The curious case of the mini-me. Kaia Gerber, the 25-year-old supermodel, has a confession to make: she's a bit of a mini-me when it comes to style. And it's not just the aesthetics that are on point - it's the mannerisms, the voice, the whole shebang. When it comes to fashion, Gerber's mum, Cindy Crawford, is her go-to guide. "I'm probably more inspired by you, than you are by me," Gerber told Vogue in their recent joint interview.
"Your style has been pretty dialed in for a while." And it's no wonder - Crawford has been a style icon for decades, "with a career spanning over 30 years." But Gerber's not just a carbon copy of her mum; she's put her own spin on things. "Nothing makes me happier than finding an old AlaΓ―a dress that you wore 30 years ago," Crawford gushed.
"If she wants to wear something that I wore 30 years ago... what bigger compliment is that?" Gerber's got a knack for channeling her mum's style... and it's not just limited to fashion.
The Enduring Power of Style Inheritance When Daughters Channel Their Mothers We've all seen it β the daughter who unconsciously adopts her mother's mannerisms, the shared laugh, the familiar tilt of the head. But when it comes to style, the phenomenon takes on a whole new dimension. It's more than just genetics; it's about admiration, emulation, and the deep-seated connection between generations.
We see it in celebrity families, like Kaia Gerber and Cindy Crawford, but the undercurrents resonate far beyond the red carpet. The idea of style inheritance speaks to the power of influence, particularly within the family unit. A mother's wardrobe isn't just a collection of clothes; it's a visual diary of her life, her experiences, and her personal evolution.
For a daughter, sifting through those garments is akin to uncovering a treasure trove of history, a chance to connect with her mother on a deeper level. Key aspects of style inheritance:
Nurturing a Shared Identity It's a way of solidifying bonds and creating a shared sense of belonging.
It might mean borrowing a vintage dress for a special occasion, subtly adapting a makeup technique, or finding inspiration in a classic pair of shoes.
Beyond the Physical Style is more than just clothes. It is also about carrying yourself with the confidence and poise that you see in someone you admire.
A Nod to the Past, A Step Towards the Future Channeling your mother's style doesn't mean blindly replicating it. It's about taking those elements and reinterpreting them in a way that feels authentic to your own identity.
The Psychology of Emulation
There's a psychological component at play, as well. Children naturally look to their parents as role models, and this extends to matters of taste and aesthetics. When a daughter sees her mother as stylish and put-together, she's likely to internalize those ideals and strive to emulate them.
This isn't about mindless copying but about absorbing the underlying principles of style β the importance of fit, the power of accessories, the confidence that comes from knowing what looks good on you.
The Generational Bridge
Ultimately, style inheritance is a testament to the enduring power of family ties.
It's a way of honoring the past while simultaneously forging a unique path into the future. It's a conversation between generations, expressed through the language of clothes, accessories, and personal style. And it's a reminder that some of the most valuable lessons we learn about style come not from magazines or influencers, but from the women who raised us.
While the rest of us might stick to our usual hair and makeup styles, because trying something else could end up being a mistake, Gerber can get around this issue. "The nice thing about like looking quite similar to a parent is if I want to know if a hair or makeup look will look good on me, I will look up pictures of my mom," Gerber told Vogue , "because if it looks good on her, most of the time, I can pull it off as well."βββ βββ