Séraphine, a brand of maternity wear worn by Pippa Middleton, Jessica Alba, and Christina Aguilera, amongst other high-profile mums, is now in India, with their first store in Delhi. Cécile Reinaud, who started the brand 17 years ago— the first store was opened at Notting Hill, London — says it was a time when the UK was surprisingly behind America in the particular category of womenswear. “Perhaps the fashion industry did not recognise that being pregnant is an important part of life,” she says, adding that as more women went out to work, clothing during pregnancy became that much more important. Here, she tells us what’s in it for the to-be mother.
What to expect
The idea is to merge style with adaptability, looking at a two-year period, from pregnancy to feeding. “Whether you want leather pants or a ball gown, we have it all,” says Reinaud, in Delhi for the opening. All the styles adapt to changing bodies – some dresses have elastic at the back or by way of a side panel, while many are made with a knot at the thinnest part of the body, just above the belly. The jeans come with an expandable belly band, to accommodate a growing stomach, and the leggings made of bamboo, also with a panel, are popular. There’s swimwear, nursing bras, and breast-feeding covers as well. The jeans and dresses are popular worldwide (they have 10 dedicated stores, sell out of several multi-brand outlets, and also retail online at www.seraphine.com). At present, the summer line is on display, including the dress the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate, wore at Prince George’s first appearance.
What’s in store
Already a part of the international range, and coming soon to India, is a line of slip-on shoes developed with an orthopaedist. They have an insole with enhanced cushioning at certain points, and a slight heel for added support to swelling feet. Also coming in is what’s called the Skin to Skin, a top which encourages kangaroo care. So the baby is literally on the mother’s skin, with a top wrapped around the two of them. For winter, there’ll be baby-wearing coats and jackets that go over walking harnesses.
At second floor, Select Citywalk; ₹2,500 upward
