GRANDMOTHER’S DAY
MIMCO X CATGK
Mother’s Day is the day we celebrate the reason for love and compassion in the world. Something our grandmothers pass down to us, women to women. This is why, for Mother’s Day, I wanted to tell their story and the significance of what is shared from each generation. In collaboration with Mimco we interviewed three inspiring grandmothers with their daughters and grandchildren about what we inherit from the women who mean so much to us.
Kim Amos and her mother Jannie with sons Noa, Hunter and Arlo
KIM
What influence do you see your mother having on your children? My mother is a forager and maker and has always inspired a fascination in ‘found’ objects with my sons. From beach combing to weaving wild grasses and vines, they now share her love of nature and its gifts.
What do you love about the relationship between your sons and your mother (their grandmother)? It’s a beautiful cycle to see our boys beginning to take care of my Mum after all the years she has devoted to them as a grandmother. They have grown taller and stronger and no longer need the storytelling and cooking, instead they are inspiring her with their plans for travel and adventure. They bring her so much love and happiness just sharing their lives with her.
How has your mother and her approach to style helped shape your identity? My mum gifted me the power of creativity. She taught me that no amount of money buys style, its the time and authenticity that brings something magic together. Whether that be a piece of art, a house, a look, the true pioneers of style create it from moments, not money.
JAN
What traits do you see in your daughter, which she has learnt from you? Well, just to create things from where you live, all around you. I mean, I’ve only ever created things that are right in front of me, down the beach, in the bush. The love of her family. Because they were everything to me. And Kim’s are to her. Love and caring is very important. And money was never the main object in our family, but I found joy from small things. And at the end of every day when I look at what I’ve done, I’ve always been happy. I’m sure that Kim’s the same.
How do you hope you will influence your grandchildren? With the same principles I did with mine. And, to me, they have adhered to those already. Because they are all very loving, they are all very creative and they are all very caring. And, to me, that’s the important issues.
How do you think your style has influenced your daughter's? I don’t think it has, she’s got her own identity. I’d say that Kim has sewn her own seeds in that area and good on her because I’m in awe of what she’s done and how she presents herself. She makes the effort always to always look fresh and she’s not covered in makeup. I hope I’ve passed on that natural thing. As I’ve always said ‘mascara, lipstick and nail polish and you’re right!’.
JULIA ASHWOOD WITH HER MOTHER PATSY AND BABY DELILAH
JULIA
What influence do you see your mother having on your daughter? I know it sounds quite text book yet my mother is the kindest, most generous and selfless Nanna a little girl could dream of... We call her by the Italian name "Nonna" because in her home food is love. On any given day (before or after work) you'll find her in the kitchen whipping up a feast for an army (or just her grand children Delilah and Jacob!)
What do you love about the relationship between your daughter and your mother? Delilah has sass, there is no two ways about it. Mum thinks it comes from me - but I think the apple never falls far from the tree do you? They are both cheeky, playful and sweet. It absolutely warms my heart when I see DeeDee reach out to hold her hand or give her a big squeeze at the airport. Both my mum & dad's parents passed away quite young so I never had grandparent's from either side. To have Delilah experience the love of extended family is such a special and wonderful thing.
How has your mother and her approach to style helped shape your identity? Hands down Pat's is a grey fox of a woman. She is chic, elegant and a real head turner in these parts. And of course she will never leave home without a nice pair of flats, pressed trousers and a dash of lipstick. But seriously, and and I always say it - if I can be half the mother my mum was to me - I know I'll be a great one.
PATSY
What traits do you see in your daughter, which she has learnt from you? From a very early age my daughter loved clothes & colour. I have been interested in design & colour all my life and I guess you could call it a ‘trait’ she has learnt, a great one, together with her ability to communicate. This is a great advantage in todays world.
How do you hope you will influence your granddaughter? In the same way I have influenced my daughter I would love my grandchild to be herself and be independent and she is already showing signs of this.
How do you think your style has influenced your daughter’s? My approach to style has always been classic and natural, whether it be in my wardrobe or my work in interiors. I see this as the basis of my daughters style but with a quirky twist which makes her the woman she is today & I’m very proud of that.
DEB BIBBY AND HER MOTHER ROISIN
DEB
What influence do you see your mother having on your children? My mother has had an enormous influence on my son Jack. She has showered him with love, been there for him after school when I had to work. They have a very special bond and he has a deep respect for her and he wouldn't do anything to ever upset her. She has taught him to listen to people, everyone has a story. Give them your time and try not to be judgemental - he isn't.
What do you love about the relationship between your son and your mother (his grandmother)? My son knows he can always turn to her, he often seeks her advice and he also knows she has his back. When he was a toddler he said, "You can share your toys but I'm not sharing my grandma, she's a person' - still true today, ha!
How has your mother and her approach to style helped shape your identity? Mum has always had a timeless style. Understated but not unnoticed. Her look was simple, refined and strong rather than overly pretty. She was always too busy to over complicate fashion although in her youth she loved a soaring high heel. She has hands down influenced me with her style. Today I prefer a classic silhouette, pared back minimal, neutral palettes and good fabrics. Same as mum, a timeless aesthetic.
ROISIN
What traits do you see in your daughter, which she has learnt from you? We both have high values. We both have positive natures. We give each other so much support and love, growing up I always told Deborah to be kind. Deborah's kindness stretches to everyone, once in her circle she is completely loyal and protects you like a lioness. She's an organiser and throws all the parties for friends and family - that used to be my role.
How do you hope you will influence your grandchildren? I hope I have encouraged them to follow their dreams and believe in themselves. To be kind to their cousins, look out for each other and never, ever use the word 'bored'.
How do you think your style has influenced your daughter’s? My style is not fussy and I think this has definitely influenced Deborah. We love beautiful fabrics and good quality - less is more.
