Julia Restoin Roitfeld is the daughter of Carine Roitfeld, former editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris, and grew up, so to speak, on fashion's front row with her mother.
A former model and interior designer, Restoin Roitfeld, 33, is now mother to a four-year-old daughter, Romy Nicole. She founded the lifestyle blog, Romy and the Bunnies, three years ago. She lives in New York and has just collaborated with River Island on a new 30-piece children's range for boys and girls from birth to five years, called Julia, which is to be launched in October. It is inspired by what she wore as a child, her love of vintage and her Parisian roots.
What was your favourite outfit as child?
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If I'd had it my way I would have been in a Minnie Mouse dress 24/7. It was my favourite thing. I'm still very much into polka dots. In fact, at the campaign shoot I was wearing a little black and white polka dot dress, so not very far from Minnie Mouse.
Was there anything or any colour you disliked wearing?
Not really. My mum has always told me that I was always super easy with getting dressed in the mornings. I didn’t like those French berets much, however.
Which items in the collection most resemble those that were your favourites as a child?
Bandana print is a big part of the collection because when I was a kid, my mum would always put a big bandana bow in my hair, or use one as a belt or scarf. I think bandanas are so typical of the ’80s, when I grew up. The print is definitely the symbol of the collection as having a little piece of bandana ties it all together.
Is it a deliberately unisex collection?
That happened by accident, to be honest. I got inspired by a lot of photos of my brother Vladimir and me – my brother had my hand me downs.
In what way did your mother’s style influence you?
She inspired me with her work ethic more than her fashion, but I’m fortunate to get a lot of amazing pieces from her. When she gets bored with something, she will always pass it on to me.
What’s the best wardrobe investment you’ve ever purchased?
A Saint Laurent bag that I use pretty much every day, as it’s a classic. I also bought a vintage 1970s Saint Laurent dress online which I love and which has gold polka dots, long sleeves with gorgeous ruffles – definitely a great investment piece.
What’s a good kid’s wardrobe this winter?
I think a nice cosy knit that goes with everything – one that you can put over a little dress or with jeans. I love having a boyish sweater and the ruffle of a tutu popping out. I also love to mix sweaters, such as a big cable knit, with denim.
What advice would you give to mothers wanting more creative challenges in their lives?
The only thing I can say to those waiting for their career to launch and wanting to have kids later is, don’t wait. You need a lot of energy to be a mum. It gives you wings, motivation, and you want to set a good example as a role model. My mum showed that having kids doesn’t stop your career.
What pieces stand out for you in the collection?
They are all my babies, but the ones I want for myself in grown up sizes would be the blue leopard print faux fur coat, which is soft and cuddly, and the bomber jacket, because it’s cool and a bit tomboyish
What is the most important thing you have learned from this collaboration with River Island?
The whole process has been a great learning experience. The most important factor was to have something that will never go out of fashion. I wanted to do something classic and cool, and also comfortable for the kids to play in, because that’s important.
The JRR Collection will be in the River Island Ilac Store, Dublin, online at riverisland.com and via store order to any River Island store in Ireland in early October
