Interview: Grazia Fashion Director and Mummy-to-be Cara talks pregnancy & Style
Cara Schiffelers is Fashion Director at Dutch Grazia and currently expecting her first child, Schiffelers is a respected veteran of the Dutch fashion world and has held high titles such as Paris press manager at Yohji Yamamoto and Fashion Director at Dutch ELLE Magazine. Cara is due to give birth any minute, but before that special moment she gives Pret a Pregnant an exclusive glimpse into fashion and pregnancy.
How would you describe your style?
Cool, classic, rock n’ roll chic with a total passion for black!
What is your favorite brand and why?
There’s not a single brand, I like a good mix between design and affordable:
From Chanel to COS, from Marni to Maje, from Stella McCartney to Surface to Air, Alberta Ferretti to Avelon, Tod's to Top Shop, Zara to Zac Posen, etc…
Do you have any style icons?
Alive: Kate Moss / Alexa Chung
Not alive: Audrey Hepburn
What is your favorite shop and why?
My favorite shops now are baby-related. I find myself getting lost in Amsterdam’s Keet in Huis, a true children’s palace.
What is your best fashion moment / memory?
Oops many, where do I start…
Perhaps my first, at the age of 6 when I got these crazy white boots – Santa was my fashion inspiration for that one. I was in heaven. Even now looking back at that moment I feel that same surge of happiness come back to me.
What is your vision of fashion and pregnancy?
In the Netherlands, it’s a bit more challenging because pregnancy is not considered to be a pretty point in ones life and women either go into hiding or emerge in ugly sacks. I always encourage expectant ladies to embrace the new curves, and femininity and stroll down the street like you own it.
So how do you approach style during those 9 months?
It’s silly to only look at maternity clothes – that is a horrible way to go about it! Wear your own clothes that still fit, toss on accessories, wear heels and stick to your style be it tough, sexy, glamorous, casual-chic or classic. Don’t change who you are because you are pregnant –instead accentuate it.
Why do you think there is so little attention given to maternity fashion?
It’s really too bad because there is a big demand for fashion-forward pregnancy wear. Perhaps it’s still a taboo subject but I hope that designers and the public in general come to embrace it as the norm.
Have you experienced problems in terms of clothes now you're pregnant? And what problems are these?
Yes and frankly, it was very frustrating. But the further along I got, the more I realized that I could still wear my fabulous duds – in an adjusted manner. That said, I never frequented typical maternity shops.
Did you purchase any maternity items at all?
I tried! I wanted to buy a basic legging with a stretched belly, but when I walked into the maternity shop the shoppers in there looked so haggard and…pathetic! I asked the sales lady on purpose if they had any leather leggings and the look in her eye said it all. I couldn’t dart out of there quickly enough.
What are your top 5 maternity fashion must-haves?
1. lovely leather leggings
2. little black dress
3. comfy, cool sneaker
4. sexy lingerie
5. at least 1 pair of heels
What has been your most recent purchase?
Baby clothes, baby clothes, baby clothes! From Milan to Paris to Amsterdam and any village whatsoever, I go crazy with the baby clothes.
What is your current closet favorite?
A beautiful floral-print maternity coat from the 60’s that my mother wore when she was pregnant with her 5th child, my sister. Marni eat your heart out .....
Anything that’s currently topping your wish list?
The Bugaboo by Viktor & Rolf: My First Car and the chocolate brown leather diaper bag by Storksak.
What are your got- shoes right now?
My Marni biker boots and Tod's loafer ankle boots
Who do you think are the best dressed pregnant celebrities and why?
Miranda Kerr and Jessica Alba because they stick to their own lovely style!
What’s the worst thing you can do style-wise while pregnant?
To neglect yourself and look like a (sorry) "sexless" mummy to be! FAUX PAS!
Any last fashion advice for expecting mothers?
Dare to have style, dare to feel sensuous and be fabulous. Shun all expressions of laziness and lose those jogging pants forever!
And finally: What do you most look forward to teaching your child?
Respect, tolerance and contentment. Passion for life and to follow your heart forever. A beautiful, multicultural social existence.
