Ramya Giangola has the kind of style that transcends fashion—everything she touches becomes instantly chic (the same can be said for her daughter, who looks right at home in her Selima sunglasses and bright Tomas Maier bracelets). With a true entrepreneurial spirit, she turned her innate ability to spot (and set trends) into a thriving luxury brand consultancy called Gogoluxe. When she’s not traveling the world for work, Ramya can be found at the sleek Hamptons weekend home she shares with her daughter and husband.
Chiara, three, July 2011
1. "Swimming with Chiara (the laughs that come out are just incredible)
2. Hearing her say 'I love you mommy' totally unprompted!
3. Our matching family bracelets
4. That she loves going for Japanese food as much as we do (she’s mastered her kiddie chopsticks and can't wait to visit Japan)
5. Seeing her with my husband"
On Chiara: Liberty of London for Target dress and Crewcuts necklace and vest
"We bought the house when she was less than a year old. She was really the impetus for wanting to have a place outside the city. Her room here is sort of a satellite for the original in the city. That was the room I spent so much time developing before she was born."
Painting done by Chiar's "Nonna" when she was in college
Animal masks bought at MoMA, painted by Ramya and Chiara
"Distraction is key for preventing a meltdown. And I always have squeezy organic fruit snacks, a coloring book and crayons on hand at all times to divert any boredom or hunger (her sanity = my sanity!)."
"It’s hard to keep all her stuff organized, so I just recently got rid of all her old clothes and shoes that don’t fit anymore. For me, staying organized and having a routine for the family helps."
“This cool French brand, Mitik, makes these pre-cut and folded cardboard dinosaurs—you’re supposed to paint them but we haven’t gotten that far yet.”
"Creating balance is an ongoing goal—I really try to take advantage of ‘me’ time, and set realistic daily goals for work, family, and friends. An amazing husband and nanny are also key.”
Tamar Mogendorff handmade birdcage mobile in Chiara's bathroom
Crewcuts: "Girls and boys clothes—we do both!"
Kid by 3.1 Phillip Lim: "The most amazing leather motorcycle jackets and knits"
COS Kids
Siaomimi Minnetonka bootsWall hanging from Taro Gomi activity book
"She doesn’t pick out her own clothes yet—she hasn’t really wanted to.
Pink is one of her favorite colors, but not in a princessy way."
Tomas Maier bracelets
Héctor Serrano Monster Hands tattoo, purchased at general home store in East Hampton
"I didn’t find out the sex while I was pregnant—I was convinced I was having a boy. Throughout the whole pregnancy everyone kept telling me that I was definitely having a boy because of the way I was carrying.
When she came out and the doctor said, 'It's a girl', my response was, 'No it’s not, check again.'"
On Ramya: Tao by Comme des Garçons dress
"Since I thought I was having a boy, I only had a short list of girl’s names picked out. My husband and I spent a few weeks in Italy before I couldn’t travel anymore and I bought a book of baby names. I just fell in love with the name Chiara. This framed picture was done by our friend Shashi Anand as a gift for Chiara's 1st birthday."
"I’m so happy that I had a girl. Before I had her, I was trying to imagine my husband with a daughter. She's definitely daddy's little girl—the whole father daughter relationship is so sweet."
"Juicing fresh veggies every day (or super green powder if I have no time to juice) keeps my skin clear and sanity in check. And Nars concealer!"
Anokhi Indian block print quilts
Roberta Freymann quilts
"Her bedspread [shown here] is from India. These quilts last forever—the more you wash them, the softer they get."
Doll from the now-closed Tribeca store, Zaba
She has a Band-Aid obsession. A few Christmases ago, she was wearing them all up and down her arms. It was actually quite beautiful and graphic—we called it her Band-Aid jewelry. She didn’t want them to come off, we’d have to replace them when they came off. It was like her armor."
Some of Chiara's favorite books:
Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
Lotta by Astrid Lingren: "Of Pippi Longstocking fame"
This is Rome/Paris/New York/Hong Kong: "Great pictures and city stories which help Chiara learn about new places"
Giraffe bookends from Barneys New York
"This is her summer wardrobe. I keep things out here, but end up bringing her favorite pieces back and forth. Most of her clothing comes from J.Crew."
"My style has evolved over the years, but not really because of her. You shouldn’t have to compromise. The only major change is that I’m not wearing heels as much since I’m always running around with her."
"I try really hard not to let any of it pass me by. I don't want to take even a moment for granted."
"A few of the things that keep me sane are massages as often as I can get them at Silk Day Spa in the city and Naturopathica out East (both are really good about booking in last minute), facials with Tom and mani/pedis with Erica at The Face Place, Dr. Ash's vitamin regime, and my husband."
"We cut her hair for the first time in April—we just gave her a little trim."
Kumon Workbooks: "We love all of the cutting, pasting, and coloring ones"
Taro Gomi activity books: "He's an amazing children's book illustrator"
Miller Goodman wooden blocks: "They're so visual and graphic--adults love to play with them as much as kids!"
"I feel so proud when I see Chiara's sweetness and compassion towards the people in her life."
"She goes to school from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M, and then does activities in the afternoon. This is her little marigold plant from school."
"We really tried to integrate Chiara into the decor here—it’s her house, too."
"I don't want our home to be so sterile that she can’t touch anything. She’s actually quite good at putting things away and not making a mess."
Bean bag chair from Calypso in Sag Harbor (similar versions
here)
Madeline Weinrib rug
"She’s really into animals, tattoos, swimming, and goggles. She’s just discovered how to use goggles in the pool, and is taking swim lessons this summer."
"It's a total cliche, but nursing really helped me get back into shape after having her! Robert Greene of BodyFactory in LA put me on a program of supplements that also helped me bounce back."
"I’m such a worrywart, especially at the playground where you see these kids going crazy. But I don’t want to project that onto my kid."
Stella Cove swimsuit bought at 25 Park in Bridgehampton
"In the city we don’t cook very much—it’s much more of an ‘out here’ project because there’s so much space. We do a lot of grilling with local fruits and veggies we get from Pike’s Farm and we have an amazing seafood market nearby as well. Cooking comes naturally to my husband—his mom is a great chef so he grew up around that. I’m more about setting a beautiful table, and doing the dishes.”
"I try to enjoy every moment, even the zany and stressful ones."
"I'm amazed at how many laughs I can have in one day with this tiny little person!"
Ramya's Tandoori chicken recipe given to her by her mom
