harmony of the Orient”, the brand creates luxuriously unique fragrances.
Motherhood is definitely the best thing that has ever happened to me and I can’t imagine what I was worried about all those years before when the thought of such an interruption left me with a feeling of dread having worked all my life. There came a point when I really felt that bringing a child into the world, was like a very natural feeling and I have never looked back. Motherhood has decompartmentalised my life in a positive way, affecting all my lifestyle choices and timings.
My mother never put me under any pressure and I’m very grateful for that – she never insisted on chosen careers or imposed any expectations on me. I can always hear my mother’s voice, “Linda make the best of yourself, there is nothing more I could ask for.” I can still hear her say it, and I pass this on to my children so as not to pressure them.
Urban Apothecary blends traditional ingredients in unconventional ways, transforming the perfumes of flowers, fruits, resins and woods into exciting and alluring home fragrances. Founded by Tajinder Banwait MBE at her kitchen table, the brand’s library extends to candles and reed diffusers that will transform your home, space and emotion.
Parenthood changes you in so many ways – priorities shift, new stressors emerge and you quickly learn how to function on a lot less sleep. I feel more confident in myself and who I am, which has sharpened my decision-making. I’ve always been empathetic, but I have become more considerate towards others, and my relationships with different family members have flourished due to motherhood.
There are three life lessons I hold dear, be kind to others, if you’re going to do something, do it well, and there are no limits to your success, reach for the stars.
Print~Sisters Archive, founded in 2020 by the creative sister duo, Alexia and Claudia, born during the initial lockdown, this small, independent, female-led company curates an extensive collection of rare artworks, historical prints, and timeless textile patterns.
How has motherhood shaped you Alexia?
Motherhood may be chaos and new to me, but it's also incredibly rewarding, and it's definitely made me stronger and more resilient than I ever imagined. It has been a long journey to have my daughter Jupiter and I am so grateful to be her mother. Also, it makes me very thankful for that extra 30-minute lie-in when I get it.
Since our early years, our mother has consistently emphasized the significance of maintaining good health and well-being. Even before it became a trend, we were accustomed to incorporating a diverse range of supplements into our routine, and our weekly shop consistently boasted an abundance of organic produce. This commitment to our health remains steadfast, as our mother continues to introduce us to new products, always eager to explore and enhance our well-being.
Amuse La Bouche is a design studio that specialises in creating distinctive artisan textiles, handblown glassware, and statement ceramics. Founded by Georgie Morley, design inspiration stems from travels across India with a focus on bold hues and patterns, the products are designed to breathe life into the home.
From my mum, I've learned some invaluable lessons that guide me through life's challenges. One lesson that always stays with me is to remember to breathe and stay calm, even amid chaos. She taught me the importance of taking a moment to pause, collect my thoughts, and approach situations with a clear mind.
