I too walked away from big and small jobs in fashion to be with my children. But not every time and I regret the times I didn't. I bought into the idea that I must drive to an office, a factory, spend the entire day there to have a career. But the jobs didn't lead anywhere special. Today when I hear refugee women won't leave their homes to work in sewing jobs I say more power to them. My hope is that over time this craft of beauty will return to the home to part of the skills of a nurturing parent or grandparent. We bought into the myth of the economic system and got some good clothes on the side but it's time for a change.
3
So finding work-life balance is now a thing because men are doing it? This article is trying to do a tricky thing -- identify a trend without naming it. I'm glad that Narciso Rodriguez is changing some of the rules. And I agree that "social and cultural changes have significantly altered the landscape," as the article broadly puts it. But I think this missed an opportunity to examine exactly why Rodriguez and the other male designers with kids who are mentioned, Christopher Bailey and Tom Ford, are able to actually change industry practices when the equally high-profile female designers who came before them had to take phone meetings in the office while holding their newborns. I don't think you would see an article celebrating the "baby clutter" in a female designer's office. For women, this is generally still seen as a sign that they are not adequately doing their jobs. Let's hope that now that men are doing it, more "social and cultural changes" will follow.
14
I am happy to see some in fashion achieve work/life balance. I remember that when I worked for Donna Karan in the early 90's, I'd preface weekend plans with, "....unless I have to work." I almost always had to work Saturdays, half days.
It's ironic that women are the primary fashion customers, AND employees, yet still struggle to effect change in the industry.
9
What a relief to read the his children's clothes come from Baby Gap. He really is one of us, after all!
1
Interesting article. Don't understand why it wasn't mentioned from the getgo that Mr. Rodriguez is gay and apparently part of a trend among wealthy gays to have kids. Elton John comes to mind.
7
Good for him.
4
I left fashion because it seemed impossible to be both an engaged parent and have a successful career given the industry's utter disregard for personal life. My wake up call was when my travel schedule made it impossible for me to make my important 7 month pre-natal doctor appointment. No bueno. Bravo to Phoebe Philo, Mr. Rodriquez and more for changing the dynamics. I hope the industry will afford the same flexibility for those who are not at the tippy top of leadership too.
16
I worked in the fashion industry for ten years in NYC for some of the top photographers in the world and felt firsthand the pains of only focusing on my career, at the expense of any relationships around me. It's inspiring to see the changes that are happening there. ANY moves towards safe work spaces, a healthy work/life balance and accountability for actions taking place outside the workplace are steps in the right direction. Keep it up. Thanks for doing the hard work it takes to grow, change and make it a place that people can still be challenged artistically, and their rights fiercely protected. Much love :P
17
While this is wonderful news. This is happening because men (mostly gay couples) are having children. When women have children and want time off it's still mosty seen as a weakness.
59
It has taken men doing this to make it a legitimate choice.
16
Precisely! And a woman wrote the article and the twins must have come from an anonymous woman's womb. Yet when we try to make our voices heard, we are ignored, put in our place, called names and shamed. It is time we unite, make our voices heard, get credit where is due...
12