The subversive appeal of designer Christina Hutson can easily be traced back to 2007 when she and her husband, Swaim, re-launched his irreverent, and impeccably tailored, collection Obedient Sons. Critical and retail success came naturally, and the couple decided to introduce a tomboyish collection for women aptly called Daughters (the masculine/feminine suits from their Spring 2009 collection are still a source of longing for many a fashion lover). Devoted fans, and a CDFA/Vogue Fashion Fund nomination followed. The prolific duo went on to launch Hutson, a well-received line of men's and women's wares, handmade in New York. Four years and two kids later, Christina now consults for brands like Pink by Victoria’s Secret, and, lucky for us all, is toying with the idea of a kids’ line. After outgrowing their downtown Manhattan loft, the young family recently decamped to Brooklyn, where they now live in an early 19th century brownstone along with their 11-year old Chihuahua, Mr. Mookie, and a temperamental cat named George.
Lowe, five, and Valentine, two-and-a-half, January 2012
1. “Messy painting, drawing or any form of art that doesn’t come out a kit.
2. Playing superheros (and taking it seriously), and any dance costume parties (animal masks required).
3. Hutson Salon Day: we apply temporary tattoos, paint rainbow nails (Val likes a superhero palette for fingers and toes), and, on special days, we dye Lowe’s hair pink.
4. When Lowe takes Polaroids until the film runs out. She’s a better photographer than me.
5. Chocolate-chip pancake Sundays. I am now required to make each one no larger than one inch."
6. Friday movie night—we take it seriously. The living room must be built out of every bit of fluff in the house, it has to be very dark, with lots of popcorn and candy."
"My most humbling moment as a mother was when I looked at my children and realized I cannot control their destiny. For the first time in five years, I have started to let go and let them each become the person they want to be. Not to say that I don’t influence their lives—believe me, a pair of Crocs will never enter this house!”
"I must mix up my children’s wardrobe and daily look—I would never dress them in all one brand. My absolute necessity is Bonton in Paris, Bon Marche for some pop color accessories, Crewcuts for cashmere layers, Timberland for boots, and for the rest, I go on a scavenger hunt for pieces all over the city to add a bit of humor. A child is a child, so I try to make it witty, fun, but at the same time cozy!"
Dress from F.A.O Schwarz
“Valentine’s room has sort of an explorer theme.”
1. Favorite part of your house: “My room because I have a tent and Hello Kitty stuff.”
2. Favorite part about growing up in Brooklyn: “I like Brooklyn, but I lived in Manhattan before Val was born. I like Manhattan. Brooklyn is good because I can walk to the park.”
3. Favorite food: “Rice with soy sauce”
4. Favorite things to do with mom/dad: “All games, movie night, mazes with mom, and presents.”
5. “Favorite music: “I like Devender [Devendra Banhart]. Mommy plays it and I dance. I like fast music."
Wonder Woman costume from New York Costumes
“Even if I start at 9 p.m., Lowe doesn't go to bed until 11:30 p.m.—that’s how I was as a kid.”
"I love coming home with odd and funny pieces for them, like the ones I find at New York Costumes in the East Village."
“The experience of having one child versus two is impossible to fully explain. With one, you enjoy the quiet moments—going to a restaurant, just the two of you, or a nice six-hour flight. With two, you cannot leave your home without a huge bag, a bike, a child down the street while the other is crying at the corner, and now your flight must be a maximum of 3 hours.”
On Christina: Prada sweater
An accessorized papier-mâché animal head in Valentine's room
Click here for similar styles
“They look like twins. Even Lowe looks at pictures of Val when he was little and thinks it’s her. They don’t look like us at all.”
“When it came to decorating her room, I asked myself, ‘what can I do to make a it an interesting princess room?’ So I decided on circus princess theme.”
Bedding from Urban Outfitters
“The best advice I’ve been given as a mother is not to take advice. Buy the necessities and wait and see what you and your baby love and need—you will never know until the moment arrives."
Glass jars, which Christina fills with toys the kids aren't currently playing with
"I love adding a random framed pic to our already filled walls—we ran out of space after about 150.”
"This is Lowe's growing collection of tutus from Bonton, Bon Marche, Overdyed Vintage, F.A.O, and various costume stores."
“I made the decision long before I had children that they will grow up in an environment that’s as much theirs as it is ours. I added additions for them throughout the entire house to make them aware that this is their home as well. Each room has a childish touch. I want the whole house to be fun for everybody—I don’t like when people have serious rooms and then the kids have to play upstairs.”
On Valentine: Petit Bateau top
“I’m learning, playing, and enjoying the moments. I’m taking more time off for a bit to get possibly the only chance in my life to really see them grow. It’s amazing.”
On Christina: vintage caftan
Valentine's play kitchen, covered in chalkboard paint for double the fun
“Couples often say that a weekly ‘date night’ keeps your marriage in the honeymoon phase. I believe it’s the small surprises: a hidden Post-It message you find later in the day, a text message to remind your spouse that you are their best friend, a humorous banner hanging over the fireplace that makes them laugh, that honesty about yourself that only your partner will give you, whether you like it or not."
Val's crib, filled with Nightmare Before Christmas toys
“To stay somewhat sane as a mother is different for everyone. For me, it's a matter of focus and patience. These two things have changed and benefited my entire world; my career, family, and my quality of life in general. Concentrate and stay in the moment."
"I started working right away after I had Valentine, and I barely saw him so we’re getting to know each other now."
“Creating balance between motherhood and career, especially in the fashion industry, is a process that takes time. In the beginning, I dedicated most of my time to my career, while carrying the guilt of not being home enough to watch my children’s growth. Each mother is different, but I must say I have just started to learn to focus on both. I try to split my time—this not only improves my family life, it also strengthens my career."
“New mothers are always worried about how to return to their pre-baby figure. As important as exercise is, during pregnancy and after the birth, the best advice I have is not to stress about it. Your body takes time to heal. Unfortunately, I’ve never been one to exercise—I lost my baby weight through stress, carrying my kids around (it’s a great arm exercise!), and rushing and running late to meetings!”
“I have never been a beauty queen and am always on the run, so I keep the routine short: Visine, a great eyecream (don’t go cheap!), cover-up, and lots of new heels (they’re a great distraction!)
“There are many things I wish I could do better as a mom. At this moment, I want to gain more patience and understanding that my children are just children. When they get a bit loud, or sneak that piece of candy, I can’t get too upset. I must learn to remember and teach myself that they are still only little creatures."
“I always knew growing up that New York was the place I would call home. I grew up in the country, which is beautiful, but NYC is my life. I believe raising children in this city allows them to experience the world in one place. I also understand the importance of making sure they travel outside and experience different country-sides and cities.”
"My proudest moment so far as a mother of two young children is their development of proper manners. I believe this is one (of many) important lessons in a child’s growth—it builds strength."
"There a few activities that I am not fond of that they both enjoy, like running and screaming around the living room, while using my legs as a bridge. And Playdough. It kills me—getting it out of the carpet is my favorite."
"I'd love to do a children’s line. I know, very cliché (every mom says this). I am not the biggest fan of many American kids’ clothing (with the exception of Little Marc) so the possibility of creating something simple for minis seems fun. I want something my kids and others may smirk at.”
“This is the start of them getting along. Believe me, there’s wrestling, and one of them will get pined. I’ll say, ‘no face in the pillow, that’s the only thing you can’t do.'”
"Valentine is named after my favorite Chet Baker song."
"One of my favorite parts of the day is when the kiddies go to sleep—they look cute and I get a mini break."
Christina's recipe for chocolate chip banana bread. Yum!
