Her mother, Carine Roitfeld, may be a fashion icon and one of the most influential stylists in the world, but Julia Restoin Roitfeld has carved a unique role all her own. Since becoming a mama to daughter Romy four years ago, she has transformed from a model and creative director into a momtrepreneur by launching her beautiful site, Romy and the Bunnies. The Parisian transplant now calls New York come and has created a dynamic and unique life for her sweet daughter. Roitfeld has embraced motherhood with an intensity and passion that is apparent the second you step into her airy apartment. The decidedly adult home (complete with glass dining table and bold art) is beautifully contrasted by a plethora of Romy’s favorite stuffed animals and the constant presence of music and dancing. While their life might seem picture perfect from the outside, Julia is the first to admit that juggling a bustling career with raising a daughter in New York City, far from family, is a major challenge, but one she works on everyday in order to show her daughter that hard work pays off.
At home with …Michael Kors x The Glow | Julia Restoin Roitfeld & Romy
What is your biggest motherhood triumph/challenge?
“Raising a child as a working single mom is both [a triumph and a challenge]. It’s a lot of work, but our relationship is so close and unique!”
On Julia: Michael Kors Collection Grommet-Embellished Pleated Silk-Georgette Dress
“I always knew I really wanted to be a hands-on mom, and in my mind, I said to myself, ‘I didn’t have a child to have a nanny look after her.’ When Romy was born, I was lucky to be freelance and manage my schedule, but the reality is that it really does take a village to raise a child. A lot of people not only have a nanny, but they also have their family living in the same town, along with their in-laws, and neighbors, but I live in New York where it’s not at all like that; unfortunately my family doesn’t live here and back then, when I was a new mom, I didn’t have that many friends who were able to help. I now realize that accepting help is not a failure, and allowing myself some time off allows me to recharge my batteries and be more aware of everything and appreciate all the good moments even more.”
Michael Kors Adelaide I Sunglasses and Runway Silver-Tone Watch
Hardest part about being a mom:
“They grow way too fast! It’s so scary to know soon they will be adults! I know one day i’ll turn around and Romy will be my age. We really try to focus on having as much fun in the present moment. They’re all so precious.”
Best part about being a mom:
“The love you get. It’s a form of unconditional love that I can’t even begin to explain. I would do anything for my child and always want to support and love her unconditionally. Romy has been such an eye-opener.”
On Julia: Michael Kors Collection Grommet-Embellished Pleated Silk-Georgette dress
“I focus only on work when at work to get it out of the way asap and only on my child when I’m with her. I don’t give into emails, they can wait, even if the other person harasses you for an answer, seriously, it can wait. I hate how people expect you to answer right away; just because you carry your phone with you non stop, it doesn’t mean that you are ‘available’.”
On Julia: Michael Kors Collection Grommet-Embellished Pleated Silk-Georgette dress
“She got her stubbornness, determination and a love for leopard print from me. She is also very girly in her appearance but a tomboy for many things. She dresses like a princes to play ninja turtle or spiderman.”
On Julia: Michael Kors Collection Grommet-Embellished Pleated Silk-Georgette dress
“I think the most important qualities in other mom friends is to be open-minded and not judgmental. There are no good or bad ways. The way that works for your lifestyle is the way it should be. We all have different lives and work schedules. Every mom is trying to make it work the best way they can. I think it’s good to be as understanding as possible with other moms, and be there to support no matter what and to listen. One thing that helps the most is to vent about daily problems and stress, because only a mom can understand what another mom is going through. Even if they have different ways of parenting.”
On Julia: Michael Kors Collection Grommet-Embellished Pleated Silk-Georgette dress
Beauty...
“Less is definitely more when you are a mom with little time. I put more time in my evening skincare regimen so my skin is glowy and needs less in the morning when I have to rush to school and then work. I love doing face masks at night. I also love Ren products, Tata Harper, Eve Lom… And a lot of water!”
On Julia: Michael Kors Collection Grommet-Embellished Pleated Silk-Georgette dress
“I feel the biggest challenge as a mom is to protect my child from daily, every day life stress. I feel they should never know you are stressed about work, about money; your personal issues and problems should never involve them. It’s my job as a parent to not let other issues affect my parenting. I want her to feel safe, carefree and stress free as long as possible!”
Michael Kors Adelaide I Sunglasses and Runway Silver-Tone Watch
Mother/daughter kisses
On Julia: Michael Kors Collection Grommet-Embellished Pleated Silk-Georgette dress
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