Ultrachic mom-about-town and mother of three Sylvana Ward Durrett has mastered how to style the small set. As the brand expands into womenswear and gears up to celebrate its fifth birthday, the Maisonette CEO and co-founder shares her fashion forecast for the season ahead.
Sylvana Ward Durrett with her children
Why did you decide to launch womenswear? We decided to expand our offering to include women’s due to the success we saw with our Mommy & Me category and after hearing customer feedback that women (and not just moms!) wanted more. Our women’s offering caters to those who lead busy lifestyles and need a versatile, chic and effortless selection of products. It’s a small but super-curated assortment that takes the guesswork out of getting dressed—our lives are busy enough!
What’s your favorite look in the new offerings? I’m all about our assortment of sweaters right now like Kule, Perfect Moment and Eleven Six, to name a few. They’re supersoft, easy to layer and go great with a pair of jeans and boots. A statement jacket is the ultimate winter accessory this season, and I’m loving the ones we carry from Apparis, Sea and Tanya Taylor. Other exciting brands we’ve recently added to our women’s offering include Lunya sleepwear, Le Monde Beryl footwear and Marlo Laz fine jewelry.
How do you suggest moms approach the ‘mommy and me’ look in a chic way? Mommy and me dressing should reflect styles and trends that you normally gravitate toward, so the outfits or accessories you choose to match in with your ‘mini-mes’ are pieces you’re excited to wear. Accessories can be a fun and subtle way to dip your toes into a matching look for you and your littles if you’re feeling overwhelmed by mommy and me apparel. Some of my favorite ways to incorporate this is a matching mommy and me jewelry set from Lennebelle, Hart, 42 + Ro, Alison Lou or Aurate NY. Poolside also makes the cutest matching bags, and Lorna Murray is an excellent choice for matching hats. Our private label Maison Me has a collection of elevated everyday pieces in a mix of chic and playful prints that have matching adult and kid styles for a perfect mama and mini moment too. Moms can also achieve a mommy and me look that is effortless and chic by incorporating it into their everyday. Matching pajamas and loungewear from Splits59, Petite Plume and Riley Studio have great options. Nonna Lietta and GiGi Knitwear have matching sweaters that are perfect to bundle up with this season. Photo opportunities and special occasions are another favorite of mine to incorporate a matching look with my kids. Sea, Cara Cara, Tanya Taylor and Seraphina London have amazing options if you’re looking to match for a holiday or if you’re celebrating a milestone.
A NEW YORK MINUTE: DURRETT’S DOWNLOAD
Weekend brunch with kids? Pasquale Jones! My kids are obsessed with their pizza, and I always get the bucatini pasta.
Family dinner? Popina in Brooklyn is our go-to… what can I say, my family loves pasta!
Cultural attraction? The Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Brooklyn Children’s Museum are always crowd-pleasers. They always have the best exhibits for sensory play.
Favorite toy brand? I’m loving the Little Surfer and Little Gymnast from Lily & RIver—the toys are thoughtfully made and beautiful to look at.
For the walls? I’m currently obsessed with Danielle Kosann; she does these chic animal illustrations featuring NYC and global iconic landmarks. Mother-daughter tea at The Plaza Hotel is my favorite.
Skincare for the littles? I am loving all things Vivaiodays—it’s all natural and safe for kids, plus the packaging is magic.
What is your ‘mommy uniform’ for running around? Jeans, T-shirt and Birkenstocks. I have to keep it easy. Rag & Bone in Brooklyn for a great pair of jeans and a sweater.
Sanity saver as a busy mom? Paintbox Nails. I always try something new and fun.
Pick-me-up? Salter House for a matcha latte and superchic nightgowns.
Photography by: PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
