In the midst of all the va-va-voom, skin-baring sexuality that’s shaping up to be Spring/Summer 2022’s most important trend, a surprising thread has appeared. During the period of pandemic lockdown and shakeup, a number of female designers have become mothers!
Call it an act of hope to bring a new person into the world in such an uncertain time, but that tender sensibility of burgeoning motherhood was likely the reason that designers like Molly Goddard and Simone Rocha added new facets of femininity to their creations.
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Although these two examples have always dealt with modern visions of femininity and womanhood, there’s a new grown-up (the important counterpoint: not boring!) look to the fashions they’re now creating as young mothers. It’s a way of addressing new phases of life, and – even if they’re not strictly maternity wear – a broadening of their message and audience that’s always welcome.
The Row surprised even industry insiders last week when it debuted a collection of kids wear. It’s a tight, minimalist edit of styles that includes a beanie, cashmere sweats, a robe and shoes inspired by Venetian gondoliers – all in just four colours that include Klein blue, vibrant fuchsia, heather grey and burnt orange.
On the flip-side, an ultra grown-up brand like The Row also surprised the fashion world when it recently announced a line of kidswear. It’s a funny turning of the tables – a designer like Molly Goddard who specialises in girly tulle frocks now tuning it for a woman in more varied phases of life, and a brand known for its very sober, adult, stealth-wealth aesthetic creating cheery clothes for children.
Either way, it seems there’s something about childhood in the air. Or motherhood too, if American rapper Lil Nas X’s baby bump promotional stunt in September is anything to go by. Fashion-wise, though, take it from Mary-Kate Olsen, who told W magazine that kids “bring out a sense of playfulness” – something we perhaps could all do with a dose of.
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Here, a look at some collections and looks from the Spring/Summer 2022 runways and how they took their inspiration from motherhood and children.
