#ItStartedWithMom

By now many of you know, my mom was my first stylist, seamstress and style inspiration. When I was younger and flipped through the albums that showed her and my dad in their younger days, I would point out at least one garment/item in basically every photograph and demand to know, “where is this?” or “why didn’t you keep this for me!?”

She always told me when my outfits were too boring, needed a change, or gave me an idea for that extra something that would make me look different enough to make a special statement without going too far. She raised  me with the jargon and eye for quality and construction (who do you think I got my leather-snob tendencies from?), and taught me that finishing touches are what make your outfit, which also explains my love for statement shoes, sunnies and accessories.

For every dance I went to, she made my dresses and they fit me like a glove. Fast forward eight/nine years later, and not much has changed, in fact, I’ve kept her busier than ever! From part of my first wedding dress (here) to fashion weeks (here, here and here) and events (here), she played an integral part in some of my favourite looks ever, and continues to receive an influx of praise and compliments for her work. Were it not for my mom, my style would be very different, and possibly non-existent!

Tomorrow she leaves overseas on pilgrimage again, so we won’t be spending Mother’s Day together. Instead I’ll be taking her to Sunglass Hut this evening to spoil her with the perfect pair of shades for her trip, and celebrating the influence she has had on me here. Before there was the internet, Vogue or even the ability to read – there was Mom! If you’re feeling my plan, I’m giving away a R500 Sunglass Hut voucher today, and the winner will be announced at 7pm. For a chance to win, tweet me (@SAFashionBreed) and @SunglassHutSA with how your mom inspired your style, including the hashtag #ItStartedWithMom. Good luck!

xx

Both our shades in studio are Prada from Sunglass Hut

Photographs by Lisa Gabriel