New York Fashion Week throws the work-life calculus into chaos for just about everyone in the industry. But its hectic schedule is especially challenging for parents of young children. The designer Michelle Smith of Milly, who will present her spring/summer 2015 collection on Monday and is also the mother of a seven-year-old girl and five-year-old boy, has more experience than most in navigating the unique demands of the week (which also coincides with back-to-school time).
Here, the Upper East Side-based designer — who also has a range of girls’ clothing, Milly Minis — shares recommendations for where to eat and hang out with youngsters (and how grown-ups can perk up, or at least look the part).
Take your kids to work.
“Both of my kids love to help out in the design studio leading up to fashion week. They love to create art projects with fabric, buttons, ribbons, paint — whatever they can get their hands on.”
Bring them along to shows, too.
“My kids love coming to the show. They watch from the audience, and when I come out at the end, they run up to give me a big hug. I always pick them up and carry them backstage after my wave, but this season may be a challenge because they have grown so much during the summer. They are getting really heavy!”
Maintain regular rituals when possible.
“We spend quality time as a family,” Smith says. Even during Fashion Week, “my husband Andy” — the CEO and president of Milly — “and I make a point to eat dinner at home, talk about everyone’s day, then read books at bedtime. Each child chooses a book, which we read all together.”