Designers and Their Moms

We asked some of our favorite designers about the best style advice they ever got from their moms. Not surprisingly, it's spot-on and still worth heeding to this day. Let the "awww" moments commence.

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India Hicks on Lady Pamela Mountbatten

"My mother was born into a life of style. My father was the leading decorator of the '60s and '70s, and he designed everything around him, including my mother's hair. The end result was that my mother was able to create her own classic style with a small twist. She'd accessorize a dress bought from a mainstream catalog with an inherited dramatic piece of jewelry."

Photo Credit: The Estate of David Hicks

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Jessie Randall on Gail Randall

"I have been influenced by my mom's sense of color. She always wears neutrals with an occasional bright pop. We both gravitate towards the same shades, like taupe, nude and gray."

Photo: Courtesy of Jessie Randall

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Rachel Antonoff on Shira Wall Antonoff

"My mom always loved pale pink and sea foam green together—those colors dominated my room when I grew up, and I find now that I often gravitate toward that combo in my work. She also offered sage shopping advice (usually when we were at The Limited Too): 'If you're not dying to wear it right now, don't buy it!'"

Photo: Courtesy of Rachel Antonoff

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Rachel Roy on Ruth Roy

"My mother had this very chic camel-colored trench coat that she wore as a dress with a snakeskin belt. It was my favorite thing in her closet. It looked very polished and pulled together--I learned quickly from her that a trench coat can be a very versatile item that will always look chic and be great for all events."

Photo: Courtesy of Rachel Roy

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Rebecca Minkoff on Sue Minkoff

"I learned the easy-chic idea of my collections from my mom. She was always perfectly pulled together—casually chic without anything too extravagant. I follow that idea for 99 percent of my outfit, then throw on one very eye-catching piece."

Photo: Courtesy of Rebecca Minkoff

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Rebecca Taylor on Patricia Taylor

"My mom has influenced me in so many ways, including my design aesthetic. When I grew up, she would make all my clothes. I remember for my communion she made me a cotton eyelet dress and everyone else had big tulle dresses. At the time I wanted a tulle dress too, but looking back I realize the dress was quite modern for that time."

Photo: Courtesy of Rebecca Taylor

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Reece Solomon on Barbara Solomon

"My mom always told me to forget that mixing black and brown is a faux pas, and I used that concept for inspiration in my first collection, which still carries over."

Photo: Courtesy of Reece Solomon

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Savannah Miller on Jo Miller

"My mom wore fabulous shoes—always a heel and usually Manolo. A bit of height makes you look instantly more elegant."

Photo: Courtesy of Savannah Miller

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Tracy Reese on Patricia Dayle Reese

"My mother always stressed the importance of shopping for things that make you feel confident and feminine. She also taught me the importance of purchasing statement accessories that update classic pieces and complete full looks. Plus, she showed me how to sew at a young age and encouraged me to design my own clothes."

Photo: Courtesy of Tracy Reese

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