Per Rykiel, French girl style in motherhood is all about staying true to yourself.
Lola Rykiel On Motherhood, French Girl Style, and Her Line PomPom Paris
“French women do not dress for the category of being a mother (more conservatively), but more according to our bodies and our personal style,” says Lola Rykiel, the French designer/founder of sportswear line PomPom Paris. Rykiel is, of course, the daughter of the queen of knitwear Sonia Rykiel but she’s also a new mother—she gave birth to her daughter at the end of 2020. Throughout the conversation, Rykiel, who is considered the epitome of “French Girl” style, helps demystify the alluring and esoteric label, and she redefines the term with motherhood in mind.
Rykiel refers to PomPom Paris, which she launched in 2019, as a collection of “dramatic sportswear for everyday life.” With a history in dancing (Rykiel attended the Martha Graham School in New York), she was inspired by what dancers wear behind the scenes at rehearsal or backstage. With that in mind, Rykiel dreamed up effortless leisurewear that works just as well at a dance class as they would a night out dancing. The PomPom woman is “elegant and sensual” in loose clothes, she says.
According to Rykiel, the recipe for achieving peak French style in the many stages of motherhood is simple in theory: “Maternity wear is not widely used, at least for women who want to be fashionable.” she says. “I think that French women always want to stay stylish, chic, and true to their identity… French women want to keep their style while being fully pregnant...not hide for nine months wearing clothing made for maternity. Although it is not always easy to do, especially with the changes happening with your body, they try.”
Staying true to personal style amidst a changing body depends on comfort level, but Rykiel points to simple, polished staples that she has personally turned to throughout her pregnancy and postpartum for inspiration. “After giving birth, I have been drawn to wearing dresses, which I never really wore before being pregnant, unless for going out. I had to avoid my favorite 501 jeans because of my C-section, so I quickly discovered dresses as my new ally.” She also found joy in light, colorful silk dresses throughout her pregnancy last summer, as well as a large off-the-shoulder dress paired with a bright, minimalist Eres swimsuit. “I gravitated even more towards shapes that showed the shoulder or décolleté,” she says. “I tried to put the accent on my face because my skin was glowing and on my hair because it was healthier than ever.
This story originally appeared on: Vogue - Author:Rachel Besser
