Laure with her children, Marcel (7) and Marguerite (20 months).
Photo by Camilo Rios.
Many of us would count our mother as being the first to shape our sartorial leanings. Whether you grew up watching mom getting dressed for work, or were frequently caught “borrowing” her shoes or maybe you rebelled against the matching sets she dressed you in for picture day, we owe mom a nod of recognition for turning our attention to the concept of style.
To help kick off Mother’s Day weekend, Sarah Harrelson—BHS director of arts and culture, and mother of three—asked six fabulous mothers in fashion—Tory Burch, Silvia Tcherassi, Laure Heriard Dubreuil, Carolina Cucinelli, Veronica Swanson Beard and Veronica Miele Beard—to talk about family, style and life lessons learned through motherhood.
A young Tory Burch with her mother, Reva.
Image courtesy of Tory Burch.
Tory Burch, mother of three
What is the greatest lesson your mother taught you?
My mother often says “when the cup is half full, add water.” From early on she taught me to be optimistic and think outside of the box.
Most beloved item in your closet:
It is hard to pick just one piece, I have t-shirts I still wear from high school and jewelry from my parents that bring back the happiest memories. From our collection, the Lee Radziwill bag is my favorite, it is a modern classic inspired by a woman I deeply admire.
What has been your personal mantra over the last year?
Less is more – less of everything and everything with more integrity.
Do you have a style icon?
My mother is the most stylish woman I know. She has an innate sense of what works and incredible joie de vivre that infuses how she lives and how she dresses.
Favorite podcast:
Reid Hoffman’s Masters of Scale
One trait you would like to pass on to your kids:
Growing up, my mother always encouraged me to go for what I want. She helped instill a feeling of confidence in me—and I hope that’s something I’ve given my boys. I also tell them that being a gentleman is not a part-time job, my father taught my brothers and me that character is how you show up every day.
Silvia Tcherassi with her daughter, Sofia Espinosa Tcherassi and her mother, Vera Solano de Tcherassi.
Photo by Adrian Colina (@age180).
Silvia Tcherassi, mother of two
One word to describe motherhood:
Happiness
What is the greatest lesson your mother taught you?
With discipline, work ethic and focus you can materialize your dreams.
How would you describe your personal style?
Casual chic
Most beloved item in your wardrobe:
One? I will mention three: white Silvia Tcherassi shirts, Bottega Veneta bags and old Céline shoes. They are fashionable—but not so trendy—basics that you can build any kind of look around.
What has been your personal mantra over the last year?
Everything is impossible until it is achieved.
Who are your style icons?
Diana Vreeland, Marella Agnelli and Giovanna Battaglia.
What is the last book you read?
During the pandemic, I read Eat, Pray, Love again.
Favorite podcast:
More Than One Thing with Athena Calderone
One trait you would like to pass on to your kids
My eternal pragmatic optimism.
Laure with her children, Marcel (7) and Marguerite (20 months).
Photo by Camilo Rios.
Laure Heriard Dubreuil, mother of two
One word to describe motherhood:
Gratitude. Being able to witness the world through their eyes is the most amazing experience.
What is the greatest lesson your mother taught you?
Always be true to yourself! My parents taught my siblings and me to be strong, independent and to work hard for what you want. They are the greatest supporters, standing by me every step of the way. It is this lesson that gave me the confidence to go after so many of my dreams, such as opening The Webster.
What has been your personal mantra over the last year?
Never take anything for granted. Life is such a gift and time is so precious! This past year, while it presented many difficulties and challenges, I am so grateful for the time that I have been able to spend with my children.
Last book you read:
The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben. I have never felt this connected with nature as I am now after discovering this secret world!
I am currently reading The Gardener and The Carpenter by Alison Gopnik, about how the new science of child development helps relationships between parents and children. I am looking forward to learning throughout the book and improving every day!
Favorite podcast:
At a Distance and Time Sensitive by Spencer Bailey and Andrew Zuckerman. A truly enriching experience to listen to the variety of experts’ perspectives on the art of living!
One trait you would like to pass on to your kids
Generosity. Not just in a tangible way but more importantly in their love and kindness towards others. I try to raise them in a way so that they are always thinking of others. It is the little gestures in life that mean the most.
Carolina Cucinelli with her son, Brando (10 months).
Photo by Mattia Cecchetti; courtesy of Brunello Cucinelli.
Carolina Cucinelli, mother of one
One word to describe motherhood:
A word that fully describes motherhood to me, is happiness or wonder. It is such an incredible sensation to perceive life growing inside of you, a dream of possibilities.
What is the greatest lesson your mother taught you?
The most significant lesson that my mother has taught me is a respect for our values, the love for one’s own origins and for the family.
How would you describe your personal style?
I would describe it as a casual-chic, both refined and always suitable to every occasion. I fancy comfortable clothes I can wear while being at home with my son Brando, as well as while working, such as denim or a relaxed-cut classic suit.
Most beloved item in your wardrobe:
My father’s cashmere pullover from the 1980’s is the item I cherish with utmost affection. It reminds me of the light-heartedness of my childhood.
What has been your personal mantra over the last year?
I believe that what we have been experiencing in the last year has given us the time to rethink our priorities, such as loved ones and family. In moments of despair, at the height of the pandemic, I felt lucky to have had my loved ones so physically close to me, as we all live in the same hamlet, a few houses away.
Do you have a style icon?
When it comes to style, it’s not just about how a person wears clothes, I also see it as one’s behavior and the way they deal with others. I admire Kamala Harris, Gwyneth Paltrow, Amanda Gorman, Olivia Palermo and Angelica Cheung.
What is the last book you read?
I recently rediscovered a great classic that I read as a child, and that I found even more beautiful now that I am an adult: Moby Dick.
Favorite podcast:
I love every Oprah Winfrey podcast.
One trait you would like to pass on to your kids:
I would like to convey to them the sensitivity of never turning their gaze from people in need.
Veronica Swanson Beard with her children.
Image courtesy of Veronica Beard.
Veronica Swanson Beard, mother of three
One word to describe motherhood:
Humbling
What is the greatest lesson your mother taught you?
Show up! If someone needs you, just show up!
How would you describe your personal style?
90’s Boho and 50’s cool prep
Most beloved item in your closet/wardrobe and why?
My mom’s red suede Gucci coat that she got on her honeymoon.
What has been your personal mantra over the last year?
Get dressed!
Who are your style icons?
Stevie Nicks, Jane Birkin, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, Carrie Bradshaw
Favorite podcast
How I Built This with Guy Raz
Veronica Miele Beard with her children.
Image courtesy of Veronica Beard.
Veronica Miele Beard, mother of five
One word to describe motherhood:
Resilience
What is the greatest lesson your mother taught you?
Be an individual
How would you describe your personal style?
Eclectic, edgy and always a little rock ‘n’ roll
Most beloved item in your closet:
VB navy Dickey jacket with gold crest buttons—it’s my Wonder Woman cape!
What has been your personal mantra over the last year?
Just get dressed!
Who is your style icon?
Kate Moss
Favorite podcast:
Second Life hosted by Hillary Kerr
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