Coco Rocha has recently revealed that her eldest daughter, Ioni James, has taken a bold step into the realm of fashion by borrowing clothing from her mother’s wardrobe. The 37-year-old supermodel and entrepreneur shared this delightful anecdote during her appearance at the Fashion Group International’s 30th Annual FGI Rising Star Awards in New York City, where she also served as the host.
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Ioni, who is just 11 years old, has taken a liking to her mother’s clothes. Rocha amusingly noted, “My oldest is already stealing things and taking them to school.” While she finds it endearing, Rocha couldn’t help but point out the comical nature of the situation, adding, “As you can tell, I have long legs; she’s not quite there yet, so she drags my pants into school.” This light-hearted tidbit showcases Rocha’s supportive approach to her daughter’s self-expression.
Rocha is not only a mother to Ioni but also to two other children: Iver Eames, aged eight, and Iley Ryn, aged five, whom she shares with her husband James Conran. The model’s parenting philosophy revolves around fostering confidence and creativity in her children. “Whatever you want to wear, go wear it,” she advises, reinforcing the notion that clothing should be a source of enjoyment rather than a mere reflection of trends.
Expressing her thoughts on fashion, Rocha stated, “We are not curing cancer; we’re not changing the world; we’re having fun.” This perspective highlights her belief in the importance of individual style, irrespective of contemporary trends. She dismissed the notion of following fashion fads, stating that the idea of “trend” gives her the “ick.” Instead, Rocha emphasised that personal style should be a celebration of what one loves and feels confident in.
Currently, Rocha is involved in the fashion industry as the host of “Project Runway Canada.” She expressed her admiration for the show’s latest winner, Leeland Mitchell, noting his remarkable talent despite being self-taught. “He was self-taught by his mom, who had a sewing shop in a Chinese mall,” Rocha shared, revealing her pride in Mitchell’s accomplishments and the diverse pathways one can take in the fashion world.
Rocha’s enthusiasm for Mitchell’s work reflects her commitment to supporting emerging talent in the industry. “I am wearing one of his pieces very soon. And I’m just proud of him,” she said, adding that formal education isn’t a prerequisite for success in fashion.
As a role model for her children, Rocha aims to instil a sense of self-assurance and creativity. She hopes that Ioni maintains her confidence, particularly as she navigates her own style choices at a young age. Rocha’s candid reflections on motherhood and fashion illustrate a nurturing approach to both her career and family life.
In a landscape where the pressures of societal expectations often loom large, Rocha’s emphasis on individuality and joy in expression stands out. By encouraging her children to embrace their choices, she champions a vital message about authenticity and self-acceptance in the often challenging world of fashion.
As Rocha continues to support new talent and advocate for personal style, she remains a prominent figure in the fashion industry. Her balancing act of motherhood and career not only inspires her children but also resonates with many, encouraging a generation to express themselves without the constraints of convention.