Describing Motherhood in 3 Words
Ten women, dressed in Chanel, talk life lessons and raiding Mom's closet.
Mother's Day is a time of reflection for new moms, moms whose children are growing up, and women who aren't moms themselves but who have been molded by and continue to be inspired by their own. To celebrate, Chanel gathered 10 women—including stylist Karla Welch, global head of fashion and beauty at Snap Inc. Rajni Jacques, and fashion influencer Paola Alberdi—to reflect on the role of mothers, life lessons from parenthood, relinquishing control, and raiding their mothers' closets—all while wearing Chanel Watches and Fine Jewelry of course.
Mandy Madden Kelley, Content Creator, Creative Consultant, and Founder of Pagerie
Describe motherhood in three words.
Beautiful, messy, and rewarding.
Name one piece you want to steal from your mom's closet.
I have had my eyes on my mum's oversized black blazer. It's a timeless, bold statement piece that I personally consider an essential in one's closet. It conveys power, strength, and confidence, while it can also be dressed up and down. It's the kind of piece that I think makes me feel closest to my mum when wearing it.
Best lesson motherhood has taught you.
Motherhood has been my best mentor to patience. Sometimes things can be more chaotic than we want them to be. Control is something I have learned to let go of in some situations: Certain things are unexpected. I have learned to accept that, make space for it, and not panic. How to roll with the punches has not only helped me in my personal relationships, but also in business and life in general.
Emma Grede, Co-Founder of Good American and SKIMS
Describe motherhood.
Motherhood is an opportunity for constant growth, I don’t think anyone will teach you more about yourself than your children.
Name one piece you want to steal from your mom's closet.
My Mom has a Chanel bag with a long tassel from the 80’s, I’d swipe that in a flash!
Best lesson motherhood has taught you.
Motherhood has just really taught me to slow it all down. Life is so precious and in every moment you can either take it for granted by getting swept up in the speed and relentlessness of life or take it all in and feel every moment. I’m choosing the latter.
Jen Rubio, Cofounder and CEO of Away
Describe motherhood in three words.
Totally worth it.
Name one piece you want to steal from your mom’s closet.
A vintage watch that my late dad gave her on their 20th anniversary.
Best lesson motherhood has taught you.
Relinquishing control. Nothing ever goes as planned, and being a mama has taught me so much about flexibility, adapting, and acceptance.
Beverly Nguyen, Fashion Stylist and Founder of Beverly's NYC
Describe your mom in three words.
Powerful, compassionate, elegant.
Name one piece you want to steal from your mom's closet.
She has a locket with a photo of my grandmother in it that I would love to inherit.
Best lesson your mom taught you.
The best lesson my mother has taught me is do not be afraid and to keep going. It's really given me inner strength when I can't see ahead—I keep her words close to me and move forward.
Karla Welch, Celebrity Stylist and Founder/CEO of The Period Company
Describe motherhood in three words.
Challenging. Heartbreaking. Hilarious.
Name one piece you want to steal from your mom's closet.
Her Harris Tweed blazers.
Best lesson motherhood has taught you.
That there is a reason why most moms are a little bit crazy, haha.
Paola Alberdi, Global Fashion Influencer
Describe motherhood in three words.
Motherhood is the purest, most vulnerable, and most rewarding kind of love.
Name one piece you want to steal from your mom's closet.
Definitely her handbag collection.
Best lesson motherhood has taught you.
Motherhood means you go all in. It's giving 100 percent of yourself for someone else. Priorities shift, sacrifices are made, and you become a pro at multitasking. Oh, and patience, lots of patience, because it will never go exactly how you planned.
Kate Foley, Stylist and Image Consultant
Describe motherhood in three words.
Raw, beautiful, and overwhelming.
Name one piece you want to steal from your mom's closet.
The most elegant, classic, and totally timeless vintage Balenciaga dress.
Best lesson motherhood has taught you.
Patience and perspective. And the purest, surest love I have ever known.
Rajni Jacques, Fashion Creative and Global Head of Fashion & Beauty at Snap Inc.
Describe motherhood in three words.
Adventurous, fulfilling, beautiful.
Name one piece you want to steal from your mom's closet.
My mother has a great collection of vintage jewelry and bags. I can't name one piece, because I want it all.
Best lesson motherhood has taught you.
Don't let motherhood define you—allow it to refine you. I am so much better, happier, and more vibrant because Diego and Lewee Coco chose me.
Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, Fashion Editor
Describe your mom in three words.
Grace, strength, creativity.
Name one piece you want to steal from your mom's closet.
Been there, done that, and plan to do it again! Most recently, stole some fabbbb gold cowboy boots with leather trim and brass hardware that she got in Tennessee.
Best lesson your mom taught you.
My mom has taught me that life is for living, that there is no certain path, but ultimately the universe is open for you to create the reality you want to see.
Nicole Berrie, Cofounder of Bonberi Mart and Author of Body Harmony
Describe motherhood in three words.
Empowering, heart opening, and humbling.
Name one piece you want to steal from your mom's closet.
My mom's Chanel Cage bag from the '90s.
Best lesson motherhood has taught you.
The best lesson motherhood has taught me is to relinquish control or your notion of control. Children have a way of opening your heart to being more flexible, humble, and curious, and I am so grateful to Jude and Sea for rebirthing me as someone who is not only able to go with the flow more, but who can make space for things I never thought possible in my own life. They've empowered me to be fearless.
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