Mother’s Day: Sydney’s most stylish women reveal the fashion secrets passed down from their mums

IN search of the mother of all inspiration sources Renata Gortan talks to five of Sydney’s most stylish women about the lessons they learnt from their mums.

Aisha Jade and her mum may have different styles but share a passion for thrift shopping. Picture: Supplied

THEY are our first fashion role models and remain our inspiration long after we have grown out of frilly party dresses.

Renata Gortan talks to five of Sydney’s most stylish women about the lessons they learnt from their mothers

Jess, Rae and Ashley Hart for Insider Mother's Day story.

Jessica Hart

Model and founder of Luma Cosmetics, and daughter of Rae

“In terms of style Mum really let us do whatever we wanted. I don’t remember her ever saying we should wear something or not. I mean, aside from maybe Christmas Day or church, she’d say wear your best but it was always whatever we thought our best was. For me it was probably the cleanest tracksuit and (my sister) Ashley a dress.

We didn’t wear a uniform to our school, Sophia Mundi, so what you wore said a lot about you and it was important to Mum that she let us express ourselves by wearing whatever we wanted. The only rules were we weren’t allowed to wear black or have pictures on our clothes.

On my first day and maybe the whole first week I wore a school uniform. I looked super odd but Mum let me do it.

Looking back now I think it was the best advice, in a non-direct way, she could have given us. I think one has to find their own style and you can only do that by trying, making mistakes and trying again.”

Erin Molan and her mother Anne For ST Insider - May 8

Erin Molan

Co-host NRL Footy Show, sports presenter/reporter 9 News, and daughter of Anne

“About five years ago Mum’s fashion advice to me stopped being ‘Wear the same Laura Ashley dress as your sisters!’ Perhaps that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but she did have a penchant for
co-ordinated little blonde tots in Laura Ashley floral that continued, as far as my two sisters and I can recall, way after we tots became teens.

Seriously though, her most consistent advice to me has been to be comfortable in
your skin and comfortable in what you wear. She’s emphasised the appeal of quality basics accessorised with on-trend pieces which needn’t be expensive.

I wear mainly studio clothes on air but if I’m looking for something special or different I’ll often ask Mum to keep her eye out in Canberra and in her travels for me, it’s
a given that I’ll love anything she loves. Except maybe Laura Ashley.”

Aisha Jade with mum and nan for Insider mother's day story.

Aisha Jade

Model and blogger, daughter of Sue, granddaughter of Gloria

“Mum and I have a very different styles. I’m very street and she and Gran are very vintage. Mum’s a massive thrift shopper so she taught me the basics of second-hand shopping. It’s about not being wrapped up in the brand or the price, but what the item looks like. Being a bargain hunter is about picking something on the basis of what suits you, what fits well and what you like rather than choosing based on a brand.

I once found an old varsity crop top in a thrift store in England that I’ll never throw out. To someone else it was just an old shirt but to me it’s cool. People try to make that style new nowadays but you can see when its new and when it’s really a vintage piece.

The key is not to be overwhelmed by a thrift store. When I have a clear idea of what I’m looking for I try to pick that out of the rack. My gran is naturally beautiful and she has taught me to embrace my inner beauty.”

Claudia and Vivian Chan Shaw images for Insider Mother's Day story.

Claudia Chan Shaw

Artist and fashion designer and daughter of Vivian

“The thing about my mother is she’s a fashion designer and I ended up becoming one as well. When I was a kid, what I remember most about her was always the sound of her rather than what she wore. She always had the best accessories; all these amazing long necklaces and bangles on at once so she made an amazing noise wherever she went.

When I was a kid and I wanted something because all the girls at school had it, she used to say ‘well that’s a very good reason for you not to want one’. It took me a very long time to understand that, but she taught me if I wanted my own sense of individual style then it was best for me not to follow the crowd.

The main lesson was don’t be afraid to be yourself. Be you very strongly. And if you walk into a store and the salesperson says ‘This is our most popular piece’, it’s a good reason why you shouldn’t want it.”

Jodhi Mears and mum Denise for Insider Mother's Day story.

Jodhi Meares

Founder of The Upside and daughter of Denise

My mum would say that if you live a healthy life, you could wear anything. She taught us that it’s really about your inner glow. I learnt that clothes should never wear you, you should wear them. Your style should fit into your lifestyle and reflect who you are.
We grew up with a strong beach culture and our style has always been pretty relaxed. We are a sporty family, so our weekends as children were spent at the beach or doing something physical. My personal style has reflected a long love affair with active and healthy living which is why I’m so passionate about lifestyle businesses. Both (fashion labels she created) Tigerlily and The Upside reflect the lifestyle I grew up with and still live.”