Designer Phoebe Philo Makes Motherhood A Priority—A Novel Idea In Fashion
Celine designer Phoebe Philo.
In fashion, there's no such thing as vacation. The closest most editors and buyers come to taking a rest is eating lunch while scrolling through style.com or perhaps a ten minute lounge at the airport, ready to board a flight. As for designers, I actually wonder if they even sleep. This is not to say boo-hoo - it's a fabulous job and they do it because they love it - it's only to recognize that many other matters, family in particular, often take an unfortunate backseat.
Hence the confusion when LVMH announced this week that one of their most coveted labels, Céline, would not show at fashion week due to head designer Phoebe Philo's pregnancy. (She'll be 8 months along with her third child during the Paris shows.) Philo has been a champion of family over fashion, famously resigning from her job at Chloé in 2006 to tend to her first child and carry her second at a time when the label was arguably in its crowning glory. As mentioned fashion designers don't take lunch, let alone maternity leave, especially when their labels are turning over huge profits. But perhaps all of that is about to change thanks to Philo and the unexpected understanding of LVMH.
It is wise then for the multi-billon dollar company to finally take heed. I've often wondered how anyone can keep up in this industry. It seems as though balancing a healthy lifestyle while churning out collection after collection is an impossible feat. There's spring, fall, resort, pre-fall, couture, collaborations—the work never ends. What's more, it's work that requires constant inspiration and improved "wow" season over season, leaving an already never-satisfied creative mind always searching for more. Pair that with the desire to raise a family and it seems like an impossible dream.
I've worked in fashion for a long time and expressing a desire to have children isn't exactly applauded by married-to-work higher ups. Sounds cold, but trust me it feels colder and I've seen many women struggle with the decision as a result. How nice then to have Philo setting a different kind of example.
Have your say! Do you admire LVMH's sensitivity towards Phoebe Philo's personal life?
By: Laura; Photo by REUTERS/Andrew Kelly.
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