It’s rare to hear from parents in the fashion industry about how they manage it all—especially fathers. For Father’s Day, we asked a few designer dads to share their approach to parenting and the biggest lessons they’ve learned from their kids. Happy Father’s Day!
### Jonathan Simkhai, Simkhai
Jonathan Simkhai and TJ Allers with their children, River and Eliot.
Did you always know you wanted to have children?
Yes, absolutely—but growing up, it didn’t feel like an option. There was no representation of queer families or queer happiness. The narrative around being gay was so harsh and confusing when I was younger that fatherhood seemed impossible. In my early 20s, as society became more accepting, I realized starting a family could actually happen.
How do you balance parenting with work?
It’s not easy, and I’m not sure I’ve mastered balance. You just take it day by day, show up, and give them as much love as you can.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
A friend told me right before the babies were born: “Everything is going to be different now.” I think about that every single day because it’s true—nothing is the same.
What’s the most important thing you want to teach your children?
To be kind and grateful, and to remember that many people struggle every day. I hope they always give what they can, whenever they can.
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### Joseph Altuzarra, Altuzarra
Joseph Altuzarra with his daughters, Charlotte (2) and Emma (4).
Did you always know you wanted to have children?
Yes, I always knew I wanted to be a dad and have a family.
How do you balance parenting with work?
It’s tricky, and I struggle daily. I feel guilty when I’m at work and not with my kids—and when I’m with them, I worry I’m not working enough. Setting boundaries, managing expectations, and being kinder to myself helps me stay present with them.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
Patience. I thought I was a calm person, but kids test your limits. Taking a deep breath and staying patient works in parenting—and at the office, too.
What’s the most important thing you want to teach your children?
Kindness and empathy. To me, nothing is more valuable.
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### Peter Dundas, Dundas
Peter Dundas with his partner Evangelo and their children, Eleni (2) and Alexios (3). “They’re nine months apart—an Irish friend calls them ‘Irish twins.’”
Did you always know you wanted to have children?
I always felt I could have a family, whether with a wife or husband, but for years, my work was my child. After shows, people would ask my favorite look, and I’d say, “How do you pick your favorite child?”—which I obviously can’t say anymore. Meeting Evangelo changed everything.Here’s the rewritten text in fluent, natural English while preserving the original meaning:
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Did you always know you wanted to have children?
No, I didn’t. But coming from a big Greek family, it was very important to my husband, and I was at a point in my life where I felt ready to be a parent—as ready as anyone can be.
How do you balance parenting with your job?
It’s not always easy. I wake up much earlier now, that’s for sure. Luckily, EV and I work together on many projects, so we can share responsibilities. But sometimes you have to make tough choices about priorities, which are always shifting.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a parent?
Parenthood gives you a deeper understanding of your own parents—why they reacted to you in ways that might not have made sense at the time. I was raised by a single dad, so being a parent has taught me a lot about him and our relationship. It also makes you rethink, consciously and subconsciously, the kind of person you want to be—because that’s who your kids will see.
What’s the number one thing you hope to teach your children?
It’s hard to pick just one, but maybe kindness? Though I wouldn’t mind if they also had great style. Passion and purpose are also so important, especially now.
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Wes Gordon, Carolina Herrera
Wes Gordon with Henry, 3, and Georgia, 16 months.
Did you always want children?
I never pictured myself as a parent, but now I can’t imagine life without my kids. My husband, Paul, was the one who dreamed of having a family, and I’m so grateful to him for that. They’re the center of my world.
How do you balance work and parenting?
It’s tough but doable. I love my job and my family. Mornings and evenings (wake-up and bedtime) are sacred—I won’t schedule anything after 7:30 p.m. Whenever I can, I’m with the kids.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
Every cliché about parenting is true. Kids are the best. Life is better with them. They bring more joy than you ever imagined and make your heart grow in ways you didn’t think possible.
What’s the number one thing you hope to teach them?
Kindness.
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Humberto Leon, Designer & Restaurateur
Humberto Leon with his mother, Wendy, and daughters Emi and Mazzy.
Did you always want children?
Always! At one point, I even thought I wanted six kids, like The Brady Bunch.
How do you balance work and parenting?
I always keep the kids in mind—they’re my top priority.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
Listening is everything.
What’s the number one thing you hope to teach them?
To do what brings them joy, to always think about helping others, and to love their family. Love should be Mazzy and Emi’s guiding light.
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Stuart Vevers, Coach
Stuart Vevers with his 3-year-old twins, River and Vivienne.
Did you always want children?
Growing up, I never thought it was an option for me, so I stopped thinking about it. But soon after meeting my husband, he told me that if I didn’t want marriage and kids, it would be a dealbreaker. That woke me up to what I think I’d always wanted. I’ll always be grateful for that.
How do you balance work and parenting?
Like most parents, it’s a challenge. It’s made me focus on what’s most important in my work—what I love and feel passionate about—which has helped me creatively. But mostly, it means a lot more planning ahead.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
(Note: The original text cuts off here, so I’ve left this question unanswered.)
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The rewritten version keeps the original meaning while making the language more natural and conversational. Let me know if you’d like any further refinements!Here’s a more natural version of your text:
What have you learned from being a parent so far?
Parenting has helped me grow and learn—especially about patience and empathy. Seeing the world through their eyes as they experience new things has changed my perspective.
What’s the most important thing you want to teach your children?
Love.
(Kept the meaning intact while making it flow more naturally.)