Father’s Day is a special occasion where we celebrate the amazing dads in our lives, including those in the fashion industry. Today, we have the privilege of hearing from designer dads who are juggling the demands of their jobs with the joys of parenthood. Let’s dive into their stories and discover the valuable lessons they’ve learned from their children.
First up, we have Jonathan Simkhai from Simkhai. When asked if he always knew he wanted to have children, Jonathan shared that it didn’t seem like an option when he was growing up due to the lack of representation of queer families. However, as the cultural narrative around queer love shifted, he realized that starting a family was possible. Balancing the demands of being a parent with his job is a challenge for Jonathan, but he emphasizes the importance of showing up for his children every day and showering them with love. The biggest lesson he’s learned from being a parent so far is that everything is different now that his children have arrived. Jonathan hopes to impart kindness, gratitude, and the importance of helping others on his children.
Next, we have Joseph Altuzarra, who always knew he wanted to be a dad and have a family. Balancing the demands of parenting with work is a daily struggle for Joseph, as he often feels guilty when he’s not with his kids or feels like he’s not working enough when he is with them. To manage this, he sets boundaries, establishes clear expectations, and practices self-compassion. These strategies help him stay fully engaged and present with his daughters, Emma and Charlotte, allowing him to strike a better balance between work and family.
As we celebrate Father’s Day, let’s honor all the designer dads who are navigating the challenges of parenthood while making significant contributions to the fashion industry. Their stories remind us of the importance of love, kindness, and finding a balance between work and family. Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing dads out there!
