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When it comes to navigating through life, so much of what we know is passed down from mother to child. In celebration of Mother’s Day, we asked Donna Karan, Lubov Azria, Lela Rose, Rachel Roy, Pamella Roland, Rebecca Minkoff, Rachel Zoe and Kelly Wearstler to tell us, “What’s the greatest advice mothers can share with their children?”

Check out the candid, poignant family photos that each of these designing women generously shared with us…

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Donna Karan: Make time for love. “The best advice a mother can give to her child is that love is about time−the time you spend with others, and time you spend taking care of yourself. You need to find the balance and do both,” says Donna Karan, pictured with her daughter Gabby on her wedding day in 2002. (For her special day, Gabby wore a short dress with an added long tulle skirt, made by her mother, of course!)

Lubov Azria: Live your dreams. “Each of my daughters has a unique journey they are embarking on, and I support them wholeheartedly. I always advise them with what I tell myself every day: Work hard, stay focused on your vision, and follow your dreams. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, ‘Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm,’” says Azria, Chief Creative Officer of BCBGMAXAZRIAGROUP, which includes BCBG and Herve Leger.

This busy business woman is mother to 6 children with husband Max Azria. Above, Lubov (pictured second from left) enjoys some girl time on Malibu Beach with her daughters Anaïs, 16, Agnès, 14, Marine, 21, and Chloé, 18.

Lela Rose: Conquer with kindness. Designer Lela Rose keeps her motherly advice simple and sweet: “Be nice, be nice, be nice.”

The New York-based Texan transplant is pictured with her two children, Grey, 11, and Rosey, 6, and their two Yorkshire terriers, Stitch and Bobbin.

Rachel Roy: You can make a difference. “The best advice I give my girls, which my mother instilled in me, is the importance of giving back to those in need,” shares Rachel Roy, pictured with her two daughters, Tallulah Ruth, 5, and Ava, 13.

Pamella Roland: Easy does it. “As my children have grown, my best advice to mothers of young children would be to not sweat the small stuff−you let go and let your children learn by making their mistakes, and you have to pick your battles,” says Pamella Roland.

During New York Fashion Week, you can always spot her three children, Cole, Sydney and Cassandra, cheering from the front row.

We offer Pamella Roland in selected stores. For locations, please contact a Designer Specialist at 1.877.543.7463.

Rebecca Minkoff: Search for excellence. “Find your PASSION and give 100%. It may or may not be easy to find; maybe the search will be painful and long, but you will find it at some point. And the feeling of satisfaction knowing you have given 100% brings tremendous contentment,” says Rebecca Minkoff, photographed with son Luca Shai, who will turn 2 in September.

Rachel Zoe: Do the right thing. “Always be kind, always have manners and always be grateful. Never be greedy, never be jealous and never be cruel,” says Rachel Zoe on the words of wisdom she instills in her son Skyler, 2.

Kelly Wearstler: Be a go-getter. “The best advice I can give my boys is the same advice my mother instilled in me: the only person who can make something happen for you is YOU. Be compassionate, be self-reliant, and love what you do,” shares Kelly Wearstler with her boys Elliott, 9, and Oliver, 10.

On Mother’s Day, remember the women who gave—and lived out—the best life advice for you.

(Uh-oh: Still need a last-minute gift for Mom? Don’t fret, we’ve got you covered!)

−Qianna Smith
Photos courtesy of each designer

So, you’ve found the perfect Mother’s Day gift. Now, make her day even more special: surprise mom with brunch and a stack of these indulgent white chocolate and raspberry pancakes—a recipe from our Nordstrom Flavors Cookbook (available upon request at Nordstrom Restaurant locations).

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Photo by Noel Barnhurst

If you’ve ever had White Chocolate Bread Pudding, one of the most popular desserts at Nordstrom’s Cafe Bistro restaurants, you’ll be familiar with the flavor combination celebrated in these decadent pancakes. —Chef Michael Northern

White Chocolate & Raspberry Brunch Pancakes

Serves 4
1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1⁄4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 cup whole milk
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled, plus more for the griddle
1 pint raspberries
1 cup (6 ounces) white chocolate morsels
Powdered sugar for dusting

Preheat the oven to 200ºF. Line a rimmed baking sheet with a clean kitchen towel, and have a few more towels ready.

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make a well in the center. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and butter, and pour the mixture into the well. Stir just until blended but still slightly lumpy. If the batter seems too thick, thin with a little water.

Heat a griddle or large, heavy nonstick skillet over medium-low heat until very hot. A few drops of cold water splashed on the bottom should dance across the surface. Lightly grease the griddle with butter. Using 1 ⁄3 cup batter for each pancake, pour the batter onto the griddle, creating pancakes about 4 inches in diameter and being careful not to crowd the griddle. Cook until bubbles just begin to appear on the surface, about 11 ⁄2 minutes. Scatter about 4 raspberries and 7 white chocolate morsels over the top of each pancake. Cook until the pancakes are golden brown on the undersides, about 1 minute more. Turn the pancakes over and cook until the second sides are lightly browned, about 1 minute more. Transfer the pancakes to the baking sheet, cover with a towel, and keep warm in the oven. Repeat with the remaining batter, raspberries, and chocolate morsels, separating the layers of pancakes with the towels.

Arrange the pancakes on warmed plates, and scatter the remaining raspberries and chocolate morsels on top. Using a fine-mesh sieve, dust with powdered sugar, and then serve immediately.

Chef’s Note: Pancakes are always best when served the moment they are out of the pan. If your gathering is small, you may be able to cook them to order.

Download a PDF of this recipe to print. And for more tempting recipes, shop our Nordstrom Family Table Cookbook.

During Paris Fashion Week in March, The Thread ventured to the 8th arrondissement, near Place Charles de Gaulle, to check out the pop-up showroom of London-based shoe brand Charlotte Olympia.

We were on a mission: to slip into shoes from the Cosmic Collection of designer Charlotte Dellal (pictured above). Handcrafted in Italy, this capsule line of suede flats celebrates the 12 star signs and features hand-painted Zodiac symbols embellished with Swarovski crystals.

The stars must have been aligned that day, because not only did we get to try on the collection, we gained an understanding of what a pair of shoes can reveal about a person! Each style comes with a one-of-a-kind horoscope book, so whether you’re a curious Aquarius or a larger-than-life Leo, there’s no guessing as to what puts pep in your step.

Go behind the seams of the Cosmic Collection, as Charlotte shares some insight on her journey through the Zodiac.

THE THREAD: When conceptualizing this collection, what interesting discoveries did you make about the 12 signs of the Zodiac and how they relate to shoes?

CHARLOTTE DELLAL: The Cosmic Collection is something I have toyed with for a long time. As with most of my collections, the Zodiac is a topic that easily adapts to a large dose of novelty and fun while still being quite classic. I decided to focus on individual jewel-like accessories, including details such as choosing the color of a shoe depending on the element of the star sign.

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Four Elements: The color palette takes inspiration from earth, air, fire and water.

THE THREAD: Why do you think people enjoy following horoscopes and astrology?

CHARLOTTE: I think people are generally interested in all things mystical. Personally, I don’t live by astrology, but I am open to certain elements and enjoy recognizing my star sign’s traits in myself. I do love to know other people’s star signs too—I am quite good at guessing!

THE THREAD: Tell us about the creative process of making your horoscope accessories book. Did you learn something new about your own shoe style?

CHARLOTTE: I learned a lot about the different characteristics of each sign. In terms of my own sign, Geminis are apparently youthful and witty, which is something I try to apply to my work. I enjoy a good giggle! I do relate to the nervousness and indecisiveness: I am often in two minds about something!

THE THREAD: You once said you “don’t really think in flats.” What was the turning point that made you realize a woman’s closet needs flats too?

CHARLOTTE: I’ve always worn heels and flats but mostly heels! As my motto goes: “The higher the heel, the better you feel!” Flats can be feminine and fun–two adjectives that define the very essence of Charlotte Olympia. For example, the ‘Kitty’ is a classic and it is featured in the Encore Collection. It is one of our bestsellers and is the perfect run-around shoe. Plus, what kind of female designer would I be if I only designed heels?!

What do your shoes say about you? Find the answers with the Cosmic Collection.

−Qianna Smith
Photos by Ford Leland

VIVA Femme is a new blog feature from designers Sophie Buhai and Lisa Mayock, the duo behind Viva Vena!, who will be profiling cool ladies who represent the vibe of their brand.

Check out the new summer Viva Vena! collection, modeled by Langley Fox, an amazing illustrator and a dear friend of ours. We recently went over to Langley’s house with our friend, photographer Jason Frank Rothenberg, and played around for the day. The backdrop consisted of paper, cats, cactus, toilet paper and, of course, designs from our latest collection. Check out our interview with one of our favorite Viva muses.

XO,
Sophie & Lisa

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VIVA VENA: How would you describe your drawings? What are your subjects?
LANGLEY FOX: My drawings have become more photorealistic recently. I use graphite mostly and like to draw characters—girls, animals or things of that nature. I try to involve some aspect of etherealness to them when possible.

Who are your favorite artists?
LANGLEY: I really love Edward Gorey and old work by Tim Burton. Old etchings are also very inspiring.

If you could live eternally at one age, which age would it be, and what would you wear?
LANGLEY: This one is a toughie! I guess I’d have to say my age now, but I haven’t even seen what I’ll look like as an old woman—that could be fun too! I hope to always be able to wear funky clothes, including fun socks and sneakers with shorts or miniskirts. (That probably won’t look so great when I get older.)

What is your weirdest habit?
LANGLEY: Oh, man, I am the queen of obscure habits! I guess one of the weirdest is how I wash my feet regularly in my bathroom sink, or how, when I put away my dishes, I rotate them so I use them all equally.

If you could die and come back to life as a dead actress or artist, who would it be?
LANGLEY: It would be awesome to come back as Audrey Hepburn!

If your cat was a human being, what would s/he be like and look like?
LANGLEY: Jack Skelington would be a handsome devil. I feel like he’d be slightly punk . . . really rebellious but actually a lover at heart.

Do you prefer animals to humans?
LANGLEY: Well, that depends. I like both in small doses.

How much time do you spend drawing a day? What is an average day in your life like?
LANGLEY: If I have a job, I can spend up to 10 hours drawing, but if I don’t, sometimes it’s just an hour or more. It really depends on what I’m doing and if I’m inspired. An average day in my life consists of waking up early, cleaning a lot, making myself meals at home, sometimes meeting up with friends, other times hiking, regular naps, drawing, planning and executing and going to bed ridiculously early.

How did you come to know Vena Cava our mainline collection?
LANGLEY: I met Sophie a few years back through lovely mutual friends, and from there, we slowly developed a love for each other and our crafts.

If you had to be a goth, a hippie, or a raver forever, which one would you be and why?
LANGLEY: I would definitely be a goth. I don’t want to be an oversized-pants goth though; I want to be the creepy, dark kind who looks mysterious, pale and knows weird magic.

Howard Stern or Jon Stewart?
LANGLEY: Howard Stern.

Do you hope to work in other media? If so, what?
LANGLEY: Well, I would love to start painting again and doing larger-scale work. I also think making fabric prints would be awesome.

Get to know design darlings Sophie and Lisa a little better in this Behind the Seams interview.

Discover the latest Viva Vena! styles for summer here.

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From safety pins to studs, punk’s rebellious influence on fashion is undeniable. This year, The Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art reveals how this 1970s movement continues to impact the creative process of designers today. The Thread sent New York-based Models Off Duty photographer Craig Arend to the PUNK: Chaos to Couture exhibit’s press preview, where he snapped some of the highlights.

Graffiti and text are signature punk elements that help spark confrontation, as exemplified by the British band the Clash.

All the mannequin head treatments and masks were designed by Guido Palau, who also created the treatments for Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty and last year’s Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations.

Designer Lee McQueen found inspiration in bubble wrap and trash bags for the look pictured at center, which was designed for the fall/winter 2009–10 Alexander McQueen collection.

The use of recycled materials is a key punk statement, and the exhibit explores how this idea of customization influences high fashion.

Domenico Dolce & Stefano Gabbana, the Italian duo behind Dolce & Gabbana, crafted these paint-spattered gowns for spring/summer 2008 using silk organza and tulle.

Japanese designer Junya Watanabe presented this look on the runway for fall/winter 2006–07. This ensemble references the printed striped sweaters famously worn by Sex Pistols singer John Lydon in the ’70s.

These four T-shirt designs by Vivienne Westwood reflect punk’s rip-it-up spirit.

Like the world of couture, the language of punk is fueled by artistic expression.

Bonded beauty, a look from Gianni Versace, fall/winter 1992–93.

Looking for a keepsake? A book, Punk: Chaos to Couture, by curator Andrew Bolton with an introduction by Jon Savage and prefaces by Richard Hell and John Lydon (Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols), will accompany the exhibition.

Be inspired to add a little chaos in your wardrobe. We have everything you need to create your own punked-out statement.

–Qianna Smith

Tonight, The Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art will celebrate the opening of the exhibition PUNK: Chaos to Couture! Organized by curator Andrew Bolton, this one-of-a-kind retrospective features 100 designs from the world’s most prestigious brands and aims to “examine punk’s impact on high fashion, from the movement’s birth in the early 1970s through its continuing influence today.”

Fashion lovers will watch as the most stylish Hollywood and design influencers gather to mark the occasion at the Met Gala—one of New York’s premier industry red carpet events and the main source of annual funding for The Costume Institute.

In honor of this year’s exhibition theme, the Nordstrom blog editors have created a few looks to show you how to go from punk to couture with ease.

Polished Punk: “When I think of pretty and punk, Blondie’s Debbie Harry immediately comes to mind. This punk pioneer’s hard-edged style defined street chic in the ’70s. I love how something as simple as a T-shirt and jeans can be accessorized and distressed to make a dynamic statement,” says Senior Blog Editor Qianna Smith.

Get the Look
1. Kelly Wearstler Screw Detail Cuff | 2. Christopher Kane Skinny Ripped Stretch Jeans
3. rag & bone ‘The Vest’ Destroyed Denim Vest | 4. Stella McCartney Faux Croc Crossbody Bag
5. Valentino ‘Camo Rockstud’ Pump | 6. Markus Lupfer Lip Print Jersey Tee

Concept Couture: “Nina Ricci is one of my favorite French fashion houses—it really revived couture craftsmanship in the late ’40s,” Qianna continues. “Couture designs are defined by ‘made to measure’ construction, while punk has a very DIY approach. What these two aesthetics have in common is that it’s all about a style that’s individually made.”

Get the Look
1. Lanvin Crystal Cocktail Ring | 2. Nina Ricci Drape Front Dress
3. Marco Bicego ‘Murano’ Mix Stone Cluster Earrings | 4. Jimmy Choo ‘Fitch’ Sandal

Style Rebel: “More than just an influential talent, British rocker Siouxsie Sioux brought unconventional style and beauty to her genre—like her signature eye makeup. Defining punk on her own terms showed what it means to truly be a rebel. Punk is all about attitude, a rebellious spirit—but a sick dress and accessories don’t hurt to pull it all together,” adds Blog Editor Jeff Powell.

Get the Look
1. Tom Binns ‘Punk Pavé’ Stud Ring | 2. Tom Binns ‘Bejewelled Charm Offensive’ Skull Stud Earrings
3. McQ by Alexander McQueen Lightning Print Dress | 4. Jimmy Choo ‘Chandra’ Leather Clutch
5. Gucci ‘Gloria’ Bootie | 6. HELMUT Helmut Lang Washed Leather Jacket

Made In England: “To me, nothing says British high fashion more than one of the world’s most famous dresses—Princess Diana’s wedding dress. The extravagant detail (over 10,000 pearls!) inspired a look that just goes to show: the simpler the silhouette and palette to start, the more room to bling it out,” Jeff says.

Get the Look
1. Tom Binns ‘Pearls in Peril’ Long Drop Earrings | 2. Burberry Prorsum Full Skirt Dress
3. Saint Laurent ‘Belle de Jour’ Clutch | 4. Valentino ‘Microstud’ Mary Jane Pump
5. Tom Binns ‘Punk Chic Pearls’ Statement Necklace

PUNK: Chaos to Couture will be on exhibition from May 9 through August 14, 2013.

Check out more punk rock inspired designs and edgy handbag styles.

[Image Sources: Blondie.net Debbie Harry Shop; Fragrantica.com; Dianaexhibition.com; Siouxsie.com]

For Wildfox‘s latest lookbook, Kimberley Gordon transformed Dutch model Valerie Van Der Graaf into a modern-day pinup girl, reviving nostalgia for classic Americana. We phoned the Los Angeles-based designer to chat about this very playful spring/summer ’13 collection, and she in turn created a few sketches (exclusive to The Thread) that reveal her creative process.

A Woman of Many Talents: Gordon wears many hats—designer, photographer and graphic artist—and is also a noted fashion illustrator.

A self-described pop-culture junkie, the British-born beauty is the creative force behind the vintage-inspired knitwear brand Wildfox. Since launching in 2007, the brand’s girl-power-promoting tee shirt designs have become a Hollywood standard for cool. Celebrity fans include Beyoncé, Katie Perry, Jennifer Lopez and Taylor Swift, which should give you an idea of what the Wildfox girl represents—it’s empowerment.

Wildly Foxy: The Wildfox girl is “unattainable and beautiful” just like a quintessential pinup girl.

This season Gordon was seduced by the allure and innocence of this pop icon that is reinvented every decade.

“The whole era of 1950s rockabilly is so interesting to me, and it’s very American. I love Grease, oldies and I collect all the cheesecake pinup books by Olivia De Berardinis. It just kind of made sense to do a pinup girl collection that captured an Americana feeling and remembered a wartime sex symbol,” she says on how the line was conceptualized.

Gordon certainly is a master in the art of visual storytelling. And although she’s not a formally trained designer, taking on the role was a natural manifestation of her many creative talents.

“I never really set out to be a designer. I moved to LA because of my love for movies,” she explains. “My background is in film and cinematography. As I was carving out my career here, I realized that design encompasses all of the things that I’m passionate about, such as film, photography, casting, beauty and styling. I’ve always done illustration and graphic design, so it all just fell together—that’s why you see a lot of storytelling in the collections.”

Cherry Bomb: Wildfox ‘Joan’ Cherry Print Top

From childhood, she has been obsessed with American pop culture. Teen idols like Britney Spears, Mandy Moore and the Backstreet Boys were catalysts for her interest in the world of calculated fantasy.

“I wasn’t fascinated by the idol itself, but by the team of people working together to create their iconic image. There’s really a formula to it all because pop stars aren’t born, they’re made and supported by a team, a lot like the production of fashion.”

Truth or Dare: Wildfox ‘Hippie’ Crewneck Tee

When it came to the production of the collection’s lookbook and campaign, Gordon knew she had to photograph London-based model Valerie Van Der Graaf. “It’s so hard to find a model with curves, and Valerie is such a rare girl,” she says. “She’s busty, beautiful and has this intoxicating energy, which are all things a pinup girl should represent.”

Oh là là: Wildfox ‘Falling In Love’ Tee

What present-day starlets would make for an ideal Wildfox pinup girl? “Scarlett Johansson, Megan Fox, Amanda Seyfried and of course Dita Von Teese,” adds the designer, who aspires to express the collection from an LA girl’s point of view.

Say What?!: Wildfox ‘Cry Baby’ Top & Wildfox ‘Double Dare’ Halter Top

This spring, keep the boys guessing with your own pinned-to-perfection Wildfox style.

–Qianna Smith
Photos courtesy of Wildfox

Art meets fashion at the Boathouse, studio of famed glass sculptor Dale Chihuly, where Swiss brand Akris recently presented the latest looks from its cruise and spring/summer 2013 collections. Seattle’s finest gathered for an evening of style hosted by Leslie Chihuly, president of Chihuly, Inc., and chair of Seattle Symphony’s board of directors. Guests enjoyed chamber music, hors d’oeuvres and cocktails and were able to intimately inspect the craftsmanship of each Akris look that was presented.

“I love the confluence of art, music, fashion and philanthropy. I run the Chihuly studio and live a very aesthetic life, so naturally, I am attracted to the visual/artistic/musical worlds,” says Chihuly (pictured center in a yellow Akris dress) on why she wanted to host the evening. “Being able to do this event with Akris in partnership with the Seattle Symphony is really special. My work on the board allows me to bring people together and inspire through great live symphony music.”

In support of musical education, a $5,000 donation was made to Seattle Symphony on behalf of Nordstrom.

Akris designer Albert Kriemler took “a journey through the world’s majestic oceans” for cruise 2013. This endeavor produced a collection that paid tribute to the pioneers of oceanography, including HSH Prince Albert I of Monaco at the helm of his yacht Princesse Alice.

The oceanic motifs from this cruise look make a playful statement.

For spring/summer ’13, Kriemler referenced the work of two great Brazilian landscape architects—Roberto Burle Marx and Oscar Niemeyer.

Brighten up your style with sunny pieces from the Akris Collection, available at select Nordstrom stores, and Akris Punto, available online.

The Boathouse swimming pool (left) features Chihuly glass at the bottom of the center of the pool. Pictured right are model glass parts used for concept and designs.

From cameras to books to accordions, collectible antique items adorn the walls in the Boathouse.

This wall of dartboards is actually a moving installation that sits on the second floor of the Boathouse and was created by Swedish artist Jacob Dahlgren.

Need to visit the powder room? Each bathroom in the Boathouse is a pop culture work of art. We loved the clever use of these vintage record covers.

The glass-blowing Hot Shop is where the real magic happens at the Boathouse. This spacious workshop is said to be one of the largest of its kind in the world.

Molten glass emerges as art with a twirl of motion by this Chihuly craftsman.

Guests walked away from the presentation with a keepsake book.

To locate Nordstrom stores that carry Akris, please contact a Designer Specialist at 1.877.543.7463 or via Live Chat (7am–1am Eastern).

−Qianna Smith

Nylon TV tagged along as Lust For Life blogger Olivia Lopez picked up some of her favorite pieces from our totally revamped Savvy department.

The California cutie styled out some killer looks—with killer prices—that are perfect for whatever you’re up to, whether it’s date night or just a casual hangout with friends.

May is Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month, and, as with Black History Month, we’re marking the occasion by celebrating the many unique and diverse people who make up the communities we serve. We asked our employees around the country to share who inspires and influences them the most as they commemorate this month. Their responses highlight the many extraordinary people who remind us what this heritage month is all about.
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“Ann Curry’s determination to overcome obstacles inspires me. She shows that if you get knocked down, you get back up and stay true to your passion and keep pressing on.”

“Lisa Ling is never afraid to get involved and she speaks out for the underdog. That inspires me.”

“Hayao Miyazaki is a master storyteller. His animation is breathtaking and his stories all have a strong message of hope, tolerance and the importance of family structure.”

“I’m inspired by fashion designer Phillip Lim. He started as a salesperson but followed his love for fashion and has created his own design company. Persevere and dreams do come true.”

“I’m inspired by author Amy Tan because her writings are some of the most influential of her generation.”

“In addition to his martial arts talent, I am inspired by Bruce Lee because he promoted a lifestyle of inner peace.”

“My mom inspires me, because she has taught me all of life’s lessons. She is the strongest woman I know!”

To see even more of our employees and their inspirations, follow your favorite Nordstrom store Facebook page, where we’ll be sharing more photos just like these throughout Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month.