Barbara Potts, the Copenhagen-based cofounder of Saks Potts, shares all that has and hasn't changed for her since becoming a mother: from her creative process to her personal style
Barbara Potts, the cofounder of the label Saks Potts, gave birth this past September to her cherubic daughter, Uma Eloise. Even before her pregnancy, Potts has always had darling style: feminine, practical, and always with a hint of sauciness. That hasn’t changed. “I dress exactly as I used to,” says Potts. Even throughout her pregnancy, Potts didn’t go the typical maternity route and instead embraced nouveau pregnancy style à la Rihanna, baring her belly in low-slung pants and tiny T-shirts. Though her go-to piece was always her trusty Saks Potts button-up, the “William” shirt, which balances out her sweet aesthetic. As for her daughter? Potts dresses Uma in her own childhood clothes—a true vintage feat!
“In London with my boyfriend Rasmus and friend Eloise. Uma Eloise is named after her. I am wearing the Saks Potts ‘William’ shirt and Birkin pants.”. Photo: Courtesy of Barbara Potts
Like for many women, Potts unearthed previously unknown inner strengths during her pregnancy. After learning that her daughter was colic, for instance, she learned to accept help. “Our daughter had colic during the first months and it was so hard to realize that I couldn’t handle everything on my own,” she says. “It was difficult but very important.” Ultimately, motherhood has helped Potts learn how to manage her time. “I am now way more efficient. I do not have the same time as I used to and I am much more needed at home than beforehand.,” she says. “I keep getting better at separating work from life but it is a process.”
Here, read more about what Potts has learned since becoming a mom.
“Everyday walk with Uma Eloise in Copenhagen. I am wearing my favorite Saks Potts ‘Kate’ dress and white Havaianas sandals.”. Photo: Courtesy of Barbara Potts
Vogue: How did you see yourself as a woman before, and how do you see yourself now?
Barbara Potts: It has been difficult to change from being this independent woman—making my own life, my own career, and my own money—to this new life where I suddenly needed both care, attention, and help from people around me.
Today, I feel very empowered—I gave birth to this amazing child. What can ever beat that? I am forever grateful. My daughter is my shining light. Uma means “light” and Eloise means “warrior.” Not only the perfect mix but also an accurate description of her. Love is great. And now, greater than ever.
“I am wearing my Saks Potts ‘Josephine’ dress. My favorite everyday dress.” . Photo: Courtesy of Barbara Potts
How has motherhood changed how you think about your personal style?
This particular subject has not changed—not at all. Daytime is for practical layering and everything comfortably oversized. At night, I dress up to go out. I love a sexy dress and getting my hair and makeup done. I still love impractical footwear like high heels and pointy toes. But I always bring flats in my bag and a warm jacket. That’s who I am. Plus, this is Denmark; never trust the weather.
“Saks Potts ‘Henriette’ dress.” . Photo: Courtesy of Barbara Potts
Has having a child contributed to or influenced your creativity, and/or your method of working?
As for creativity, I see the world with different eyes now. I always have her in the back of my head and having her has made me even more creative. As for my method of working, I am now way more efficient. I do not have the same time as I used to and I am much more needed at home than beforehand. I keep getting better at separating work from life but it is a process.
Photo: Courtesy of Barbara Potts
Has your mom taught you any lessons about being a mom?
My mom was with us during the first months of being a new family and she helped us with everything: diaper changes, planning, stroller walks–you name it. She cared (and cares) for all of us.
She has taught me that family means putting everything aside. To always be there. To help, support, and love—endlessly. I will never forget the nightly strolls my parents took. Every (!) night at 10 they would walk our baby around town in the stroller to comfort her. When having a baby with colic, you have this constant feeling of stress and restlessness. We were given a nightly break from the crying. They walked, walked, and walked, relentlessly through snow, sleet, rain, and storms. Prizeworthy, I tell you.
Uma Eloise wearing vintage Dior. Photo: Courtesy of Barbara Potts
How does your child dress? How do you shop for them?
She is dressed a lot like me, actually. Cool pants and cute girly tops or cute dresses with cool shoes. Always balanced. Almost all of her clothing is from when I was a baby. My mom kept everything. We lived in Paris from when I was born till I was six and she bought me this amazing Jacadi, Bonpoint, and Baby Dior wardrobe, which is now Uma’s. Perfectly kept and all timeless items. If I need something new for her I usually shop online.
“Full Saks Potts look." . Photo: Courtesy of Barbara Potts
Do you have a life-saving mom tool?
I have a couple. The Saks Potts “William Shirt” made both my pregnancy, my breastfeeding, and my stroller walks feel comfortable, practical, and chic. I wore it every day and still do. It gets more and more beautiful with use.
We also have this weekly cooking day where we prep the food for our daughter a week ahead. That makes it easier for us to always be on time with healthy, nurturing, varied, tasteful food. Saves us both a lot of effort and stress.
“Super pregnant at the SP office wearing the Saks Potta ‘Amalie’ coat.”. Photo: Courtesy of Barbara Potts
What are some pieces that you’ve let go of since becoming a mom?
It’s kind of the other way around. I never used a bra beforehand but with breastfeeding, that seems to have changed.
“Hermès bag, Hunza swimsuit, Earnest Hemingway book, Saks Potts ‘William’ pink striped shirt, Saks Potts snake brooch belt.” . Photo: Courtesy of Barbara Potts
What are you wearing these days?
Summer is finally here in Copenhagen. I am always running around town with our baby and to meetings so for me, practical cool is the way of dressing. My typical outfit is these large nylon pants with a sheer, polka-dotted Saks Potts dress over. I will just wear a bikini top and a pair of Havaianas to complete the practical look.
“The first time we went out from the hospital after Uma Eloise's birth…Uma Eloise is for sure the best thing that ever happened to me <3.”. Photo: Courtesy of Barbara Potts
Originally published on Vogue.