Mother knows best
Our annual celebration of mothers everywhere, including Tory's mom Reva
One constant in our office is that Tory’s mother, Reva Robinson, is a source of inspiration — for her style but even more so for how she’s lived her life and the advice she has imparted to her children. Perennial Reva-isms (like “The glass is always half full”) are the origin of our longtime Mother’s Day tradition — asking some of our favorite women to share their moms’ words of wisdom. Here, snapshots of our friends with their best advice.
Eny Lee Parker makes everything from bowls and vases to sconces and stools in her signature style that plays on gentle organic forms and compelling textures. Her latest project is a collection of patterned rugs made in collaboration with Tory Burch’s own print designer Spencer Malinski.
The best advice I received from my mother…the way she lives is evidence of all the advice she’s given me. Her joy is in small details. She stops at beauty at any moment, gets giddy at genuine connections with others, will cook a whole meal from any leftovers in the fridge and is truly happy with whatever she has.
Our favorite thing to do together is…gossiping. I love when she tells me about her friends, and I can tell her about mine. We just laugh and connect in a way that girls do when they share tea.
As director of fashion initiatives at Vogue, Allie Michler Kopelman focuses on the magazine’s special projects such as the annual CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, which fosters the next generation of American design talent.
The best advice I received from my mother…is that everyone has challenges, it is how you deal with them that matters. It’s what her mother and her mother before that always said. My mother raised us with such quiet resolve and confidence. She never let the small things ruffle her, and she always set an optimistic example for our family.
My style post-motherhood is…more about comfort than ever before. I need to be nimble crawling around after him.
Three things always in my bag…a change of baby clothes just in case, wipes and a toy or two to avoid boredom cries.
Lizzy Okpo launched fashion brand William Okpo in 2010 with her sister Darlene, and in the past few years founded two coffee-and-lifestyle shops in her Harlem neighborhood. Between the Oma Shop I and II, they offer coffee and pastries, a selection of home goods, fashion and beauty, and barber and braiding services. The shops also host community events, like this month’s diaper giveaway at Oma II to benefit any caregiver in need.
The best advice I received from my mother…never put limitations on yourself.
If I had 24 hours all to myself, I would…be blasting music at our upstate home, hanging in the grass, staring into the woods, and letting go of the city angst.
Hong Kong-based actress Louise Wong made her name in a biopic about Cantopop star Anita Mui, garnering a Best Actress nomination and Best New Performer win at the Hong Kong Film Awards. Louise recently finished shooting Bollywood film “Coolie.”
The best advice I received from my mother…never give up and work hard for your family. Be kind and help others while you can.
My dream Mother’s Day gift is…a day to hang out and spend time with my daughter.
Something of a baking prodigy, Claire Ptak was the pastry chef of Chez Panisse at 27. She now runs Violet Bakery in London, has written multiple cookbooks and is a fellow Substacker.
The best advice I received from my mother…that I could do anything but she warned against harebrained schemes and foolish endeavors.
If I had 24 hours all to myself, I would…relive a recent life highlight — seeing Dave Chapelle perform a private comedy act and then going to the Chiltern Firehouse with his entourage until 4 in the morning. Dancing with friends and drinking mezcal.
Journalist Lauren Sherman is the force behind Line Sheet, the fashion industry’s must-read newsletter; she recently launched a podcast called Fashion People and is working on a book about the story of Victoria’s Secret.
The best advice I received from my mother…just try!
If I had 24 hours all to myself, I would…do a long run around the Rose Bowl, lunch at Tartine on Sycamore, shopping at Scout on Melrose, the movies solo (reclining chair), a glass of wine with a friend at Stir Crazy, then dinner (and one martini) with my husband at the bar at Osteria Mozza. Asleep by 9.30.
A little over two years ago, Bay Area content creator Mya Miller gave her mother Gym Tan a social media tutorial and since then the former fashion executive has amassed a considerable following for her chic-at-any-age style, beauty and lifestyle content. The duo collaborate often, and recently co-designed a candle for Mala, an AAPI-women-owned company.
Gym:
The best advice I received from my mother…to get a good education and be able to rely on myself.
What inspires me about my daughter Mya’s style…she gravitates to smaller up-and-coming brands and has fun experimenting with silhouette texture and pattern.
Mya:
The best advice I received from my mother…be willing to learn or try something new. The discomfort of beginning is temporary and the outcome is almost always worth it.
What inspires me about my mother Gym’s style…she has never been a trend follower; she is the trendsetter! She’s inspired me to look at a piece and decide if I like it because it truly is my style or just because everyone is wearing it.
Photographer Monroe Alvarez launched her children’s line Koko Momo after having her son Koa and noticing a dearth of unique kids clothes in the market. The Los Angeles-based creative is also the founder of women’s skate collective GRLSWRL.
The best advice I received from my mother…treat people the way you wish to be treated.
My dream Mother’s Day gift is…a healthy and happy family. It’s what I wish for everyday. If I had to choose a physical item, it would be my own Koko Momo Moms Rule sweater.
From all of us at Tory Burch, we wish you and all the women in your life a very happy Mother’s Day!
I appreciate the diversity of moms featured here. Love! x
I love this!! 🎈🎈🎈