Combining chic Parisian style and comfortable maternity fashion, it’s easy to see why Seraphine has been dubbed the preferred maternity brand of many pregnant celebrities. Kate Middleton sparked a fashion frenzy with her favorite Seraphine designs, such as the fuchsia dress that she chose to wear for the royal family’s first photos. Another huge fan of the brand is Halle Berry, who has been spotted out and about in Seraphine creations while currently expecting her second child.
With such stylish clientele, there was a fittingly regal sense of excitement in the air on Thursday, October 3, as designer Cecile Reinaud gave a sneak-peek of Seraphine’s Spring and Summer 2014 collection. A first look around the suite at The Mark Hotel on the Upper East Side showed racks of colorful, luxurious fabrics—without a single indication that the clothes were for pregnant and breastfeeding women. The designs are all so sophisticated and easily wearable that they could truly pass off as non-maternity apparel. And with pieces that range from simple polka dot dresses to chic jackets and patterned scarves, there’s something in this collection for every mom-to-be or new mom to get excited about.
As far as next season’s biggest trends go, Reinaud has the inside scoop as to what looks will be most coveted by pregnant fashionistas worldwide. “I think we have injected quite a bit of fluorescent accents, which is going to be a quite a big trend,” she says. “When it comes to maternity, you’ve got to use it with a bit of a light touch. So that’s what we’ve tried to do in this collection, even using it through small accessories, like colorful, thin belts.”
“There’s also quite a strong romantic trend that’s going on in fashion, so we’ve done that a lot through our very fluid cotton maxi dresses and tops with very pretty detailing, be it pleats or a little accent of lace or over-embroidery. Silvery metallics are still quite strong this winter—and I believe that’s going to go into spring and summer—so we used interesting fabrics with Lurex detailing, just kind of bringing that little bit of sparkle to make it interesting,” Reinaud says.
Many of the soft and feminine tops for next season’s main line feature cleverly hidden panels for nursing, as well as snap-down buttons that allow for simple and convenient feeding. The knit and jersey fabrics have anti-bacterial properties and superior temperature control for the new mom who wants to nurse in a healthy and stylish way.
And while the main line offers more casual pieces, Seraphine’s luxe collection offers a bit more glam with intricate gowns and lush fabrics. “With the luxe collection, you’re looking at investment pieces that are classics in beautiful shapes, and we only use real silk and French lace,” Reinaud says. “We go from the red carpet showstopper to something much more wearable that you can wear to the theater, a nice dinner, or a garden party. We try and cover all the angles of the time where you want to look a little bit more smart and sophisticated, and you can pair those dresses with really cute jackets, which will be pieces that you’ll cherish far beyond the pregnancy as well.”
And for moms-to-be who are just starting to shop for their new pregnancy curves, Reinaud has some helpful advice as to where to begin. “I think the first step in building your maternity wardrobe will be picking a cool pair of jeans that you really feel yourself in, that’s kind of the same as what you would wear pre-pregnancy. Pick a really flattering and versatile tunic that you can dress up and down and put leggings [underneath] when it’s cold,” she says. “And a key dress for your wardrobe is a must. If you like fitted clothes, you can go for a more shift, bodycon type of dress, or if you like more flare, go for more of an A-line. Those would be the three key pieces that I would go for.”
